Torquay Netball Club is thrilled to announce the appointment of former Australian Diamond Madi Browne as head coach on a three-year contract, ushering in a bold new era for the Tigers’ netball program.

A dual Liz Ellis Diamond winner and current sports broadcaster with Fox Netball and SEN 1116, Browne stepped into the head coaching role in June, taking the reins from long-serving A grade coach Sonia Harris.

Browne’s return to local netball drew attention last November when she was unveiled as Torquay’s inaugural senior netball specialist - a role focused on technical development and mentoring. Her new contract will see her lead the club until 2028.

The appointment reflects a shared vision between coach and club to build a strong pathway for junior talent, foster a high-performance culture, and strengthen the presence and reputation of netball across the region.

Quotes attributable to Madi Browne, Head Coach, Torquay Netball Club:

The Torquay community has been so welcoming, and there’s a great energy around the club. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the players, the coaches, and support staff. There’s a strong culture here, and I’m excited to be part of it.

The BFNL is competitive and full of talent. I’ve been impressed with the skill level, the intensity of the matches, and the commitment across the clubs. It’s clear that the league has a strong foundation and is continuing to grow, which makes it a great environment for player and team development.

Right now, my priority is to build strong connections with the group and create a clear, united playing identity. Moving into 2026, my focus will be on developing consistency, sharpening our game strategies and fostering leadership across the team. We want to create a high-performance environment where players can grow, enjoy their netball and push for long-term success.

Quotes attributable to Michael Gibson, President, Torquay Netball Club:

Madi is a passionate leader, mentor and role model. What stands out most is her commitment to building culture through genuine connection - not just with players, but with their families and the wider community.

This is a historic moment for our club. Madi’s experience and professionalism lift us to a new level and her presence cements Torquay as a genuine destination for netballers across the region.

Together with Madi, and the support of our committee, we’re focused on developing a clear junior-to-senior pathway and embedding a high-performance culture that will benefit our players for years to come.

The club extends its thanks to Sonia Harris for her four years of service and wishes her all the best as she travels Australia with her family.

AFL Barwon is delighted to welcome Brazilian Butterfly as a naming rights partner for the 2025–26 seasons, supporting key female football and netball competitions and awards across the region.

As part of this exciting partnership, Brazilian Butterfly will hold naming rights for:

• The 13 & Under Division 1 GFNL Netball Competition
• The 15 & Under Division 2 GFNL Netball Competition
• The Senior Female Football Coaches Team of the Year Award

As part of this partnership, Brazilian Butterfly will actively support the recognition of female athletes by offering Player of the Week vouchers to football and netball clubs throughout the season. This initiative aims to celebrate exceptional individual performances across all levels of competitions.

To enhance the Grand Final experience for players and supporters, Brazilian Butterfly will also deliver a dedicated "Pamper Zone" activation at the Female Football, Bellarine FNL, and Geelong FNL Grand Finals. These activations will add a fun and refreshing touch to the biggest days of the year. 

“We’re pleased to welcome Brazilian Butterfly as a valued partner of AFL Barwon. Their support reflects a shared commitment to celebrating female participation across football and netball. Partnering with a local business that is genuinely passionate about supporting women and girls in sport is an exciting step forward as we continue to advocate for female participation throughout the Barwon region" said AFL Barwon Region General Manager, Lisa Patterson.

“For many years, we’ve proudly supported our local football, netball, and cricket clubs. Now, we’re super excited to be part of AFL Barwon, supporting all football and netball clubs across the region!” said Lauren Kinsella of Brazilian Butterfly Geelong West.

“Brazilian Butterfly Geelong West is a passionate supporter of girls’ and women’s sports, and we can’t wait for the season ahead. Bring it on!”

AFL Barwon is excited to partner with Brazilian Butterfly in celebrating, empowering, and supporting female athletes across the region. We thank them for their ongoing commitment to community sport and look forward to the positive impact this partnership will bring over the next two seasons.

What began as a simple journey with a motorbike and a football has grown into a heartfelt mission — one that spreads connection, pride, and support across remote and rural Australia.

Bourkey’s Bootride started without a plan. Paul “Bourkey” Bourke, seeking to clear his head, set off across the country on his motorcycle, footy in hand, kicking it at ovals along the way. In those quiet moments, Paul noticed something that stayed with him: kids having a crack at footy — often barefoot.

Moved by what he saw, Paul began collecting and delivering brand-new football boots to young people in need. The movement hasn’t stopped since.

Paul’s story is deeply woven into the ride. Growing up as one of nine children in a family doing it tough, he knows what it’s like to wear hand-me-down boots from an older sibling. For him, Bourkey’s Bootride is about more than just the boots — it’s about pride, community, and the spark of hope that comes from owning something brand new, just for you.

“It’s not about charity,” Paul says. “It’s about giving a hand to people having a crack. There’s nothing like seeing the smile when someone laces up their very own new boots for the first time. That’s why I ride.”

Whether it’s a kid in the outback or a young adult trying to stay on track, Bourkey’s Bootride delivers more than footwear. It delivers connection, kindness, and a powerful reminder that someone believes in you.

This year’s ride will begin on Friday, June 13 at the Geelong West Giants Stadium, with local motorbike riders and AFL legend and Larrakia man Mathew Stokes sending Paul off on a 9-day journey to Kalkarindji via Katherine. Along the way, Paul will hand-deliver boots to remote communities doing it tough.

To date, Bourkey’s Bootride has raised over $20,000 in support of the cause. Supporters can donate and follow the journey at the GoFundMe page — Bourkey’s Bootride.

AFL Barwon is proud to launch its 2025 Inclusion Round, held from 10 to 15 June, in partnership with Inclusion Partner, Leisure Networks.

The round highlights both organisations ongoing commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming sporting environment for all individuals, regardless of their ability, background, gender, culture, or identity. Across the Barwon region, this week will recognise and celebrate the vital role that diversity plays in strengthening clubs, competitions, and the wider community.

To promote visibility and unity, all players and umpires participating in football and netball matches will wear yellow armbands featuring the message “Together for Inclusion.” This visible gesture reflects the region-wide commitment to inclusion across all levels of football and netball.

This year, Pride celebrations will also form a key part of Inclusion Round, promoting visibility, acceptance, and safety for all individuals in our football and netball communities.

"Inclusion Round is a powerful reminder of what community sport is truly about belonging, connection, and respect," said Lisa Patterson, AFL Barwon Region General Manager.

“With the valued support of Leisure Networks, we are continuing to build more inclusive, connected, and vibrant club environments. Whether through All Abilities competitions or Pride-focused education and celebration, our goal is to ensure everyone feels welcome and empowered to be part of the game.”

"Inclusion doesn’t happen by chance — it takes action, intention and strong partnerships. Through our work with AFL Barwon, we’re supporting clubs to take meaningful steps toward building truly inclusive community environments where everyone feels seen, supported and celebrated. The Inclusion Round is a moment to reflect, but also a chance to keep moving forward together" – David Meade, Leisure Networks CEO.

AFL Barwon remains dedicated to supporting a sporting environment where every individual feels respected, included, and empowered to participate. In collaboration with our Official Inclusion Partner, Leisure Networks, we continue to grow our All-Abilities Football and Netball competitions and deliver meaningful pathways that enable people of all backgrounds, abilities, and identities to engage with community sport.

This Inclusion Round yellow armbands will reflect our commitment to a more inclusive game. It is a celebration of the individuals who strengthen our clubs through their diversity, resilience, and contribution.