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THE BARWON BULLETIN

The official noticeboard for AFL Barwon Club Officials & Volunteers.
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EDITION 65
January 22, 2026
(LAST UPDATED - January 22, 2026)
2025 Handbook
Bulletin Archive
Contact Us

General Updates

Court Clash 26

AFL Barwon is excited to launch Court Clash 26 supported by The Athlete's Foot — the ultimate tune-up event to kick-start your 2026 netball season in style! 

Set at Kardinia Park, this high-energy, tournament-style day is designed for A and B grade squads, delivering quality match play, strong competition, and a genuine finals-like feel before the season begins.

The event is open to clubs from across the entire Barwon Region, providing match ups of non-traditional opponents.

Court Clash 26 details are as follows:

Sunday 22 March 2026
Kardinia Park Netball Courts

Teams will compete in pool matches, playing a minimum of three games (subject to final team numbers) followed by finals to award the winners .

 Entry Fee: $150 +GST per team (to cover umpire costs) 

And the ultimate prize awaits…
The tournament champions will take home a complimentary pair of The Athlete's Foot shoes of their choice for every participating player — a massive reward to kick off the season. 

Register a team here
AFL Barwon Volunteer Work Experience - Media & Communications

We are seeking applicants for voluntary opportunities that are ideal for individuals seeking hands-on experience in Communications, Media, Content Creation and Journalism within a sporting environment.

Available Positions & Responsibilities include:

Barwon Bulletin Delivery

  • Coordinate the production and distribution of AFL Barwon’s weekly communications, ensuring content is timely, accurate, and engaging.

 TikTok Management

  • Manage the AFL Barwon TikTok account, creating content and growing the audience in line with the 2026 AFL Barwon Communications Strategy.

Feature Writing / Reporting

  • Research and prepare feature articles highlighting key stories, players, clubs, and events from across the region.

Content Creation & Social Media Support

  • Assist with content creation and scheduling across AFL Barwon’s social platforms, helping to tell the stories that matter to our community.

To apply, please send your resume and a brief explanation of your interest in this opportunity to Sean Atkinson, Commercial Partnerships & Communications Manager at AFL Barwon, via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Read More
URGENT - 2026 Club Contacts List

AFL Barwon is seeking the 2026 Club contacts from all Bellarine FNL, Geelong FNL, Geelong & District FNL, Colac & District FNL, and Female and Junior Only clubs.

We are keen to ensure that we are correctly communicating with the right people at club’s so that any important information is getting through, including the Barwon Bulletin. 

It is noted that some positions may not be filled yet however, clubs can resubmit the form multiple times for any specific position and do not have to enter all club positions each time. 

We would appreciate if all information relevant to your club, was submitted by COB February 1st. 

The form link can be found below.

If you have any issues with this form, please don't hesitate to contact Sean Atkinson (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) directly.

Complete Form Here
Next Edition of the Barwon Bulletin

The next edition of the Barwon Bulletin will be February 11th. It will return to a weekly content cycle from this date.

If you would like to be added to the distribution list, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

AFL Victoria

AFL President Learning Module

The AFL have released via play.afl an educational piece to assist club presidents to achieve a deeper understanding of key tasks and duties. Check it out, click the link - Toyota AFL Club Help - Play AFL

This is the one stop shop for presidents to source development information, key resources and practical tools to support your club.

AFL Women & Girls Charter

Signing up to the AFL Women & Girls' Charter demonstrates a club's commitment to providing a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for women and girls at all levels of the game. The Charter supports clubs to strengthen participation, leadership and development opportunities, while reinforcing positive club culture, respect and equality. This should be a straightforward decision for every club president in the region.

Click the link to get started
Professional Development Opportunity – Lead Your Way

AFL Victoria is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Lead Your Way program, for women and gender diverse leaders in community football.

To be eligible, you must be over 18 and hold a current leadership position as a committee volunteer within an AFL Victoria affiliated community football club or umpire association.

Successful applicants will take part in professional and personal development and learn valuable skills that they can bring back to your club to share, and apply to their roles, with education delivered by expert facilitators and football industry leaders. All free of charge.

Further details can be found in the below link with Application's closing on the 30th of January 2026. Please consider or share this wonderful personal & professional development opportunity which can only benefit your club.

More Information: https://play.afl/victoria/news/apply-now-lead-your-way-2026

More Information

Netball Victoria

Clinics & Courses

Netball Victoria Coaching Calendar – see here for upcoming courses.

It is a requirement for A Grade and Representative team coaches to obtain and have a current DEVELOPMENT level accreditation or higher.

Netball Victoria Umpiring Calendar – see here for upcoming courses and education opportunities.

From the Sideline game day experience for umpires.

Join high performance umpire coach Jo Davidson in front row seats to discuss and analyse what is happening on court from an umpire viewpoint. The session, during the Swifts v Thunderbirds game, will focus on match procedures, umpire movement and decision making.

Take the knowledge you learn about high performance habits and on-court communication and apply it when your are on court yourself, or mentoring others. Participants can then extend their analysis during the Melbourne Vixens v West Coast Fever game at their leisure.

Grants

Telstra Footy Grants

1ST Round opening 01/12/2025 - Local football clubs across Australia have the opportunity to share in an $8 million funding boost over 2024 – 2028 through Telstra Footy Grants. $4 million was granted by the AFL and Telstra in the first two years of the program to deserving clubs Australia-wide. With another pool of $2 million to be distributed in 2026, eligible regional and metro community football clubs can apply for grants up to $20,000 – helping strengthen, sustain and grow local footy.

As the foundation of our great game and the heartbeat of communities, investment in local clubs is vital to ensuring everyone has access to play Aussie Rules and experience the health, social and wellbeing benefits that come with belonging to a club.

More Information

Coaching

Football

Key Football Coaching Requirements

In the lead up to the 2026 season, we’d like to remind all new and returning coaches of the following key requirements:

✔ All coaches must be registered in CoachAFL for the 2026 season.
✔ Mandatory online modules must be completed before coaching begins (minimum accreditation requirements will be shown upon login).
Further information on registering, accessing modules, or updating accreditation can be found HERE  we encourage you to ensure your CoachAFL profile is active and up to date.

Football Coach Development Opportunity

AFL Barwon are pleased to invite (Foundation - Level 1 coaches) to the AFL Victoria Elevate Coaching Practices Program (formerly the Level 2 Coaching Course), designed to support coaches at youth level and above wanting to further develop their coaching capability and deepen their understanding of modern coaching methods.

The program will be held at:

📍 AFL Barwon Headquarters
      204 Roslyn Road, Highton, Geelong.
🗓 Sunday 8 February 2026
⏰ 9:30am – 4:00pm

This workshop will provide practical learning opportunities, modern coaching methodology, and development aligned to the evolving needs of community football. Whether you’re continuing your coaching journey or stepping into a new age group or role, this is a valuable professional development opportunity.

To enrol in this wonderful free coach development opportunity please click this LINK noting that only those who are registered coaches in 2025 or 2026 are able to login and enrol to this elevate coaching course.

 Please refer any queries to:

Tim Secombe

AFL Barwon

Club Development Lead

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Register
AFL Victoria Football Coaching Forum

Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 March

Designed to elevate your coaching skills and knowledge. Whether you're an experienced coach or just starting out, this forum is the perfect chance to hear from some of the best in the industry. 

You will hear from AFL level coaches and industry experts in coaching related fields, such as Coaching Women and Girls, Skill Acquisition, Culture and Leadership as well as Game Plan and strategy among many other great opportunities for coaches, don’t miss it.

Further Information including the forum schedule and how to register found below

More Information

Football

Transfer Period Reopens on the 1st of February

The AFL Victoria Handbook stipulates that Player Transfer Requests may be lodged between 12:01am (AEST) on 1 November and 11:59pm (AEST) 30 November in the calendar year preceding the relevant season, or between 12:01am (AEST) on 1 February and 11:59pm (AEST) 30 June in the calendar year of the relevant season.

Football Registrations Open

Just a reminder that football registrations opened on the 01/11/2025. Just some reminders in relation to Play HQ registrations.

Clubs are asked to ensure that their registration forms are set up on Play HQ and to remind all players to complete their Play HQ registrations when the time is right.

In addition, please ensure that you are making your registration form visible, understanding some clubs will hide their registration form if you are, for example, at capacity or offering registration initially to previous participants before making it visible.

Rego fee set >$0. 

Junior Female Football

2026 Under 9 Girls Competition
AFL Barwon is exploring the introduction of a dedicated Under 9 Girls Football Competition for the 2026 season. This initiative is aimed at strengthening our female football pathway, supporting early skill development, and providing more opportunities for young girls to engage in the game in a fun, inclusive environment.

To support this dedicated competition and clubs in fielding a side, AFL Victoria are offering funding incentives to support the start up of these teams, please see attached flyer for more information.

We are seeking expressions of interest from clubs who may be interested in fielding an Under 9 Girls team in 2026.

To assist our planning, please provide complete the below form and submit accordingly.

2026 U9 Girls Comp EOI

Please submit your response by 6th February so we can finalise competition modelling and share further details with clubs.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this opportunity further, feel free to reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Submit EOI Here

Football Umpiring

Club Practice Match Umpire Booking Forms

We are now accepting umpire bookings for any practice matches upcoming.

AFL Barwon umpires will be appointed based on availability on any given day/night.

Please fill in and return to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Complete Form
AFL Barwon Umpire Training

AFL Barwon Umpire training will commence for Colac and Geelong as below

Colac – Wednesday 4th Feb. 2026 at Lake Oval Colac from 5.30pm

Geelong – Monday 2nd Feb. 2026 at Kardinia Park from 4.30pm (Field Development) and 5.45pm (Senior Field), 5.00pm (Boundary), 5.30pm (Goal)

Training in Geelong will then continue each Monday and Wednesday excluding any Public Holidays, any training venue or time change will be advised.

*Geelong Senior Field coaching sessions Mondays 6.45 – 7.30pm, no session will extend beyond 7.30pm. 

For enquiries about becoming an umpire

Enquiries/EOI click here

Here are some 2026 Umpire induction videos for you to see

These are also available on the AFL Barwon Website where you will find more information about umpiring in the AFL Barwon Region.

Working with Children Check (Vic)

All person’s aged 18 or over will need to have a current and valid WWC (VIC) – Volunteer or legislated exemption in 2026.

Please update your WWC profile adding AFL Barwon as an Organisation, if not already done so.

You can apply for your WWC (VIC) volunteer - here

18yo and over - Failure to have a valid and current Victorian WWC or legislated exemption may impact our ability to appoint you to games of football.

Officials HQ (OHQ) - Registration – AFL Barwon Umpires 2026

All Umpires, League and Club Aligned, are required to register each season in OHQ. 

Registrations open now.  

  • For new umpires you are required to create an account and then verify their account.

Registration link - https://registration-afl.officialshq.com/

An AFL ID will also need to be created, follow all prompts given, check for verification and linking emails, and complete the registration details.

  • For pre-existing umpires, you can log in to your OHQ account and the system will prompt you to re-register. 

Login link - https://home.officialshq.com/  

AFL Umpire Foundation Course

To be formally appointed, All new Umpires must complete, returning 2025 umpires this course is optional 

To access the AFL Umpire Foundation Course, see below process

Here are the steps to complete the course. 

A widget is now available on your dashboard to directly generate the LMS link 

You can still also access as below

  • Log into OHQ
  • Where your avatar is click on that and a drop-down menu will appear
  • Click on accounts
  • Then click on “connected accounts”
  • You will be prompted to generate a link to the LMS (Learning Management System)
  • Generate and click
  • You will be taken to the AFL LMS where you should automatically be logged in as your OHQ is linked with AFLID
  • Click on Umpire Accreditation
  • Click on Foundation Umpire
  • Complete all boxes (Modules)
  • Once you have done this you will be eligible to be appointed to games.
Umpire Practice Match Availability

Practice matches are expected to begin from late Feb. 2026, these can be from Wednesday nights through to Sundays at various times.

Only registered (OHQ) umpires will be appointed to these games, based on your availability. Please make sure you have set your “leaves” un-availability in OHQ covering these times, to avoid us appointing you.

We expect a lot of matches scheduled for Mid to late March as the seasons start to begin from April.

AFL Barwon Umpire Coaches and MDO’s and support as of Jan 19th Geelong

Field

Senior/U18 - Josh James, Davin Reid, Steve Keating (Senior, U18, Transition), Daniel Wilson (U18, Transition)

Development - Chris Jones, Shay Huby

MDO’s – Rod Whelan, Mark Vuik, Les Sedman

Boundary

All – Adam Bell, Jaymee Guy

MDO’s – Brian Hunter -Evans, Eden Stubbings, (further announcements coming)

Goals

Colin Hood, Sian James, David House, 

Skills/training- Michael Graham, Marcus Briggs, Cohen Shannon

AFL Barwon Welcoming Officer – (Geelong) Jaci McKenzie

AFL Barwon Women’s and Girls Liaison and AFL Barwon Child and Young Persons Safety – Geelong – Jaci McKenzie

Sports Trainers – Ben McMullin, Nico Sanchez

Sports Conditioning – Steve Guarnaccia 

Colac

Field – Jock Hillgrove

(Training/Skills) Lachlan Serle, Peter Dinnick

MDO – Daryl Harty, Murray Spokes

Boundary – Malachi Brentwood-Belcombe

Goal – Gary Bowen

Child and Young Persons Safety – Colac – Linda Knight

Sports Trainer – Grant Brauer

Resource Links

2025 Junior Footy Match Guide
On-Field Vests & Apparel (loco)
Football Order Form

Netball

General Netball

Summer Cup - Term 1 Senior Women’s Competition – Entries still open!

Geelong United Basketball and AFL Barwon have teamed up for season 2 of the Geelong Barwon Netball Summer Cup!

This senior women’s competition will showcase the skill and athleticism of netballers from across our great region.

Competition Details:

  • This competition will be played between – 19/01/2026 – 30/03/2026 (Including Finals)
  • NEW – TWO DIVISIONS (pending entries)
  • Games will be played at Grovedale College (19 Wingarra Drive, Grovedale, VIC, 3216)
  • Games will be scheduled to start between 5:50 pm – 9:30 pm

Teams will need to provide:

  • A scorer for each game
  • Own uniforms and bibs (Clash bibs are available should the need arise)

Register now to be part of season 2.

Submit your team entries HERE
Netball Connect & PlayHQ Links now available for Set up

Clubs are now able to set up their 2026 season Netball Connect forms for players to purchase their Netball Victoria Membership (insurance). Clubs will need to log into Netball Connect, and visit the registration module, to create their club specific link. Clubs who are commencing training should ensure players purchase their NVM to ensure coverage for any injuries should they occur.

All Clubs have also been invited to ‘Winter 2026’ on PlayHQ. You should see an invitations tab at the top of your competition management screen for you to accept.

Once this is accepted, you are welcome to set up your registration form and begin taking registrations.

Turning on Transfer Notifications

To ensure you can stay on top of transfers (as they will auto approve after 7 days), please ensure someone within your club is signed up to transfer notifications.

To assign an email address to transfer notifications:

  • Click on ‘organisation’ on the menu on the left
  • From the top menu, select ‘notifications’
  • Enter the email address you wish to use, and ensure you toggle ‘transfers’ on.
Transfers Information

Due to the change in set up, transfers will now ONLY trigger between Winter seasons, reducing some of the confusion we have previously seen. Players are able to play at different clubs across Summer without the need for transfer, but are a requirement and enforceable by-law between Winter seasons.

With registrations opening, please ensure you have email notifications on to monitor out-going clearances. Only one transfer is permitted per player, per season, as per AFL Barwon by-laws.

Turning on Transfer Notifications

To ensure you can stay on top of transfers (as they will auto approve after 7 days), please ensure someone within your club is signed up to transfer notifications.

To assign an email address to transfer notifications:

  • Click on ‘organisation’ on the menu on the left
  • From the top menu, select ‘notifications’

Enter the email address you wish to use, and ensure you toggle ‘transfers’ on.

Junior Netball

Playing Uniform

Please be reminded that all clubs must be in their registered uniform. Teams not wearing their registered club uniform must seek approval from AFL Barwon for this to occur.

Please ensure your teams are in correct uniform including:

  • Dress and undershorts as per the uniform register - (please ensure your undershorts are the correct colour as registered).
  • This also means shorts for those in APPROVED alternate uniform.
    • Bike shorts are permitted, but must approach mid thigh in length (per the Summer Competition booklet).
Jewellery

Jewellery is NOT permitted.

Taping of earrings is NOT permitted – please be kind to our umpires and mentors who are enforcing this.

Return to Summer 2025/26 Competition

A reminder that our Summer 2025/26 competition is returning soon!

  • 13&U and 15&U return on Friday 30 January
  • 11&U and 17&U return on Tuesday 3 February

Kardinia Park are also having their courts resurfaced the week of February 2nd. This leaves us with limited court space to run our competition. Due to this we have secured an additional venue and time slots. Please ensure you are checking your fixture and game times carefully.

Netball Umpiring

2026 AFL Barwon Netball Umpire Development Program

The Umpire Development Program will return in 2026 continuing the opportunity for umpires to be guided and learn from High Performance umpires.
 
The refined program aims to develop and support umpires through meetings and regular mentoring across 8 sessions between Feb-May to progress individuals towards their B Badge. 

At no cost to individuals, we encourage those with current C Badge who are interested and committed to their development apply for this opportunity.  

Applications close Monday 2 February 9am

Sign up here
Netball Umpiring Training Session

These training sessions are to provide individuals with the opportunity to take part in an education component discussing the basic netball rules then getting out on court to have a go at umpiring in a non-competitive environment with court side support from our mentors in the program. 

Participating in two of these sessions is one of the pre-requisites for all umpires prior to starting their umpiring journey within AFL Barwon competitions. 

 
Tuesday 17 March 4:30pm-6pm, Kardinia Park Netball Complex

Tuesday 31 March 4:30pm-6pm, Kardinia Park Netball Complex

Tuesday 21 April 4:30pm-6pm, Kardinia Park Netball Complex

More Information
AFL Barwon Panel Umpire EOI

We are seeking qualified and experienced individuals to officiate A and B grade matches in the Geelong and Bellarine FNL competitions. Games are generally played on Saturdays between April - September.  

Reporting to the League Umpire Coordinator, you will be responsible for officiating A and B Grade matches in the Geelong Football Netball League and Bellarine Football Netball League.

Requirements: 

  • Minimum C Badge required, with experience umpiring seniors
  • Ability to umpire A and B Grade BFNL and GFNL games
  • Willingness to take on feedback from AFL Barwon Development Mentors 
  • Ability to deal with conflict and high-pressure situations 
More Information
Netball Umpiring Uniform Purchase

Umpire Polos, Shorts, Skirts and Jackets

The jackets will be available every order window 1-7th of each month from October – June of each year.

More Information

Resource Links

Netball Resources
Match Day Operations Manual

Commercial Partnerships

WIN a $500 Rebel Sport Voucher

Our Official Partner Beyond Bank are all about celebrating the community spirit of sport. 

To kick off the summer, they’re giving you a chance to win a $500 Rebel Sport voucher. 

To enter:

  1. complete the form at the link below
  2. book and attend a complimentary Banking Review with Beyond Bank by 6 March 2026. 

Enter now

Entrants must be 18 or over. Entries close 11:59pm 28 February 2026. For full competition T&Cs, bit.ly/4oZvHZz   

 

What is a Banking Review?

A free, no-obligation chat with Beyond Bank’s friendly Geelong team, who can help you:

  • review your current banking arrangements
  • discuss your financial goals and future plans with trusted and expert guidance.

 

Book your Banking Review

Contact Beyond Bank’s Geelong Community Development Manager Cameron Murnane.

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mobile: 0413 938 268 

 

Meet the bank backing your club.

Beyond Bank are one of Australia’s largest, 100% member-owned mutual banks. They do all the classic bank stuff — like savings accounts, home loans, and car loans — but invest their profits in things that matter to you, like competitive rates, local customer service, and support for community groups.

When you choose Beyond Bank for your everyday banking or lending, you’re choosing a bank that genuinely cares about AFL and Netball in Geelong.

Enter now
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