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First-time Mathieson and Woolley medallists crowned | 2026 Geelong FNL Awards

Football Wrap

Leopold’s Mitchell Burgess has topped off his first season as skipper with a maiden Don Mathieson Medal after polling 23 votes in the count.

Burgess’ win was even more impressive considering he missed three games throughout the season.

But in his 15 games he was named in the best for Leopold seven times.

A smooth mover, Burgess’ speed and kicking ability has made him one of the GFNL’s best players.

Burgess displayed his ability to find the ball as he averaged 28.2 disposals a game across the season.

For Burgess, his capacity to gain possession comes not just in the one position. His ability to play off both half-back and in the midfield has made Burgess a dual threat.

His defensive prowess was on show across the season as he averaged 7.9 intercept possessions.

A Warrnambool junior, Burgess has racked up 79 games for the Lions since first arriving in 2021.

The highlight of these 79 games has undoubtedly been the back-to-back premierships in 2023 and 2024.

Looking at this season, his best statistical performance came in round 2 against North Shore as Burgess racked up 40 disposals to lead the Lions to a strong win.

That was backed up the next round with 3 vote performance in Leopold’s thrilling 2-point Anzac round win against Colac as Burgess accumulated 28 disposals.

In a six-game stretch from rounds 12 to 17, Burgess was awarded 16 out of a possible 18 votes.

A maiden Mathieson Medal, two premierships and 79 games in the green and yellow have cemented his place among Leopold’s key figures, with the Lions captain now hoping to turn his individual success into team success in 2027.

Closely following Burgess was a tie between Ned Harris of Newtown & Chilwell and Doyle Madigan of South Barwon on 22 votes.

Harris was consistent across the year only dropping below 20 disposals once in the home and away season while being named in the best 14 times in his 17 games.

Madigan, the 2024 Mathieson Medallist continued to shine this season averaging 23.1 disposals a game.

In fourth place was South Barwon’s Todd White who finished the count on 14 votes.

Across the season White averaged 105.8 ranking points and 25.2 disposals a game.

In fifth position was St Albans’ Fletcher Keck and Bell Park’s Jack Sarcevic who both polled 13 votes.

Keck found the footy regularly across the season racking up 25 disposals or more in half of his games.

Sarcevic found the goals regularly this season with 40 goals in 13 games in the home and away season.  

In the Jim & Bill Allthorpe Medal for the Reserves Best and Fairest, ruck Alex Souflas of Newtown & Chilwell topped the count with 20 votes.

Souflas was named in the best 8 times across his 16 games this season.

Runner up to Souflas was Harry Cunningham of South Barwon with 16 votes.

In his 14 reserve games Cunningham kicked 29 goals to be a regular feature in the goal-scorers column.

There was a 3-way tie for third with Charlie Meadows of South Barwon, Damon Schroeder of Bell Park and Anthony Tanner of Leopold all finishing the count on 15 votes.

A full list of award winners and leaderboards can be found below.


Don Mathieson Medal Leaderboard:

Mitchell Burgess

Leopold

23

Ned Harris

Newtown & Chilwell

22

Doyle Madigan

South Barwon

22

Todd White

South Barwon

14

Fletcher Keck

St Albans

13

Jack Sarcevic

Bell Park

13

Jack Jovanovic

St Josephs

12

Tanner Lewis

Geelong West Giants

12

Jett Bermingham

Bell Park

11

James Hose

St Josephs

11

Hamish Lucas

Bell Park

11

Joe McCarthy

Grovedale

11

Kody Spokes

Colac

11

P&R Foods Rookie of the Year: Zach Stevens (South Barwon)

Coaches of the year: Luke Rayner/Ben Boseley (St Mary's)

P&R Foods Coaches player of the year: Tom Higgins (St Albans)

Leading Goalkicker: Tom Higgins (St Albans)

FULL CLUB BY CLUB VOTES

Jim & Bill Allthorpe Medal Leaderboard:

Alex Souflas

Newtown & Chilwell

20

Harry Cunningham

South Barwon

16

Charlie Meadows

South Barwon

15

Damon Schroeder

Bell Park

15

Anthony Tanner

Leopold

15

Eamon Hill

St Josephs

12

Lachlan Middleton

South Barwon

10

Thomas Moloney

Grovedale

10

Paddy Bourke

South Barwon

10

Sam Hosking

St Marys

9

Chris Hughes

South Barwon

9

FULL CLUB BY CLUB VOTES

Netball Wrap

The Julia Woolley Medal for the A Grade Best and Fairest saw a close finish at the top as Kiahna Fallon from St Joseph's took home the award after finishing 21 votes.

St Mary's Eliza Brown was not far behind, polling 20 votes on the night.

In third spot was Newtown's Julia Woolley herself polling 19 votes.

In the Geelong FNL B Grade Buckleys Cup, Eliza Hannagan of Newtown & Chilwell was awarded the Best and Fairest after polling 22 votes.

Runner up to her South Barwon’s Amali Hill who polled 18 votes.

Third spot in the count was a 5-way tie.

In the Geelong FNL C Grade Town and Country Pizza Cup, Jemma Kelly of St Mary's came away the Best and Fairest after polling 25 votes in the count.

Runners up to her was Kirsty Fagan of Leopold and Alyssa Dreaneen of Newtown & Chilwell who both polled 25 votes.

In the Geelong FNL D Grade Holiday Inn & Suites Cup, the Best and Fairest was awarded to back-to-back winner Sophie King with 25 votes from St Joseph's.

Runners up to King was Emily Keown of South Barwon and Sarah Campbell of Bell Park who both polled 22 votes.

In the Geelong FNL E Grade Epworth Cup, Bell Park’s Tess Hansford was awarded the Best and Fairest with 23 votes in the count.

There was a tie for runner-up with Esther Wharton of St Marys and Samantha Chapman of South Barwon both polling 21 votes.

The full list of award winners and leaderboards can be found below.

P&R Foods Coaches player of the year: Vanessa Augustini (Newtown & Chilwell)

P&R Foods Rookie of the year: Indi Madden (St Joseph's)

Coach of the Year: Kathryn Vickers (St Mary's)

A Grade hotshot: Holly Adams-Alcock

B Grade hotshot: Tyler Lewis

C Grade hotshot: Miranda Budde

D Grade hotshot: Cailtin Newcombe

E Grade hotshot: Jess Johns


Julia Woolley Medal Leaderboard:

Kiahna Fallon

St Josephs

21

Eliza Brown

St Marys

20

Julia Woolley

Newtown & Chilwell

19

Ella Closter

St Josephs

17

Elli Leydin

St Josephs

16

Ellen Doyle

South Barwon

15

Alahria Smith

Geelong West Giants

14

Charity Nasalio

Newtown & Chilwell

14

Renee Garing

St Marys

14

Bonnie Coburn

Grovedale

14

FULL CLUB BY CLUB VOTES

Geelong FNL B Grade Buckleys Cup Leaderboard:

Eliza Hannagan

Newtown & Chilwell

22

Amali Hill

South Barwon

18

Kealey Moore

Geelong West Giants

17

Arna Howard

St Josephs

17

Maya Dignan

Leopold

17

Georgie Cullen

Bell Park

17

Grace Boland

Geelong West Giants

17

Matilda Puckett

South Barwon

16

Caitlin Hoiles

South Barwon

16

Maddie Vines

South Barwon

15

Elizabeth Dowling

St Marys

15

FULL CLUB BY CLUB VOTES

Geelong FNL C Grade Town and Country Pizza Cup Leaderboard:

Jemma Kelly

St Marys

29

Kirsty Fagan

Leopold

25

Alyssa Dreaneen

Newtown & Chilwell

25

Abbey Chapman

Geelong West Giants

23

Olivia Richards

Bell Park

20

Maggie Hart

Colac

20

Ally Biggs

St Marys

20

Lyla Irvine

Grovedale

18

Emma O’Keefe

Bell Park

17

Amahni Harrison

Colac

16

Gemma Bird

Geelong West Giants

16

FULL CLUB BY CLUB VOTES

Geelong FNL D Grade Holiday Inn & Suites Cup Leaderboard:

Sophie King

St Josephs

25

Emily Keown

South Barwon

22

Sarah Campbell

Bell Park

22

Krystal Parker

St Marys

20

Jesse Morrissy

Newtown & Chilwell

20

Lulu Vidovic

Bell Park

18

Emily Pertzel

South Barwon

18

Bella Woods

Grovedale

16

Madison Old

Colac

15

Brittany Walmsley

North Shore

14

Nicole Walker

Leopold

14

Layla Boseley

Bell Park

14

FULL CLUB BY CLUB VOTES

Geelong FNL E Grade Epworth Cup Leaderboard:

Tess Hansford

Bell Park

23

Esther Wharton

St Marys

21

Samantha Chapman

South Barwon

21

Ava O’Connor

Geelong West Giants

18

Paris Knight

St Josephs

18

Morgan Perry

Newtown & Chilwell

15

Madison Maselli

St Albans

15

Regan Ahern

St Marys

15

Holly Sorensen

Lara

14

Jess Bennett

Leopold

14

FULL CLUB BY CLUB VOTES

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Local Footy Hub – Service Update

On Saturday, Local Footy Hub experienced a technical issue during a period of exceptionally high demand, which unfortunately restricted access for some viewers attempting to watch the AFL Barwon coverage.

While many viewers were able to watch the games without interruption, we sincerely apologise to those who were unable to access the coverage.

Our technical team responded immediately, however identifying and resolving the underlying database capacity issue took longer than anticipated.

We have since completed a full investigation, identified the cause and implemented additional measures to significantly increase capacity during periods of high viewer demand.

We understand how important Grand Final coverage is to supporters and apologise to those affected. Local Footy Hub is committed to providing a reliable service and we will continue working to ensure that we are fully prepared for major viewing events

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2026 Dow Bellarine Live Streamed Grand Final Matches

Can’t make it to Grinter Reserve for Dow Bellarine FNL Grand Final Day? You can still catch all the action live.

The Senior Football Grand Final and A Grade Netball Grand Final will be live streamed via the AFL Barwon website, giving supporters the opportunity to watch the premiership deciders wherever they are.

The live stream will capture all the action from the main games, with the Senior Football broadcast also featuring commentary from k rock on 95.5FM.

Live Streamed Matches

Dow Senior Football Grand Final
Watch the senior football premiership decider live via the AFL Barwon website.

Dow A Grade Netball Grand Final
The A Grade netball Grand Final will also be streamed live, bringing the action from the court to supporters at home.

Other Grand Final Matches

There will also be coverage of the other Grand Final matches throughout the day.

Whether you're at Grinter Reserve or watching from home, make sure you don't miss a moment of Bellarine FNL Grand Final Day.

Scroll below to access the live streams and follow all the Grand Final action.


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Everything You Need to Know: 2026 Dow Bellarine FNL Grand Final

The wait is almost over, with the 2026 Dow Bellarine Football Netball League Grand Finals set to take over Grinter Reserve this Saturday, September 19.

With premierships on the line across football and netball, supporters from across the Bellarine will make their way to Moolap for one of the biggest days on the BFNL calendar.

Whether you're heading along for the first netball game of the morning, the Senior Football Grand Final or everything in between, here's everything you need to know before you arrive.


Venue & Date

Grinter Reserve
141 Coppards Road, Moolap VIC 3224

Saturday, September 19, 2026

The Grand Final venue will host a full day of BFNL football and netball, with the first netball matches commencing from 8:00am.

Supporters are encouraged to arrive early, particularly if attending the morning netball matches or planning to stay for the Senior Football Grand Final.


Tickets

Beat the queues and save by purchasing your tickets online before arriving.

Early Bird Pricing

  • Adult: $15
  • Concession: $10
  • Junior: $5
  • Family: $40

Tickets can also be purchased at the gate, however online Early Bird tickets offer the best value.

At Gate Pricing

  • Adult: $18
  • Concession: $10
  • Junior: $5
  • Family: $45

Where to Buy

Purchase your Grand Final tickets online via the official AFL Barwon ticketing platform.

https://www.intix.com.au/org/afl-barwon

Everyone attending the venue must have a valid ticket or applicable admission pass.


Grand Final Schedule

There will be premierships decided across football and netball throughout the day.

BFNL Football

Under 18 – 9:15am
Leopold v Torquay

Reserves – 11:30am
Queenscliff v Modewarre

Seniors – 2:15pm
Torquay v Queenscliff

The Senior Football Grand Final will bring the day's football program to a close, with Torquay and Queenscliff meeting for the BFNL Senior premiership.

BFNL Netball

Netball Grand Finals will be played throughout the day across the two courts.

8:00am

  • 15&U Division 2 – Torquay v Surf Coast
  • 13&U Division 2 – Ocean Grove v Geelong Amateur

9:15am

  • 17&U Division 1 – Torquay v Portarlington
  • 13&U Division 1 – Ocean Grove v Drysdale

10:30am

  • D Grade – Torquay v Barwon Heads
  • 19&U – Drysdale v Portarlington

11:45am

  • C Grade – Ocean Grove v Portarlington
  • 15&U Division 1 – Torquay v Geelong Amateur

1:05pm

  • B Grade – Torquay v Queenscliff
  • 17&U Division 2 – Geelong Amateur v Drysdale

2:05pm

  • E Grade – Torquay v Geelong Amateur

3:15pm

  • A Grade – Geelong Amateur v Ocean Grove

With football and netball running throughout the day, supporters can enjoy a full day of BFNL Grand Final action from 8:00am through to the final siren.


Broadcast and Live Streaming

Can’t make it to Grinter Reserve? You can still follow the action from wherever you are.

The Dow Senior Football Grand Final and Dow A Grade Netball Grand Final will be live streamed via the AFL Barwon website, giving supporters the opportunity to watch the two senior premiership deciders live.

The Senior Football Grand Final will also be called live on K rock 95.5FM, with commentary throughout the match.

The remaining senior netball matches, along with the 19&Under Netball Grand Final, will be recorded and available to watch after the games.

The Reserves and Under 18 Football Grand Finals will also be recorded, allowing supporters to catch up on the action after the final siren.

Watch the live streams via the AFL Barwon website and tune in to k rock 95.5FM for the Senior Football broadcast.


Plan Ahead: It's Going to Be a Hot One

Saturday is expected to be a hot day, and with limited seating available around the football oval, supporters are encouraged to come prepared.

If you're planning to spend several hours at Grinter Reserve, consider bringing:

  • A chair or picnic rug for your comfort
  • A hat and appropriate sun protection
  • Plenty of water to stay hydrated
  • Sunscreen, with regular reapplication recommended

Look after yourself, your family and your mates throughout the day, particularly during the warmer parts of the afternoon.

ColMed First Aid will be available on site to provide support to attendees should they require assistance during the event.


Getting to Grinter Reserve

Parking

Parking around Grinter Reserve is expected to be busy, particularly as the day progresses and crowds build ahead of the Senior Football Grand Final.

Supporters are encouraged to arrive early, carpool where possible and allow additional time to find a park and walk to the venue.

Please follow all parking signage and directions from event staff and do not park illegally or obstruct local roads, driveways or access points.

Public Transport

Public transport is an option for supporters travelling to Grinter Reserve.

For the most accurate journey information, including departure times, service changes and disruptions, supporters should use the Transport Victoria Journey Planner before leaving home.

Search for Grinter Reserve, 141 Coppards Road, Moolap as your destination.

Allow additional time for your journey and check your return trip before heading to the ground, particularly if you're planning to stay until the conclusion of the Senior Football Grand Final.

Road Closures & the Geelong Running Festival

If you're travelling to Grinter Reserve on Saturday, there is no need to alter your journey because of the major Geelong Running Festival road closures.

The Geelong Running Festival is taking place across the weekend, with some smaller events held on Saturday, September 19 around the Geelong waterfront.

However, the major road closures and traffic changes associated with the marathon, half marathon and community run are scheduled for Sunday, September 20.

This means the extensive Sunday road closure arrangements will not impact supporters travelling to Grinter Reserve for the BFNL Grand Finals on Saturday.

Supporters travelling to Grinter Reserve on Saturday should therefore be able to travel as normal, although general traffic around Geelong may still be busier than usual.

For the latest road conditions, incidents and any unexpected changes, check VicTraffic before leaving home.

DiDi Rideshare & Drop-Off

Rideshare is another option for supporters looking to avoid the pressure of finding a car park.

If using rideshare, allow extra time around the busiest periods of the day and follow directions from event staff regarding drop-off and pick-up locations.

Traffic around the reserve is expected to increase before and after the Senior Football Grand Final, so consider arranging your pick-up away from the immediate entrance if possible.


Plan Your Day

Grand Final Day starts early, with the first netball matches hitting the court at 8:00am.

If you're planning to watch multiple games, we recommend arriving early and allowing plenty of time for:

  • Finding a car park
  • Walking to the ground
  • Entering through the gates
  • Getting settled before your game
  • Moving between the football oval and netball courts

The Senior Football Grand Final is scheduled for 2:15pm, so supporters arriving specifically for the senior game should allow extra time for increased traffic and parking demand.


Conditions of Entry

AFL Barwon finals venues operate under a number of conditions of entry.

Please remember:

  • Everyone attending must have a valid admission ticket or applicable pass.
  • No alcohol can be brought into the venue.
  • Vehicles may be inspected for illegal entry of alcohol.
  • Any alcohol detected entering the venue will be confiscated and will not be returned.
  • Alcohol cannot be consumed at the venue before 12:00pm, in accordance with liquor licensing requirements.
  • No glass is permitted.
  • Utilities or trucks with couches or lounge chairs on the back will not be permitted entry.
  • No pets are permitted, with the exception of assistance or guide dogs.
  • Re-entry is available via a pass-out stamp.

Have Your Ticket Ready

If you've purchased your ticket online, have your digital ticket ready to scan when you arrive.

Purchasing online before you arrive will help you avoid unnecessary queues at the gate and allows you to take advantage of the Early Bird pricing.

https://www.intix.com.au/org/afl-barwon


The Biggest Day of the BFNL Season

From the first netball whistle at 8:00am through to the Senior Football Grand Final in the afternoon, Grinter Reserve will be the centre of Bellarine FNL action this Saturday.

With premierships across football and netball to be decided, it's set to be a great day for players, families, clubs and supporters.

Plan your trip, come prepared for the conditions, purchase your ticket online and we'll see you at Grinter Reserve for the 2026 Dow Bellarine FNL Grand Finals!

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Read more …Everything You Need to Know: 2026 Dow Bellarine FNL Grand Final

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Wagener Crowned with Les Ash Medal | BFNL Football Best & Fairest Results

Newcomb midfielder Logan Wagener has capped a remarkable 2026 campaign by claiming the Bellarine Football Netball League’s Les Ash Medal.

Wagener was awarded the Les Ash Medal for the Best and Fairest player in the competition after polling 31 votes in the count.

Wagener had a dominant season where he averaged over 37 disposals a game in the regular season with his strength around the contest on full display.

He racked up 15.8 contested possessions a game while also averaging 9.9 clearances to show he could distribute as well as win possession.

Wagener’s consistency was just as impressive as he was named in the best for Newcomb in every single game he played across the season.

The 2026 season marked a return of a favourite son for Wagener at Newcomb after he had played for the Power during 2019 and then 2021.

His latest stint at the Power has now seen him clock 43 games.

As a junior at Leopold, Wagener was highly regarded and played 26 games for the Geelong Falcons.

In his time at Leopold, Wagener played in three senior premierships which included a best-on ground performance in the 2023 grand final.

His football journey also took him to the second highest level of Australian Football with both the Gold Coast and Werribee in the VFL.

That experience proved invaluable as Wagener’s 2026 season came against the backdrop of Newcomb first finals series in almost two decades.

A comprehensive win against Barwon Heads in the elimination final showed the Power weren’t just there to make up the numbers in September but were there to perform.

Wagener was at the heart of that performance as he inspired Tony Mirabella’s side into the semi-final with 44 disposals.

You could be forgiven for thinking that Wagener’s output may have dropped the in finals after a long season performing so well.

That was not the case though as Wagener racked up 90 disposals over the course of the two finals.

In Newcomb’s 41-point semi-final loss to Geelong Ammo’s, Wagener tallied 46 disposals to go with a goal as he was named best on ground for the Power.

While it was a disappointing end to a successful season for the Power, Wagener’s contribution across the season left little to be desired.

From his supremacy around the contest to his remarkable consistency, Wagener proved himself one of the competition’s most influential players throughout 2026.

His return to Newcomb has delivered more than just a premiership push for the Power, it has produced one of the BFNL’s most memorable individual seasons in recent years.

And with the Les Ash Medal now added to his list of achievements, Wagener’s outstanding 2026 campaign has been deservedly recognised.

Les Ash Medal Leaderboard:

Logan Wagener

Newcomb

31

Damian McMahon*

Barwon Heads

25

Tynan Smith

Torquay

24

Sam Lloyd

Geelong Amateur

23

Oscar Cooke

Modewarre

19

Lachie Kidd

Queenscliff

18

Scott Greenhough

Portarlington

16

Luke Davis

Barwon Heads

15

Matthew Boag

Torquay

13

Joseph Cincotta

Queenscliff

13

Tom Gribble

Geelong Amateur

12

Full list of votes can be found here.


The Don Cole Medal saw a close count with the top honour awarded to Avery Knight of Modewarre with 15 votes.

Knight was named in the best eight times in his 13 games across the season.

Runner up to Knight was Torquay’s Chad Grossman who finished just behind on 14 votes.

Grossman’s 10 reserve games saw him named in the best seven times.

Third place on the podium was a 3-way tie between Troy Anderson of Modewarre, Cody Diana of Ammos and Hugh Mckay of Barwon Heads.

In Anderson’s first season with the club, he compiled 16 reserves games where he found himself in the best nine times.

Diana managed to find the goals 10 times in his 16 games to go with his 10 mentions in the bets.

McKay was named in the best eight times for the Seagulls in his 14 games across the season.

A full leaderboards can be found below.

Don Cole Medal Leaderboard:

Avery Knight

Modewarre

15

Chad Grossman

Torquay

14

Troy Anderson

Modewarre

13

Cody Diana

Geelong Amateur

13

Hugh Mckay

Barwon Heads

13

Matthew Ellison

Geelong Amateur

12

Jake Hedley

Queenscliff

12

Tyler Collings

Drysdale

10

Peter Gordyn

Newcomb

10

Seb Hutley

Modewarre

10

Full list of votes can be found here.

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Read more …Wagener Crowned with Les Ash Medal | BFNL Football Best & Fairest Results

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