AFL Barwon has confirmed changes to the structure of the Kardinia Park All-Abilities Football Netball League competitions for the 2026 season, introducing two distinct football divisions designed to better support participation, safety, and long-term growth.

From 2026, the All-Abilities football competition will be separated into:

• A Contact Division, which will maintain the dynamic, competitive nature and rules of the current competition, and
• A Non-Contact Division, designed to support non-tackle participants and provide an accessible entry point for players seeking a modified football experience.

The introduction of a non-contact division reflects AFL Barwon’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and participation, ensuring players of all abilities can engage in the game in an environment that best suits their needs.

The clubs participating in the All-Abilities Football Netball League will remain the same as in 2025 across both competitions, with one adjustment. Following a collaborative agreement between the two clubs, Newtown & Chilwell will fill the non-competitive position previously held by Bell Park in the non-contact football competition. This agreement supports continuity within the league while allowing both clubs to align their participation with their respective objectives.

AFL Barwon will continue to administer both competitions, working closely with clubs, participants, and stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition into the new structure. 

These changes form part of AFL Barwon’s commitment to developing a long-term growth strategy for the Kardinia Park All-Abilities Football Netball League, focused on creating clear and inclusive participation pathways, supporting sustainable club involvement, and identifying strategic growth opportunities across the region.

Further information regarding competition governance and fixturing will be shared with clubs and the broader community ahead of the 2026 season. 

AFL Barwon is excited to launch Court Clash 26 supported by The Athlete's Foot — the ultimate tune-up event to kick-start your 2026 netball season in style! 

Set at Kardinia Park, this high-energy, tournament-style day is designed for A and B grade squads, delivering quality match play, strong competition, and a genuine finals-like feel before the season begins.

The event is open to clubs from across the entire Barwon Region, providing match ups of non-traditional opponents.

Court Clash 26 details are as follows:

Sunday 22 March 2026
Kardinia Park Netball Courts

Teams will compete in pool matches, playing a minimum of three games (subject to final team numbers) followed by finals to award the winners - raising the intensity and excitement as the day unfolds. 

This format provides the perfect opportunity to:

• Fine-tune combinations and rotations
• Build match fitness and on-court cohesion
• Test structures in a competitive, finals-style environment
• Enjoy a fun, well-organised pre-season event

 Entry Fee: $150 +GST per team (to cover umpire costs) 

And the ultimate prize awaits…
The tournament champions will take home a complimentary pair of The Athlete's Foot shoes of their choice for every participating player — a massive reward to kick off the season. 

Don’t miss your spot!

AFL Barwon are pleased to invite (Foundation - Level 1 coaches) to the AFL Victoria Elevate Coaching Practices Program (formerly the Level 2 Coaching Course), designed to support coaches at youth level and above wanting to further develop their coaching capability and deepen their understanding of modern coaching methods.

The program will be held at:

AFL Barwon Headquarters
204 Roslyn Road, Highton, Geelong.
Sunday 8 February 2026
9:30am – 4:00pm

This workshop will provide practical learning opportunities, modern coaching methodology, and development aligned to the evolving needs of community football. Whether you’re continuing your coaching journey or stepping into a new age group or role, this is a valuable professional development opportunity.

To enrol in this wonderful free coach development opportunity please click this LINK noting that only those who are registered coaches in 2025 or 2026 are able to login and enrol to this elevate coaching course.

Please refer any queries to:

Tim Secombe This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove have confirmed hosting arrangements for two key matches for the upcoming season, with venue changes required due to upcoming infrastructure works.

Barwon Heads will host the Round 11 match on Saturday, 13 June at Howard Harmer Oval, providing the club with the opportunity to play at home before major redevelopment works commence.

Ocean Grove will then host the Round 20 match on Saturday, 22 August at Shell Road Recreation Reserve.

Barwon Heads Football Netball Club’s facilities are scheduled to undergo significant reconstruction from mid-June 2026. As a result, the club will not have access to its rooms from that point onward, creating logistical challenges in hosting home games for the remainder of the season.

The adjusted venue arrangements ensure continuity of the competition while allowing essential facility upgrades to progress. 

The updated version of the 2026 Dow Bellarine Football Netball League Fixture can be found here.