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Community Clubs to 'Band Together' for Road Safety Round

Victoria’s football and netball communities will rally behind road safety this week, donning blue armbands to honour people killed on Victorian roads and show a commitment to reducing road trauma.

The fourth annual TAC & AFL Victoria Road Safety Round will run statewide July 21 -23, seeing thousands of people from country and suburban football and netball leagues ‘Band Together’, wearing blue armbands to honour all lives impacted by road trauma and to promote road safety.

Players, coaches, volunteers and supporters from more than 1000 AFL Victoria-affiliated clubs will wear the bespoke armband, which features a QR code linking people to an online hub of stories from people impacted by road trauma.

This year, 165 people have been tragically killed on Victorian roads – a 28% increase on the 129 lives lost at this time in 2022.

Road deaths in regional areas are a continued concern, with 94 fatalities this year compared to 73 at the same time in 2022. The number of people aged 21-to-39 who have died on the roads has risen by more than 20.

The TAC and AFL Victoria’s Road Safety Round provides the perfect platform to speak directly to the thousands of Victorians travelling hundreds of kilometres on the state’s roads for games and training every year.

Road Safety Round is just one aspect of the TAC’s long-standing partnership with AFL Victoria, with the TAC Club Rewards Program offering clubs up to $10,000 for their efforts in promoting safe driving behaviours throughout the season.

More information:

Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne:

“Any life lost on Victorian roads is one too many. The impact of these tragedies on local communities across our state is devastating.”

“Road Safety Round is an opportunity for clubs to honour those impacted by road trauma and have important conversations with their members about the role they play in keeping our roads safe.”

Quote attributable to Transport Accident Commission CEO Tracey Slatter:

"Victorian football and netball clubs are often at the centre of their communities and we are proud of the way Road Safety Round is embraced by the clubs, and how it empowers players and members to have life-saving road safety conversations with their peers.”

Quote attributable to Head of AFL Victoria, Ben Kavenagh:

"Road safety is so important and relevant to every Victorian and with community football players, coaches, volunteers, and supporters spending considerable time driving – Road Safety Round presents the ideal platform to convey a powerful message.”

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AFL Barwon Community Awards Return for 2023

AFL Barwon is excited to announce the return of the AFL Barwon Community Awards for the 2023 season.

The Community Awards was established in 2019 to celebrate the excellent achievements of coaches, umpires and volunteers for the year.

The event has incorporated the historic AFL Barwon Coaches Awards with the additions of Community Netball Coaching, Club Administrator Awards, and both Football and Netball umpiring awards.

To nominate a Club Administrator, Football or Netball Coach, Personality of the Year or Club Trainer, simply go to the following link and answer the questions associated with the specific award.

https://forms.gle/9fdqp2H4b5SxZoyg8

Nominations can be made by any member of the community and is open to all AFL Barwon Affiliated Clubs and Leagues (GFNL, BFNL, CDFNL, GDFNL, Female Football, Junior Football & Netball, and All Abilities FNL).

Shortlisted nominees will be notified in the first week of September with the event to take place on Friday October 6th.   

Further event information and ticketing arranging will be released in the coming months.

Any further questions please contact AFL Barwon Commercial Partnerships and Communications Manager, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Dow Bellarine Football Netball League Finals Series Venues Announced

AFL Barwon is excited to announce that Newcomb and Portarlington will be the two venues hosting the Dow Bellarine Football Netball League Finals Series in 2023.

All clubs were given the opportunity to submit applications to host finals earlier this year, with the AFL Barwon Commission deciding that after successful 2022 events at both venues, it would replicate the schedule for the 2023 Dow BFNL Finals Series.

The schedule sees Weeks 1 and 2 of the Finals being played at Portarlington Recreation Reserve with the Preliminary Finals and Grand Finals being held at Grinter Reserve.

AFL Barwon Region General Manager, Edward Wilson believed last year’s finals had laid the platform for 2023 to be a huge success. Stating that “We’re fortunate to continue our partnership with both Portarlington FNC & Newcomb FNC in hosting the final four weekends of the 2023 DOW Bellarine FNL season," Wilson believes that both clubs "showcased excellence in hosting the 2022 Finals and are deserving hosts, to build on last year’s success, with community engagement above expectation”.

Newcomb Football Netball Club President, Matt Farrow was proud that their club was given the chance to host again after last year’s successful event. Farrow explained that the club is "extremely proud to host the final two weeks of the Bellarine FNL Finals Series once again. We have worked hard as a club to create a facility that has the ability and capacity to host such events. All we now hope for is great weather to build on what we will be successful finals series for the competing clubs.”

Portarlington Football Netball Club President Steve Cogger expressed his excitement for his club to get another chance to showcase their facilities by saying that it "represents another opportunity for Portarlington FNC, and its community to promote itself in the arena of regional sport. Our town is growing and with that comes the responsibility of local sporting clubs to provide facilities, equipment, coaching and mentoring to an inclusive community." Cogger also emphasised that Portarlington FNC’s "investment in their club will be on display to demonstrate that we are a club worthwhile of any person seeking to be a part of a club that will celebrate 150 years of age in 2024”.

 

The full schedule for the Dow Bellarine Football Netball League Finals Series is as follows:

 

Week 1 – Portarlington Recreation Reserve

Saturday, August 19

Qualifying Finals

Sunday, August 20

Elimination Finals

 

Week 2 – Portarlington Recreation Reserve

Saturday, August 26

Second Semi Finals

Sunday, August 27

First Semi Finals

 

Week 3 - Grinter Reserve

Saturday, September 2

Preliminary Finals

 

Week 4 - Grinter Reserve

Saturday, September 9

Grand Finals

BFL, BFNL

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Hocking signs on for 3 more seasons

Leopold Football Netball Club have confirmed today that current Senior Coach, Garry Hocking has signed a 3-year contract extension.

After leading Leopold to a Grand Final appearance in 2022, the club currently sit 5th on the Blood Toyota Geelong FNL Senior ladder.

The club released the following statement today outlining their delight in the news:

"Our very own Garry Hocking has signed a contract extension, confirming his role as the senior coach of Leopold Football Club until the end of the 2026 season!"

"Garry's commitment and dedication to the club have been unwavering since he took on the role at the start of the 2022 season. We have witnessed incredible growth and progress in our club, both on and off the field. Garry has played a pivotal role in fostering a culture of camaraderie, sportsmanship, and excellence. His passion for the game is contagious, and his ability to inspire and develop our players has been fantastic."

"This contract extension not only ensures stability and continuity for our club but also sends a powerful message to our current playing group, club members, and supporters that we are committed to building a strong and successful future together."

"Please join us in congratulating Garry on his contract extension and wishing him all the best in leading our football section to greater heights."

*Image Geelong Advertiser

GFL, Leopold

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