AFL Barwon today renewed its commitment to the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation’s Love the Game program, which aims to disrupt the normalisation of sports betting in our community.

AFL Barwon has been a Love the Game partner since (2016), which means saying no to sports betting sponsorships and raising awareness about the risks associated with gambling, especially among young people, who are exposed to gambling ads at saturation levels.

AFL Barwon have over 18,000 registered football and netball players, with 70% of those players being under the age of 18

‘We play AFL for the joy it brings us. At AFL Barwon we build friendships and nurture personal growth, leadership skills and other positive attributes. AFL Barwon respects that gambling is a legal form of entertainment but it is not one we believe should be encouraged or promoted” said Bruce Harwood, (AFL Barwon, Region Manager).

‘The Love the Game program supports us by providing information about how gambling works and the potential for negative consequences. It also helps our young players to develop their critical thinking skills before they are legally allowed to place a bet, so they understand the risks.

‘By doing our bit, we help young people in our community understand that sports and betting do not have to go together.’

Foundation CEO Shane Lucas said that the Love the Game program united sporting clubs at all levels, with 600+ partners signed up across numerous codes throughout the state.

‘Our research shows that young men aged 18–24 make up one-third of sports bettors in Victoria, and participation in young women is rising,’ he said.

‘AFL Barwon play an important role in showing young people that they don’t have to place a bet to have skin in the game or to make it more enjoyable.

‘Sport is about loving the game, not the odds.’

Anyone negatively affected by their own or someone else’s gambling can access confidential free advice, support and referral 24/7 on 1800 858 858.

AFL Barwon has recently received the resignation notice of long-term Commissioner Richard Underwood. Richard has been an AFL Barwon Commissioner for over 10 years serving the maximum three terms under AFL Victoria’s constitution.
On presenting his resignation Richard stated “I am proud of the achievements that I have been involved in over the journey, both individually but more importantly with the co-operation of our commissioners and our wonderful AFL Barwon staff. We are indeed very fortunate to have such a strong and stable organisation looking after football and netball in the area ably lead by the commission.
I would like to thank all the clubs that have always made me welcome and their willingness to be open about there concerns and directions and a willingness to accept our All-Abilities umpires team at junior games.” AFL Barwon Commission Chair Craig Keating was also very proud of Richard’s contribution and long commitment to the organisation. Craig stated “Richard has been a committed Commissioner for his full three terms, with his passion for the local community always at the forefront. His work behind the scenes and with all the AFL Barwon clubs has been hugely appreciated.”
AFL Barwon Regional Manager Bruce Harwood also stated “Richard has been a long-time supporter of local community sport, particularly with his beloved Portarlington Football & Netball Club. And he extended this commitment to being a long-term AFL Barwon Commissioner taking on a number of
important roles. Richard was always available to help with all aspects of the operations of AFL Barwon and we sincerely thank him for his substantial contribution.”

Female Football Coordinator

The AFL Barwon Commission provides governance and strategy development for Football and Netball across the Geelong and Colac regions. We are seeking a creative and motivated person to manage all facets of media and communications in the AFL Barwon Region.

The Female Football Coordinator is a full time position which is primarily responsible for managing all of AFL Barwon’s female football competitions. Please view the full position description below.

If this sounds like a position for you, please email a cover letter and your resume to Nathan Ervin – Operations Manager – AFL Barwon at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Applications close Sunday February 6th.

Registrations for Trials

Registrations are now open for both GFNL and BFNL Junior Representative Netball Teams.

Trials will be held on the 6^th and 13^th of February, at the Newtown & Chilwell Netball Courts. Times are as follows:

9am – 10:30am – 13 & Under

10:30am – 12pm – 15 & Under

12pm – 1:30pm – 17 & Under

Dress Code: White T-Shirts and dark shorts/skirt are to be worn for all trials (Any player in club or representative uniform will be asked to go home and change)

• Please ensure lower leg is not covered so that a number may be written for selection

Those successful will represent their respective league at the Central West Region Association Championships Day on Sunday 22^nd May 2022.

If successful at the Central West day, teams will then take part in the Association Championships Finals Day on Sunday 24^th of July 2022.

TALENT IDENTIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES

• Players in the 13 & Under group are observed by the Victorian Regional Academy of Sport (VRAS), in partnership with Netball Victoria, to link Regional Academies of sport with high performance pathways.
• Players in the 15 & Under group are observed by Netball Victoria Talent scouts for potential TID invitation to selection for the Zone academy and 17 & Under state teams for the next year.
• Players in the 17 & under group are observed by Netball Victoria Talent scouts for potential invitation to state selection in the 17 & Under or 19 & Under for the next year.

To register your interest, please complete the registration form, found here: https://forms.gle/iMoeHmJqwHrGNLwy6

For any further information please contact Sophie Murley This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Registrations close Monday 31^st of January.