AFL Barwon has celebrated and recognised the Football and Netball leaders for the 2024 season at tonight’s Community Awards event held at the Geelong Library & Heritage Centre.

The Community Awards are a true celebration of coaches, administrators, umpires, trainers and club volunteers who are the lifeblood of local sporting clubs throughout the region.

The nominations for all awards categories were exceptional, with all shortlisted nominees and award winners providing a great reflection of the strength and high-quality people that are within our community.

A very special congratulations to Ian McTaggart who was recognised for his dedication to community sport in the Barwon region. Ian’s unparalleled service led to him being honoured with naming of the AFL Barwon Club of The Year award.

The acknowledgement of local netball coaching pioneer Joy Grubb was a highlight of tonight’s event with the Senior Netball Coach of the Year named in her honour. Joy’s dedication and commitment to netball inspired generations over her decades-long career.

We would like to congratulate the winners of this year’s AFL Barwon Community Awards.

Ian McTaggart Club of the Year

St Joseph's

Mental Health & Wellbeing Club of the Year

Ocean Grove

Social Media & Communications Club of the Year

Queenscliff

Leisure Networks Inclusive Club of the Year

Geelong West Giants

John Edsall Award (Outstanding Service to Administration)

Angie Spinks (Barwon Heads)

Leon Schram Football Administrator of the Year

Andrew Hill (East Geelong)

Junior Netball Administrator of the Year

Stephanie Miles & Kirsten Clarke (South Barwon)

Senior Football Administrator of the Year

Michael O'Leary (East Geelong)

Senior Netball Administrator of the Year

Maddie Okely (Barwon Heads)

Personality of the Year

Lana Anderson (St Albans)

Peter Burke Award (Senior Football Coach of the Year)

Andy Walsgott & Brent Vermeulen (Belmont Lions)

Joy Grubb Award (Senior Netball Coach of the Year)

Lisa Robinson (Newcomb)

Rookie Me Female Football Coach of the Year

Taylah Hassett & Paul Price (Grovedale)

Rookie Me Youth Football Coach of the Year

Sean Lever (Geelong West Giants)

Youth Netball Coach of the Year

Lani Puttyfoot (Drysdale)

Inclusive Coach of the Year

Luke Marruso (Geelong West Giants)

Junior Netball Coach of the Year

Carly Hedlam (Queenscliff)

Junior Football Coach of the Year

Brent Taylor (Drysdale)

Auskick Coach of the Year

Fiona Neumann (Grovedale)

Net Set Go Coach of the Year

Edwina Lidgerwood (Birregurra)

Corio Bay Health Group Trainer of the Year

Cam Ward (Queenscliff)

Football Umpire of the Year 

Bailey Wilson

Football Best First Year Umpire

Nate Patrick

Football Rising Star Umpire

Shay Huby

Netball Umpire of the Year 

Woody Tangoora

Netball Best First Year Umpire

Leni Hassett

Netball Rising Star Umpire

Sharni Van Doren

Hamlan Hanger of the Year   

Jye Bartley (Barwon Heads)

Geelong Homes Goal of the Year

Riley Moore (Geelong West Giants)

The AFL Barwon Commission is proud to announce the that the prestigious AFL Barwon Club of the Year award has been named in honour of Ian McTaggart, in recognition of his unparalleled service to the football and netball community. McTaggart, who resigned from the AFL Barwon Commission in 2022, was a founding member of the Commission when it was formed in 2012, capping off more than two decades of dedicated leadership within the region.

Ian McTaggart's service dates back to the Football Geelong Commission in 2000, and he continued his work through the formation of the Football and Netball Geelong Commission, eventually transitioning into AFL Barwon. During his 21 years in these roles, McTaggart played a pivotal part in key projects including strategic planning, policy development, financial benchmarking for clubs, and the development and management of football and netball databases. His contributions extended to AFL Victoria and VCFL reference groups, solidifying his influence at both regional and state levels.

A life member of the Ocean Grove Football & Netball Club and the Bellarine Football and Netball League, McTaggart served his club for over 25 years before shifting focus to regional administration. His dedication to preserving the history of local football and netball is another lasting legacy. He spent years compiling historical records of premiers, goal kickers, and award recipients, ensuring that the region’s rich sporting heritage would be preserved for future generations.

In addition to his extensive list of achievements, Ian’s mentorship of current and past AFL Barwon staff has been invaluable. His perfectionism and unwavering commitment to integrity have earned him the respect of his peers and the community alike.

AFL Barwon Chair, Michelle Gerdtz, said "Ian has demonstrated a lifetime of unwavering commitment to football and netball in our region. His passion and dedication have shaped the community in countless ways, making it hard to imagine a more deserving individual to have this prestigious award named in his honour. Ian has been a tremendous colleague, mentor, and friend to so many, myself included. His influence has reached far beyond the field and the court, leaving an invaluable mark on the lives of those who have had the privilege of working with him. We are truly fortunate to have benefited from Ian’s vision, leadership, and generosity of over the years."

With over 40 years of service to football and netball, McTaggart is held at the highest of respect within the community for his dedication and integrity. It is not only his official contributions but also the countless hours of unnoticed assistance and dedication that make him a fitting namesake for the AFL Barwon Club of the Year award.

AFL Barwon is proud to announce that the Senior Netball Coach of the Year award has been named in honour of Joy Grubb, a true icon of netball whose dedication and commitment to the game have inspired generations of participants. Grubb's remarkable career, spanning several decades, has left an indelible mark on the netball community through her leadership, mentorship, and exemplary sportsmanship.

Renowned for her professional approach, Joy's ability to communicate effectively with her players and continually enhance her own qualifications and experience was a testament to her passion for the game and her subsequent success. Her coaching philosophy placed enormous value on building strong relationships, not only with her players but also with their families, fostering a deep sense of community and support within her teams.

A key aspect of Grubb's coaching was her emphasis on considered evaluation, encouraging players to learn from their own performances and target specific areas for improvement. Her focus on discipline, courage, and sportsmanship was not only a hallmark of her own career but something she instilled in her players, whose on-court performances reflected these same values.

Joy's long list of accolades further highlights her impact on the sport. She was named BDNA Coach of the Century and earned the prestigious title of Netball Victoria Coach of the Year in 1994. In 1995, she received the Netball Victoria State Distinction Award, followed by the Australian Sports Medal and Netball Victoria Life Membership in 2000. Her leadership was further recognized with the Vic Sports Regional Award for Sports Leadership in 2004, culminating in her induction into the Netball Victoria Hall of Fame in 2007.

AFL Barwon Chair, Michelle Gerdtz, expressed, “Joy dedicated a significant part of her life to netball in our region, profoundly influencing and positively guiding countless players. Her long-standing commitment to coaching made this decision an easy and clear choice in naming the award in her honour.”

The naming of this award after Joy Grubb is a fitting tribute to her lifelong contributions to netball, ensuring her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of coaches and players.

AFL Barwon is very excited to announce that we have signed a 3-year partnership with Geelong’s newest leading CBD accommodation provider, The Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong.

The Official Hotel & Accommodation Partner of AFL Barwon, the Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong is located within walking distance of GMHBA Stadium Kardinia Park, and Geelong Arts Centre, it caters an as a perfect accommodation option for all guests.

The partnership will see The Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong hold the naming rights of the D Grade Netball Competitions across the Bellarine and Geelong Football Netball Leagues. The Holiday Inn logo will also be seen across all the Senior Male Football live streams where AFL Barwon have had more than 150,000 individual views over the previous two seasons.

Tegan Adamson, Marketing Manager of Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong, expressed her excitement about the new partnership, emphasizing the shared goal of strengthening community ties.

“We are really excited to be partnering with AFL Barwon, a collaboration that underscores our commitment to fostering community engagement. Together, we aim to support local initiatives and shine a light on the vibrant culture of Geelong and the greater Bellarine region. This partnership not only enhances our connection to the community but also empowers us to create lasting positive change”.

 AFL Barwon Region General Manager, Edward Wilson, reflected on the enthusiasm shown by Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong and the potential benefits of the partnership,

“AFL Barwon is humbled by the immense enthusiasm the Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong have exhibited in wanting to support our Football & Netball community across the region. We fundamentally believe in partnering with organisations that can deliver benefits to our community, and we’re excited by the potential this partnership has, to deliver value to all Clubs and community members” said AFL Barwon Region General Manager, Edward Wilson.

This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to supporting the Barwon community and creating a positive impact throughout the region. AFL Barwon and The Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong are dedicated to offering strong community ties and promoting local engagement, making this partnership an exciting step forward for the region.

To see full experiences and opportunities that the Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong offers customers, simply go to www.holidayinn.com/geelong