Please click the media release below from AFL Barwon regarding North Shore Netball in 2022

Reporting to the Region General Manager this role has three key focus areas:

1. To oversee the conduct of all football and netball competitions in the AFL Barwon region
2. To oversee the Operational staff of football, netball and umpiring at AFL Barwon
3. To oversee the management of the Community Club Sustainability Program for football and netball in the AFL Barwon region.

Please see full PD below and please submit applications to Bruce Harwood – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

AFL Barwon today renewed its commitment to the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation’s Love the Game program, which aims to disrupt the normalisation of sports betting in our community.

AFL Barwon has been a Love the Game partner since (2016), which means saying no to sports betting sponsorships and raising awareness about the risks associated with gambling, especially among young people, who are exposed to gambling ads at saturation levels.

AFL Barwon have over 18,000 registered football and netball players, with 70% of those players being under the age of 18

‘We play AFL for the joy it brings us. At AFL Barwon we build friendships and nurture personal growth, leadership skills and other positive attributes. AFL Barwon respects that gambling is a legal form of entertainment but it is not one we believe should be encouraged or promoted” said Bruce Harwood, (AFL Barwon, Region Manager).

‘The Love the Game program supports us by providing information about how gambling works and the potential for negative consequences. It also helps our young players to develop their critical thinking skills before they are legally allowed to place a bet, so they understand the risks.

‘By doing our bit, we help young people in our community understand that sports and betting do not have to go together.’

Foundation CEO Shane Lucas said that the Love the Game program united sporting clubs at all levels, with 600+ partners signed up across numerous codes throughout the state.

‘Our research shows that young men aged 18–24 make up one-third of sports bettors in Victoria, and participation in young women is rising,’ he said.

‘AFL Barwon play an important role in showing young people that they don’t have to place a bet to have skin in the game or to make it more enjoyable.

‘Sport is about loving the game, not the odds.’

Anyone negatively affected by their own or someone else’s gambling can access confidential free advice, support and referral 24/7 on 1800 858 858.

AFL Barwon has recently received the resignation notice of long-term Commissioner Richard Underwood. Richard has been an AFL Barwon Commissioner for over 10 years serving the maximum three terms under AFL Victoria’s constitution.
On presenting his resignation Richard stated “I am proud of the achievements that I have been involved in over the journey, both individually but more importantly with the co-operation of our commissioners and our wonderful AFL Barwon staff. We are indeed very fortunate to have such a strong and stable organisation looking after football and netball in the area ably lead by the commission.
I would like to thank all the clubs that have always made me welcome and their willingness to be open about there concerns and directions and a willingness to accept our All-Abilities umpires team at junior games.” AFL Barwon Commission Chair Craig Keating was also very proud of Richard’s contribution and long commitment to the organisation. Craig stated “Richard has been a committed Commissioner for his full three terms, with his passion for the local community always at the forefront. His work behind the scenes and with all the AFL Barwon clubs has been hugely appreciated.”
AFL Barwon Regional Manager Bruce Harwood also stated “Richard has been a long-time supporter of local community sport, particularly with his beloved Portarlington Football & Netball Club. And he extended this commitment to being a long-term AFL Barwon Commissioner taking on a number of
important roles. Richard was always available to help with all aspects of the operations of AFL Barwon and we sincerely thank him for his substantial contribution.”