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THE BARWON BULLETIN

The official noticeboard for AFL Barwon Club Officials & Volunteers.
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EDITION 92
AUGUST 19, 2026
(LAST UPDATED - AUGUST 19, 2026)
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(Umpire appointments are updated Thursday 4pm)

2026 AFL Barwon Community Awards Nominations

AFL Barwon is proud to open nominations for the 2026 AFL Barwon Community Awards, celebrating the outstanding people who make our football and netball communities thrive.

The Community Awards recognise excellence across coaching, administration, officiating and volunteer service, incorporating the long-standing AFL Barwon Coaches Awards alongside honours for Community Netball Coaches, Club Administrators, Football and Netball Umpires, Club Trainers and Personality of the Year.

If you know someone who has made an exceptional contribution to their club or the wider football and netball community, we encourage you to nominate them by completing the relevant award category below.

Nominations are open to all AFL Barwon affiliated clubs, associations and leagues, including the Geelong Football Netball League, Bellarine Football Netball League, Colac & District Football Netball League, Geelong & District Football Netball League, Female Football, Junior Football & Netball competitions, and the All Abilities Football Netball League. Anyone within the community is welcome to submit a nomination.

Nominate Here
Coaches Team of the Year – Nominations Now Open
AFL Barwon is now calling on coaches across our competitions to submit their 2026 Coaches Team of the Year nominations.
 
This year, the process provides coaches with a greater opportunity to have their say in recognising the standout players across the competition. Coaches are asked to select the players they believe have performed at the highest level throughout the 2026 home and away season, recognising the best performers in each position.
 
The Coaches Team of the Year is an important opportunity to acknowledge the players who have consistently performed throughout the season and celebrates the quality and depth of talent across our leagues. Your nominations play a key role in determining the final Team of the Year, giving coaches a direct voice in who receives this recognition.
 
It is therefore crucial that all coaches complete their nominations so that their selections can be collected and included in the overall process. We encourage coaches to consider players from across the competition and select those they believe are most deserving based on their performances throughout the season.
Coaches can submit their nominations using the link provided via email.
 
Please take the time to complete your nomination and have your say in the 2026 Coaches Team of the Year.
 
Clubs – Action Required:
If you have not received the Team of the Year nomination email or are having any issues accessing the form, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for assistance.
Football Rising Star Award – Club Nominations Open
AFL Barwon, in partnership with the Times News Group, is proud to recognise the next generation of football talent through the Football Rising Star Award.
 
The award shines a light on the young players making their mark across the Bellarine and Geelong Football Netball Leagues — players who are showing that the future of football in our region is in very good hands.
With so many talented young footballers progressing through our competitions, it is important that their performances are recognised and celebrated. The Rising Star Award provides an opportunity to showcase players who may be at the beginning of their senior football journey but are already making a significant impact at senior level.
 
Coaches play a key role in this process. Each coach is asked to select one young player they believe has stood out throughout the season, helping AFL Barwon identify the emerging talent making an impact at senior level. Coaches can select a player from their own club, but are encouraged to consider young talent from across the competition and recognise those who have performed strongly each week, particularly players stepping up against senior opposition and showing the potential to become the stars of our competitions in the years ahead.
 
Eligibility
Clubs are also invited to submit a nomination, including a short write-up outlining the player’s achievements and why they deserve to be recognised as one of the region’s emerging stars.
 
Clubs – Action Required:
Club nominations are required for the Football Rising Star Award and must come directly from clubs. If you have any questions or experience any issues with the nomination process, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for assistance.
Epworth Female Football Finals Series Information Pack

Club are encouraged to read the below information pack for the upcoming finals series.

Dates & Venues

Sunday 23rd August – Leopold, Anglesea

Sunday 30th August – Lara

*Venue Locations will be displayed on PlayHQ

Online Team Selection
Selected teams for all grades are to be entered into PlayHQ by 6:00 pm Thursday.

Please ensure all team sheets are correct prior to being provided to the umpires.

Timekeeping
Participating clubs are responsible for providing timekeepers for their game.

The timekeeper must record the starting and finishing times of quarters on the scorecards. They must also record the times of players being sent off the ground (on departure and re-entry to the ground).

Time clocks should only be stopped when the stretcher enters the playing arena, a head count is taking place, the blood rule, or a player has been sent off. Scorecards must also correspond.

Results
The host club will collect all match-day paperwork, take photos and upload them, where they will be entered into PlayHQ.

The host club will also be responsible for dropping off the match-day paperwork at the AFL Barwon office before Monday at 10:30 am.

First aid
Clubs will be responsible for their first aid, taping, etc., during finals as per a normal match day.

Game ball
Match Day footballs will be supplied by AFL Barwon for all matches during finals.

Club uniform clashes
Away clubs are responsible for obtaining alternative playing strips if there is a clash of playing uniform strips for all home and away games and finals.

For finals, the lower-positioned team is deemed to be the away team.

Presentations
Presentations will be completed after each Grand Final game.
Please ask your teams to move quickly to the presentation area after the game.

Extra Time in Finals

  1. There will be no drawn games in any finals. In the case of equal scores at the end of scheduled time, the teams will play two (2) five (5) minute periods. The match will recommence with the team kicking to the same end as they were in the last scheduled quarter, with an immediate change of ends at the conclusion of the first extra time period.
  2. Coaches are permitted to address players at the conclusion of the fourth quarter. Players must be in position to recommence the game prior to the goal umpires returning to their position.
  3. In the event of scores still being tied at the conclusion of these periods of extra time once confirmed by the goal umpires, play will recommence (without change of ends) and the team to score first will be the winner.

Juniors - Eligibility for Finals

  1. A player must play at least three AFL Barwon Junior Football games in a particular age group with his or her club to play in a finals game in that age group.
  2. For the purpose of eligibility to play with a particular team in AFL Barwon Junior Football Finals, a player who has played in a higher grade/division must play at least six (6) games in lower grades/age groups to be eligible to play in finals with a lower graded team.
  3. Furthermore, any player who has played more than half the season with a higher grade or division is ineligible to play in the lesser grade of AFL Barwon Junior Football finals.
  4. Should a player qualify to represent more than one team, AFL Barwon Junior Football has clarified that players may only play in one final on the same weekend, regardless of division, gender of competition and/or age group.
  5. To be eligible to play in a particular team during the finals series a player must meet the requirements of 26.1, 26.2 and 26.3. Regardless of the participation in finals of any other teams from their club on that weekend.
  6. For further clarification, eligibility for finals is determined by the number of games played during the home & away season, inclusive of grading games.

Higher grade/division definition: Any match played in a higher-grade division or older age group, or a representative competition will be deemed as a higher grade/division match and the player will need to meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the above Eligibility for Season/Finals to be eligible for the lower grade/division during finals.

Fine $100.00 and loss of match points.

Other Reminders

  • Team Officials and Coaching Area

Team officials should consist of coaches, team manager, runner, trainers, boundary umpire, goal umpire, timekeeper, interchange steward and water persons. All team officials shall be clearly marked on the team sheet. It is compulsory that the home club provides an interchange steward and the interchange sheet. Only personnel named on the team sheet are able to be on the playing side of the fence whilst the game is in progress. The officiating umpires have the jurisdiction to police this and can pause the game until the non-permitted personnel move.

Note: All authorised persons, apart from Runners, Trainers and Water Carriers, are to remain in the Coaches Box at all times during play, or within the confines of the perimeter lines surrounding the 12-metre Interchange Box. This should not total more than 4 people + Interchange players. Other match day staff must be stationed outside the perimeter fence or fence line.

  • Parents and Spectators

We strongly encourage all clubs with participating teams to re-circulate the Code of Conduct below to as many parents/spectators that may be attending Junior finals:

https://www.aflbarwon.com.au/images/documents/Policies/Parents-Spectators-CoD.pdf

 

  • Yellow/Red Cards

A player ordered from the ground shall not be replaced in all age groups.

Depending on the severity of the offence, the field umpire can order a player off for the following:

  1. 15 minutes of playing time and not be reported. (Yellow card).
  2. 15 minutes of playing time and be reported. (Yellow card).
  3. (Red card) Ordered off the ground for the remainder of the match. This player may be replaced after 20 minutes of playing time.
Female Football Presentations Set for a Fresh New Format

AFL Barwon is excited to bring the region’s female football community together for a refreshed Female Football Presentations event on Monday, 24 August at Buckley’s Entertainment Centre.

This year’s celebration will take on a new format, with Senior Women’s, Under 17 and Under 14 competitions coming together for one special evening recognising the outstanding achievements of female footballers, coaches, volunteers and clubs across the region.

Rather than a traditional sit-down dinner, the evening will feature a theatre-style awards presentation, delivered across two parts to create a more engaging and enjoyable experience for everyone in attendance.

Guests will be welcomed with canapé-style food on arrival, with further refreshments served during the break as the celebrations continue.

The refreshed format has been shaped by feedback from previous presentations, with a focus on creating a contemporary, inclusive and well-paced evening that puts the achievements of our female football community front and centre.

It promises to be a fantastic night of celebration, recognition and connection as we acknowledge another outstanding season of female football across the Barwon region.

Invitations will be circulated to clubs this week.

Make sure your club’s players, coaches, volunteers and officials are aware of the new format and keep an eye out for your invitation!

General Football

Section 10 Vilification and Discrimination – Process

AFL Barwon reminds clubs that vilification and discrimination complaints are managed in accordance with Sections 10 and 23 of the National Community Football Policy Handbook.

Section 10 prohibits any person from threatening, disparaging, vilifying or insulting another person or group on any basis, including race, religion, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.

How can a matter be reported?

A potential breach may be reported through:

On the Handbook Templates page, scroll to E2302 Notice of Complaint – Vilification to download the required form.

Complaints must be submitted in accordance with the reporting requirements and timeframes set out in Section 23.1 of the Policy Handbook.

What happens after a complaint is received?

AFL Barwon will undertake a preliminary assessment to confirm that the complaint meets the reporting requirements, falls within the scope of the Policy Handbook and contains sufficient information to determine the appropriate next steps.

Where the matter proceeds, AFL Barwon will:

  1. inform the person alleged to have breached Section 10 of the complaint;
  2. provide that person with an opportunity to respond; and
  3. take reasonable steps to establish the facts, including obtaining witness statements, match footage, matchday paperwork or other relevant evidence.

Following the investigation, AFL Barwon will determine whether it is reasonably satisfied that a breach of Section 10 may have occurred. This is an initial threshold and is not a final finding that the complaint has been substantiated.

How can a matter be resolved?

Where considered appropriate by the AFL, a complaint may proceed to conciliation. Conciliation requires the participation of the relevant parties and may result in agreed outcomes such as a suspension, education, community service or an apology.

If the matter does not proceed to conciliation, or is not resolved through conciliation, AFL Barwon must generally issue a Notice of Breach. This may include an Early Guilty Plea Offer. If the offer is not accepted, the matter will proceed to a Tribunal hearing.

The details of a complaint and any conciliation process must remain confidential. Participants must not publicly comment on or distribute information concerning the complaint or conciliation.

Clubs are encouraged to ensure their players, coaches, officials, volunteers and families understand that vilification and discrimination will not be tolerated and that any concerns must be reported promptly through the appropriate process.

Resource Links

On-Field Vests & Apparel (loco)
Football Order Form

General Netball

Working with Children Checks & Child Safety

As we approach finals, and many volunteers put up their hands to ensure clubs are able to run smoothly through this busy period, please be reminded of your child safety requirements. Below is a snippet from Netball Victoria’s Working With Children Safety Fact Sheet.

Victorian affiliates must know:

  • That the regulation applies to every adult (18 years and older) who hold a position of responsibility or authority with children.
  • That positions of responsibility or authority cover a wide range of positions including directors, committee members, coaches, umpires, officials, team managers and other senior positions. • That positions can be paid or unpaid, accredited or not accredited.
  • Affiliates must keep a register of all members or persons within the club, association or league who hold a WWCC. Netball Victoria has developed a sample register template for use by affiliates or:
  • You can use the WWCC Victoria Status Checker. The Status Checker can check and record the status of multiple applications or cards. Download the WWC Status Checker here
  • That details regarding the regulation are referenced and detailed in the Netball Australia Safeguarding Children & Young People Policy

For more information, please refer to the Netball Australia Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy.

GFNL & BFNL Netball

League Awards

All clubs will have received communication to nominate participants for league awards. This includes:

  • Rising Star
  • Team of the Year
  • Junior Coach Encouragement Award
  • Junior Umpire Encouragement Award

Please review and submit these nominations by the deadlines outlined in the email.

Finals Information

The Netball Finals Information document will be sent to all clubs later this week. This includes all information and action items that you need to know ahead of finals, including operational and ticketing information.

Bench officials for competing teams do need to be submitted ahead of time. Please complete this if your team has the potential to make finals.

Bench officials for each team to be submitted before finals via the provided template by the Saturday 22nd August (BFNL) and Saturday 29 August (GFNL) - Spreadsheet Download here

Only the listed Team Officials are allowed on the bench with the five substitutions.

Bench officials consist of Coach, Assistant/Co-Coach, Team Manager, Primary Carer and Other (i.e. additional medical professional). Any changes to the bench officials list must be communicated to an AFL Barwon official prior to the commencement of each game.

Junior / Midweek Netball

Midweek Finals Information

The final round of the regular season for the midweek competition will be played on Friday 21st August. The finals fixture will be released on Monday 24th August

All midweek finals matches will be played at Kardinia Park.

Good luck to all teams!

Please see below a breakdown of the midweek finals:

  • Semi-final – Friday 28th August:
    • 1v2 and 3v4
  • Preliminary final – Friday 4 September
    • L1 v W2
  • Grand final – Friday 11 September
    • W1 v W3
11&U Winter Season Wrap-Up

The 2026 11&U Winter season has now come to an end. 

A huge thank you to all our players, coaches, volunteers and parents for making it such a fantastic season. We hope everyone enjoyed the competition, had plenty of fun along the way.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back for our summer competition!

A reminder that Party Round will be held on Sunday 23 August at Kardinia Park. A fixture has been emailed to all club coordinators.

Representative Netball

Representative Netball

Coaching applications are now open for AFL Barwon’s 2027 Representative Program!

To learn more, please click the link:

2027 Representative Coaching Applications

CDFNL Netball

CDFNL Netball Update

Please ensure that the current Match Management Log Form (download below) is available courtside for scorers and umpires to complete whenever Game Management is used during a match.

When completing the log, please record all Game Management actions taken, including relevant details.

Example 1:

GA received a proactive and an advance in Q1 for repeated obstruction.
In Q2 player continued to obstruct so issued a warning.
In Q3 player continued to infringe and was suspended.

Example 2:

Warning delivered to GK for umpire dissent. 

This form needs to be submitted with the match day paperwork for C grade and below or via OfficialsHQ for A & B grade through panel appointments

Working with Children Checks & Child Safety

As we approach finals, and many volunteers put up their hands to ensure clubs are able to run smoothly through this busy period, please be reminded of your child safety requirements. Below is a snippet from Netball Victoria’s Working With Children Safety Fact Sheet.

Victorian affiliates must know:

  • That the regulation applies to every adult (18 years and older) who hold a position of responsibility or authority with children.
  • That positions of responsibility or authority cover a wide range of positions including directors, committee members, coaches, umpires, officials, team managers and other senior positions. • That positions can be paid or unpaid, accredited or not accredited.
  • Affiliates must keep a register of all members or persons within the club, association or league who hold a WWCC. Netball Victoria has developed a sample register template for use by affiliates or:
  • You can use the WWCC Victoria Status Checker. The Status Checker can check and record the status of multiple applications or cards. Download the WWC Status Checker here
  • That details regarding the regulation are referenced and detailed in the Netball Australia Safeguarding Children & Young People Policy

For more information, please refer to the Netball Australia Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy.

Resource Links

Netball Resources
Netball Victoria Community Support Grants – Hardship & Disaster Relief funding

Netball Victoria has established the 2026 Disaster Relief Program under its Community Support Program to provide targeted financial assistance to affiliated clubs, associations, leagues and families impacted by natural disaster events during 2026. The hardship grant can also be accessed and applied for through this link. Community Support Program - Netball VIC

NEW! Beginner Coach Resource

Netball Victoria has created a great new resource for beginner coaches! This resource includes foundational understanding of the game, its rules and common terminology, Introductory coach principles & models including CHANGE-IT, Planning and delivering simple and effective training sessions, expected skill execution dependent on age level, standardised guidelines around importance of equal playing time and positional rotations in junior netball and Ready to use templates. 

Share this resource with your clubs and coaching community.

eSafety Sports Program

Free webinars and new eLearning.

 The eSafety Commission has released new dates for online training. The digital sidelines: Cyberbullying and online hate in young people’s sport - a new webinar for sport leaders that will cover the types of cyberbullying and online hate, AI and emerging trends, responding to incidents and practical resources.

Date: 9 September 12:30pm (AEST).

For more information and other education opportunities – Click Here

Toyota Good for Footy Raffle
The Toyota Good for Footy Raffle gives 100% of funds raised helping invest in the things that matter most to your players, volunteers and community. Tickets are just $5. Plus, you could win one of three brand new Toyota vehicles, exclusive AFL experiences, coaching clinics and more. When your club raises funds, it builds a stronger season ahead. That's Good for Footy! Ticket sales close 21 September 2026 at 12.00pm.
Start promoting ticket sales for your club here
TAC Club Rewards - 1 week remaining

The TAC and AFL Victoria have partnered together for 34 years, working to achieve the vision of no deaths or serious injuries on our roads. As part of the program, all AFL Victoria-aligned clubs across regional Victoria and in the metropolitan leagues can take part and earn up to $10,000 in funding by promoting road safety in their community. This year we're tackling speeding driving. Applications close Monday 24 August.

Click here for more information
Womens & Girls Umpiring opportunity

Give Umpiring a Go – Women & Girls Umpire 4 Fun Program!

Ever thought about seeing the game from a different perspective? Whether you're a current Women & Girls player or a family member or friend keen to get involved, the Women & Girls Umpire 4 Fun Program is the perfect opportunity to learn the basics, build confidence and experience a new side of football.

Over three fun, practical sessions you'll develop umpiring skills, learn how to register as an umpire, receive your own whistle, and even have the chance to officiate AFLW Auskick Grid Games.

📍 Kardinia Park
📅 Mondays: 3, 10 & 17 September
🕠 5:30pm – 6:15pm

No experience required – just bring your enthusiasm and give it a go! Scan the QR code on the flyer to register and find out more.

RSVP FORM
2026 BHP AFLW Community Coach of the Year

We are excited to share the launch of the 2026 BHP AFLW Community Coach of the Year Award. Behind every thriving women’s and girl’s footy team is a coach who goes above and beyond. With great prizes on offer for the winner. 

Click Here for more information.

Transaction Fee Charge Changes in Netball Connect effective 1st October 2026

We would like to advise of a change to how transaction (payment) fees are applied in Netball Connect from 1 October 2026. Due to the Reserve Bank changes to Visa, Mastercard and eftpos payment rules, card transaction fees can no longer be added as a separate surcharge at checkout. Instead, these costs must be included in the advertised price. To learn more about what you have to do please click here

Netball Community Awards:

Save the date (Sunday 18th October) and get your nominations in for: Association of the Year, Teacher of Year, NetSetGo Centre of the Year, Inclusive Netball Community of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Contributions to umpiring and coaching, and Work Safe Safety Initiative of the Year. Nominations close Monday 31 August. Access the nomination form and criteria here.

Free Anti-Racism Club Training

Set the Standard – anti racism training. Free training provided by VicHealth

Set The Standard supports coaches and club leaders across Victoria to build culturally safer, more welcoming sporting spaces. Access simple tools, tips and resources to create more inclusive clubs, where everyone can enjoy the physical, social and mental health benefits of sport. Learn more here

Netball Australia: Volunteer Action Plan

As part of Netball Australia's Volunteer Action Plan, a new suite of resources is now available across a broad ranch of areas. These are designed to assist and support volunteers, making things easier, more rewarding and successful.

Netball Australia: Survey – Associations and Clubs

Netball Australia have released a survey to gather information about how netball affiliates are managed, particularly those that have a combination of volunteer and paid staff and administration. The results will help inform the future of the sport to best support participation growth and demands, governance requirements and long-term sustainability of associations, leagues and clubs. You can access the survey here

Front Runners - Carpool Grant

With petrol and diesel prices set to rise again, FrontRunners, a non-profit founded by David Pocock, is looking for clubs interested in being part of a carpooling pilot program to help reduce environmental impact and save money.

Grants of up to $2500 are available for individual community clubs. Interested in hearing more? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with 'carpool pilot' in your subject line. More information here ​pdf icon FrontRunners carpool invitation (1).pdf

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