Ian McTaggart, a pillar of the Geelong region’s football and netball community, has been named the latest recipient of the prestigious Carter Costa Service Award. The award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service at the club or community level within the Geelong region.

McTaggart’s journey in local football began in the 1980s with the Ocean Grove Football & Netball Club, where his passion for the game and commitment to his community quickly became evident. Over the decades, he has held numerous roles and earned life memberships with both the Grubbers and the Bellarine Football Netball League.

His influence extended beyond club level, with McTaggart serving on the Football Geelong Commission from 2000 to 2012. Following this, he became a foundational member of the AFL Barwon Commission in 2013, dedicating nine years to shaping and strengthening football and netball in the region. His contributions included strategic planning, policy development, mentoring staff, and supporting clubs across the Barwon region.

Reflecting on the award, McTaggart expressed humility and pride.

“Other than being chuffed about being nominated and being awarded this, to be named in the same sentence as (Frank) Costa and (Colin) Carter is just amazing as far as I’m concerned. Two people I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing at all, but their service to the club – to this club – as president and board members and onto the AFL as well, it’s pretty special.”

The Carter Costa Service Award, named after two of Geelong Football Club’s most influential leaders, Frank Costa and Colin Carter, is a tribute to those who have devoted themselves to the betterment of their clubs and communities. McTaggart’s legacy of dedication and service makes him a fitting recipient of this esteemed recognition.

AFL Barwon celebrated McTaggart’s achievements, acknowledging the indelible mark he has left on the local sporting landscape. His story serves as an inspiration to current and future administrators, showcasing the profound impact of leadership, commitment, and passion for community sport.

AFL Barwon congratulations to all athletes from the AFL Barwon Region who were successful in making the 2025 Netball Victoria Talent Academy Program

The Netball Victoria Talent Academy program is a development opportunity for talented athletes to develop in three key components: technical and tactical development, athlete well-being and physical preparation.

The program aims to assist players throughout Victoria to reach their potential, provide an avenue towards state and national representation, and provide essential education that is relevant to netball. 

The athletes selected from the AFL Barwon Region can be found below.

2025 Talent Academy Umpires

Bridget Baxter - AFL Barwon

Leni Hassett - AFL Barwon

Pippa Scutchings - AFL Barwon

Olivia Speirs - AFL Barwon

Megan Trotter - AFL Barwon

2025 Talent Academy Athletes

Isla Cuddy – Bellarine FNL

Indiah Madden – Geelong FNL

Sienna McGinness – Bellarine FNL

The full squads can be found here.

The AFL Barwon Region will be represented in the Super Netball Reserves competition in the 2025 season, with Emily Green being selected in the Netball Australia Talent & Development Squad.

Members of this squad will be drawn on for Super Netball Reserves allocation and additional development opportunities, including targeted sessions and Suncorp Super Netball match day involvement with high performance umpire coaches.

A high performing A badged panel umpire in our region for several seasons, Emily was named as the AFL Barwon Netball Umpire of the Year in 2023 for her outstanding season.

Emily was also selected as one of four umpires selected from Victoria to officiate at the 2024 National Netball Championship in April this year.

AFL Barwon congratulates Emily on her selection in the Netball Australia Talent & Development Squad for next season.

The full list of the 2025 Netball Australia umpiring squads can be found here.