AFL Barwon is excited to announce the return of the AFL Barwon Community Awards for the 2023 season.
The Community Awards was established in 2019 to celebrate the excellent achievements of coaches, umpires and volunteers for the year.
The event has incorporated the historic AFL Barwon Coaches Awards with the additions of Community Netball Coaching, Club Administrator Awards, and both Football and Netball umpiring awards.
To nominate a Club Administrator, Football or Netball Coach, Personality of the Year or Club Trainer, simply go to the following link and answer the questions associated with the specific award.
Nominations can be made by any member of the community and is open to all AFL Barwon Affiliated Clubs and Leagues (GFNL, BFNL, CDFNL, GDFNL, Female Football, Junior Football & Netball, and All Abilities FNL).
Shortlisted nominees will be notified in the first week of September with the event to take place on Friday October 6th.
Further event information and ticketing arranging will be released in the coming months.
Any further questions please contact AFL Barwon Commercial Partnerships and Communications Manager, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Les Ash Memorial Service will be held at Leopold Sporting Club on Friday July 14th at 1pm.
Les was the Foundation President of the League, inaugural Bellarine FNL Life Member, and naming holder of the Les Ash Medal for the Bellarine Senior Football Best and Fairest winner.
AFL Barwon is excited to announce that Newcomb and Portarlington will be the two venues hosting the Dow Bellarine Football Netball League Finals Series in 2023.
All clubs were given the opportunity to submit applications to host finals earlier this year, with the AFL Barwon Commission deciding that after successful 2022 events at both venues, it would replicate the schedule for the 2023 Dow BFNL Finals Series.
The schedule sees Weeks 1 and 2 of the Finals being played at Portarlington Recreation Reserve with the Preliminary Finals and Grand Finals being held at Grinter Reserve.
AFL Barwon Region General Manager, Edward Wilson believed last year’s finals had laid the platform for 2023 to be a huge success. Stating that “We’re fortunate to continue our partnership with both Portarlington FNC & Newcomb FNC in hosting the final four weekends of the 2023 DOW Bellarine FNL season," Wilson believes that both clubs "showcased excellence in hosting the 2022 Finals and are deserving hosts, to build on last year’s success, with community engagement above expectation”.
Newcomb Football Netball Club President, Matt Farrow was proud that their club was given the chance to host again after last year’s successful event. Farrow explained that the club is "extremely proud to host the final two weeks of the Bellarine FNL Finals Series once again. We have worked hard as a club to create a facility that has the ability and capacity to host such events. All we now hope for is great weather to build on what we will be successful finals series for the competing clubs.”
Portarlington Football Netball Club President Steve Cogger expressed his excitement for his club to get another chance to showcase their facilities by saying that it "represents another opportunity for Portarlington FNC, and its community to promote itself in the arena of regional sport. Our town is growing and with that comes the responsibility of local sporting clubs to provide facilities, equipment, coaching and mentoring to an inclusive community." Cogger also emphasised that Portarlington FNC’s "investment in their club will be on display to demonstrate that we are a club worthwhile of any person seeking to be a part of a club that will celebrate 150 years of age in 2024”.
The full schedule for the Dow Bellarine Football Netball League Finals Series is as follows:
Leopold Football Netball Club have confirmed today that current Senior Coach, Garry Hocking has signed a 3-year contract extension.
After leading Leopold to a Grand Final appearance in 2022, the club currently sit 5th on the Blood Toyota Geelong FNL Senior ladder.
The club released the following statement today outlining their delight in the news:
"Our very own Garry Hocking has signed a contract extension, confirming his role as the senior coach of Leopold Football Club until the end of the 2026 season!"
"Garry's commitment and dedication to the club have been unwavering since he took on the role at the start of the 2022 season. We have witnessed incredible growth and progress in our club, both on and off the field. Garry has played a pivotal role in fostering a culture of camaraderie, sportsmanship, and excellence. His passion for the game is contagious, and his ability to inspire and develop our players has been fantastic."
"This contract extension not only ensures stability and continuity for our club but also sends a powerful message to our current playing group, club members, and supporters that we are committed to building a strong and successful future together."
"Please join us in congratulating Garry on his contract extension and wishing him all the best in leading our football section to greater heights."
AFL Barwon is saddened to hear of the passing of the pioneer of the Bellarine Football Netball League, Les Ash.
The Bellarine FNL and Les Ash have a synergy that either can’t be mentioned without an association to the other. Les played an integral role in the establishment of the Bellarine Football Netball League and the integration of the Bellarine District Netball Association in 1972.
The Foundation President of the League, Les served a term from 1971 to 1978. He was awarded with the first Bellarine FNL Life Membership in 1978 for his service and contributions to the League. In 1989, the Bellarine Senior Football Best and Fairest Medal was renamed as the Les Ash Medal.
Les had his own personal football journey through his playing career at St Albans and Leopold before taking on off field roles as the first secretary of the newly formed Leopold Football Netball Club, and Senior Vice President of the Polworth League.
The Les Ash legacy will always remain in the Bellarine Football Netball League, and the AFL Barwon community is forever grateful for his role in community football and netball in our region.
The AFL Barwon Chairperson, Commission, Staff and all member clubs, Bellarine FNL Board, and all members extend their deepest sympathies to the Ash family.
