With six rounds left of the GFNL A Grade Netball competition, we take a look at the race toward finals. Every game is critical, and for those that are far up on form, it’s about securing that top spot. This piece looks at the 2022 finals contenders.

Newtown & Chilwell

They have only lost one game in three years. Their unbeaten record finally came to an end this year by a determined St Albans. Since their defeat, they haven’t missed a step. They currently hold the top spot on the ladder, but there are still five matches to play including the bye and they are only ahead of Colac and St Albans by four points. They vs St Albans in Round 15 and Colac in Round 18. These games will shape the top spot.

The Run Home: Leopold, Geelong West, St Albans, Bye, St Mary’s, Colac

Colac

Currently in second place on percentage, the Tigers have had a consistent season all year. Their biggest win was against St Albans. It was the round after the Supersaints defeated the Eagles. Colac’s losses have come from a formidable South Barwon in Round 9, and Newtown & Chilwell in Round 5. The Tigers’ run home is tough, but that minor premiership is well within reach. However, they will have to beat the Swans in Round 16 and knock off the ladder leaders in Round 18 if they want the week off come finals time.

The Run Home: St Mary’s, Bell Park, Leopold, South Barwon, Lara, Newtown & Chilwell

St Albans

The Supersaints stunned the GFNL A Grade Senior Netball competition when the Eagles fell to them in Round 4. The convincing win saw St Albans as the new team beat, but they then suffered losses two weeks in a row. Their first shock loss came from Geelong West in Round 5, followed by Colac in Round 6. These losses have seemed to humble St Albans as they have been solid ever since. They have a few challenges in the following weeks, but much like Colac, that top spot is still up for grabs.

The Run Home: Bell Park, Leopold, Newtown & Chilwell, Lara, Bye, Geelong West

South Barwon

One game separates the Swans from Colac and St Albans. South Barwon is another flag contender, but they will want to remain vigilant as teams become more desperate each round. In Round 3, the Swans had their first loss against a convincing St Joseph’s. Like many, they were also unable to rise to the challenge of Newtown and Chilwell. The following week they fell to St Albans but bounced back in Round 9 to beat Colac. The Swans have already had the bye and being six points ahead of Geelong West, they have a good run home with Colac being the hardest of the bunch. Still, no wins are guaranteed.

The Run Home: Lara, St Joseph’s, St Mary’s, Colac, Leopold, Bell Park

Geelong West

It’s been an interesting season for Geelong West. They managed to collect a huge scalp early this season with a win over St Albans but haven’t beaten any other team higher than their current ladder position. So far, the Giants have fallen to Colac, Newtown & Chilwell, St Joseph’s, South Barwon, and drew with Bell Park. They have a mixed run home of games they should win but the pressure will be on to maintain their fifth spot. With upcoming games of having to face St Alban and Newtown & Chilwell, their resolve will be tested.

The Run Home: Grovedale, Newtown & Chilwell, Lara, Bell Park, St Joseph’s, St Albans

St Joseph’s

With defeats over South Barwon and Geelong West, Joey’s are every chance to sneak into the fifth position. However, St Joseph’s has not had a good run in recent games. If they have a sudden change in luck next weekend, they are every chance to play in the Finals. Another win over South Barwon would make the perfect start. Their run home also looks easier than most.

The Run Home: Bye, South Barwon, Grovedale, St Mary’s, Geelong West, Lara

Bell Park

After a tough road through the beginning of the season, Bell Park managed to pinch some decent wins in the second act. They just got over St Joseph’s by one goal, a draw against Geelong West, and two very convincing wins over Leopold and St Mary’s. They do have an extremely difficult run home. They will have St Albans, Colac, Geelong West, and South Barwon to contend with. If the Dragons make Finals, they deserve to be there.

The Run Home: St Albans, Colac, Bye, Geelong West, Grovedale, South Barwon

Read the Play Round is back in 2022, with more than 80 clubs across AFL Barwon and the Western Region Football League set to take part.

The annual round, which is played at under 15 and under 16 level in football and netball, aims to highlight the importance of looking after your mental health, increasing your help seeking behaviors, identifying support services and increasing your knowledge of where to seek help.

One in Four young people are impacted by mental illness in any given year and One in Three young people with mental health issues don’t seek professional help, with many not knowing what help is available to them.

Read the Play is a unique program that uses young people’s engagement with sport and connection to their local club to deliver important messages that improve mental health literacy and knowledge about where to seek help for mental health problems.

Michael Parker, Read the Play Inc CEO, said:

“The Read the Play Round is a great opportunity to highlight the importance of looking after the mental health of teenagers across the region”.

“We know the vital role sporting clubs play in the lives of young footballers and netballers, and are thrilled with the willingness of clubs and leagues to introduce the Read the Play program for their players.”

For more information, contact David Mackin: 0428 075 435 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

AFL Victoria are looking for some new GDO’s to help deliver school programs, assist with Auskick clinics and work on promotional activities. For more information on the role please see the link below.

If you are interested in applying, please send your cover letter and resume through to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Reports

Werribee Centrals v Bell Post Hill

The MRP viewed vision of a report that occurred in the 2^nd quarter of the Senior match between Werribee Centrals v Bell Post Hill where Sam Hamer #22 Bell Post Hill was reported for engaging in Rough Conduct against Dylan Blair #29 Werribee Centrals. It was determined that the 2 match set penalty as offered was appropriate.

Vision Requests

Belmont Lions V Thomson

At the request of the umpires, the MRP viewed vision of potential Rough Conduct between Brent Jaques #21 Belmont Lions and Sam Jacka # 14 Thomson during the 2^nd quarter. The free kick paid was correct and the contact made was not deemed reportable. No charge to be laid.

At the request of the umpires, the MRP viewed vision of contact between Tyler Beyer #6 Belmont Lions and Darcy Kelly #50 Thomson during the 3^rd quarter. The MRP deemed that the contact made was incidental and that no charge to be laid.

At the request of the umpires, the MRP viewed vision of a potential Dangerous Tackle (Rough Conduct) during 4^th quarter by Shaun Jubber #9 Belmont Lions against Daniel Freeman #7 Thomson. It was determined that Shaun Jubber be reported for Engaging in Rough Conduct on Daniel Freeman and has been offered a 1 match Set Penalty in this instance.

Anakie v Geelong West Giants

At the request of Geelong West Giants, the MRP viewed vision of contact between Daniel Knight #24 Anakie and Josh Taylor #17 Geelong West Giants during the 4^th quarter. As both players are contesting the ball, the MRP deemed the contact made was not unreasonable in the circumstance and that a charge not be laid.

At the request of the officiating umpires, the MRP was asked to review umpire contact during the 1^st quarter. The incident was not captured on vision.

Where set penalties have been offered, both clubs involved have until 10.00am Tuesday 5^th July to request the matter be heard at Tribunal, or the Set Penalty will apply as offered.