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THE BARWON BULLETIN

The official noticeboard for AFL Barwon Club Officials & Volunteers.
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EDITION 80
MAY 27, 2026
(LAST UPDATED - May 27, 2026)

(Umpire appointments are updated Thursday 4pm)

The Rise of the Surf Coast Suns Documentary

AFL Barwon has today released The Rise of the Surf Coast Suns, a short-form documentary capturing the journey behind the region’s first new senior football and netball club in more than four decades.

Produced with the support of AFL Victoria, the documentary explores how the Surf Coast Suns progressed from concept to competition while navigating community debate, resistance and the complexities that come with establishing a new club in one of Victoria’s fastest-growing regions.

Through interviews with key figures involved in the club’s formation, The Rise of the Surf Coast Suns provides an authentic and compelling insight into the determination, resilience and belief that ultimately led to the club’s acceptance into the Bellarine Football Netball League.

Disability & Inclusion Workshop – Register Your Club Today!

Everyone deserves the chance to play the sports they love in a safe, valued, and inclusive environment.

To help our local football and netball clubs build more inclusive environments, AFL Barwon, in collaboration with the City of Greater Geelong and the Sport4All Program, invites you to attend the upcoming Disability and Inclusion Workshop.

This workshop is a fantastic opportunity for your club's coaches, committee members, volunteers, and players to immerse themselves in practical learning, share experiences, and take away actionable strategies to welcome people with disability into your club community.

Why Your Club Should Attend:

  • Practical Insights: Learn how to develop and break down barriers through the learnings to allow people with disability to participate in your club, either on or off the field.
  • Resources: Gain access to free resources and ongoing support through the Sport4All program to develop an Inclusion Plan.
  • Community Connection: Connect with other local clubs and ask questions about the AFL Barwon All Abilities Football and Netball Leagues or share some inclusion ideas and success stories. 

Workshop Details:

There will be 2 sessions available 

  • Date: Wednesday 17 June 2026 or Wednesday 24 June 2026
  • Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
  • Location:
    City of Greater Geelong
    137-149 Mercer Street, Geelong
    (Wurriki Nyal - G - Project Room) View on map
    or Online Link on request.
  • Cost: FREE for all AFL Barwon-affiliated clubs.
  • Who should attend? Committee members, coaches, coordinators, volunteers, and anyone passionate about making your club a welcoming inclusive space.
2026 CDFNL Handbook

We are excited to release the 2026 CDFNL Handbook.

The pdf version can be found below.

Football Operations Coordinator Appointment
AFL Barwon is delighted to announce the appointment of Magnus Howells to the Football Department as Operations Coordinator.
Magnus joins AFL Barwon with a strong passion for community sport and a broad understanding of the local football landscape. Through his involvement within football across the region, he has developed valuable experience working with clubs, players and volunteers, along with a genuine appreciation for the important role community football plays in bringing people together.
Magnus has built a reputation as a hardworking and approachable person who is committed to supporting positive experiences for participants at all levels of the game. His strong organisational skills, professionalism and enthusiasm for football make him a valuable addition to the AFL Barwon team.
In his new role, Magnus will assist in the delivery and administration of competitions across the region, while also supporting clubs and stakeholders with a range of football operations matters throughout the season.
AFL Barwon looks forward to the contribution Magnus will make within the Football Department and welcomes him to the organisation.
Xavier Nelson Farewelled
AFL Barwon would like to thank Xavier Nelson for his contribution to the organisation as Operations Coordinator, with Xavier finishing in the role on Thursday 28 May.
Xavier joined AFL Barwon as a trainee and during his time with the organisation successfully completed his Certificate III in Business, demonstrating a strong commitment to his professional development while gaining valuable experience within the netball and football industry.
Throughout his time at AFL Barwon, Xavier has been a valued member of the Netball and Football Departments, providing support across a range of football operations and administrative areas. His professionalism, willingness to assist and positive attitude have been greatly appreciated by staff, clubs and stakeholders across the region.
Xavier approached the role with enthusiasm and a genuine passion for community netball and football, and his contribution throughout his time at AFL Barwon has been highly valued.
AFL Barwon would like to sincerely thank Xavier for his efforts and dedication during his time with the organisation and wishes him all the very best for the future and the next stage of his career.

General Football

Football Department Structure
AFL Barwon wishes to advise clubs and stakeholders of an updated Football Department structure, designed to strengthen support across competitions and key football operations areas throughout the region.
 
Sarah Naylor – Head of Football
  • Female football competitions
  • CDFNL football competitions
  • Match Review Panel
  • Investigations & Tribunal
  • Player Points
  • Policies & Procedures
  • Finals Management
Ayden Gras – Football Operations Coordinator
  • Competitive junior football competitions
    • Under 14
    • Under 16
  • Under 18 football competitions
  • All Abilities football
  • GFNL football competitions
Magnus Howells – Football Operations Coordinator
  • Non-competitive junior football competitions
    • Under 9
    • Under 10
    • Under 12
  • BFNL football competitions
Jock Hilgrove – Director of Umpiring
  • Umpire appointments
  • Coaching & development
  • Umpire programs & talent pathways
  • Recruitment & retention
These changes will help ensure AFL Barwon continues to provide strong support to clubs, volunteers, umpires and participants across all levels of community football.
Football Operations Reminders
As we move further into the season, AFL Barwon would like to remind clubs of several important operational requirements and by-laws.
 
Senior Team Submissions
We have noticed a number of clubs are not submitting senior teams within the required timeframe.
Please note the deadline for senior male and senior female Division 1 team submissions has been extended from 6.00pm to 8.00pm Thursday nights.
As per Section 25.1-3 of the 2026 AFL Barwon Handbook:
Senior male and senior female Division 1 football teams must be entered with playing positions selected onto the PlayHQ database each Thursday night prior to 8.00pm.
Penalty: $100
Separate positions must be entered for:
    • 18 players
    • 4 interchange players
    • Up to 3 emergencies
    • Penalty: $100

Fines may also apply for players named on the official team sheet who were not included in the selected list of 25. Penalty: $100

 
Team Sheets & Bench Personnel
A reminder that all personnel located on the bench or inside the fence must be listed on the official team sheet in accordance with Section 17.3 of the AFL Barwon Handbook.
Approved positions include:
  • Coaching Staff (maximum of 3)
  • Team Manager
  • Runner (1)
  • Qualified Doctor
  • Qualified Physiotherapist
Clubs are reminded that only approved and listed personnel are permitted inside the fence.
 
Forfeits
AFL Barwon has seen a significant increase in forfeits across competitions in recent weeks.
Clubs are reminded of the penalties under Section 14.3 of the 2026 AFL Barwon Handbook:
  • More than two days prior to the match: $100 fine
    • Fine doubled for repeat forfeits
  • Two days prior to the match: $300 fine plus umpire costs
  • Day/night before the match: $500 fine plus umpire costs
  • More than two forfeits: Team withdrawn from the competition and $300 fine
 
Ground Markings
There have been a number of reports regarding inadequate ground markings at junior matches.
Clubs are reminded that all ground lines must be clearly visible prior to the commencement of games to ensure a safe and professional playing environment.
 
Umpire Escorts
AFL Barwon has also received reports that umpire escorts are either not being provided or are not present at the conclusion of matches.
Clubs are reminded of their responsibility to ensure umpires are escorted safely to and from the playing arena and clubrooms before and after matches.
Barwon Regional By-Laws

Following email correspondence, please see the below link to the new Barwon Regional By-Laws.

Footballs Available

A reminder that AFL Barwon has match and training footballs available for purchase from our office.

You can view the full range and place your order via the link below.

Resource Links

General Netball

Netball Operations Intern - Work Experience Overview – AFL Barwon

We are excited to welcome work experience participants into our team and provide a valuable learning and development experience. Our program is designed to give students or recent graduates real-world exposure to the operations of a dynamic organisation, hands-on opportunities to contribute, and the ability to explore different areas of our business.

What We Offer

As part of your time with us, you’ll gain hands-on experience working alongside a passionate and experienced team, allowing you to contribute meaningfully to our day-to-day operations. You’ll also gain insight into all areas of the business, including (but not limited to)

  • Operations and Administration
  • Events and Competitions
  • Community Engagement
  • Governance and Compliance

Please click here for the position description and for more information.

GFNL & BFNL Netball

Position Tracking Reminder
  • A reminder that for AFL BARWON COMPETITIONS (BFNL/GFNL/Midweek), the position tracking document MUST remain at the scorebench for the duration of the game.
  • This document must be completed at the score bench (not team bench) and must include the names of all players listed on the scoresheet.
    • Anyone missing from either the position tracking sheet or scoresheet (or missing from both) is not permitted to take the court.
  • For CDFNL competitions, please see the CDFNL section of the Bulletin.
Qualification Reminders

As we approach the threshold where players will be sealed to higher grades, please be reminded of the player qualification competition rules:

BFNL

  • Players must take the court in at least 6 games to be eligible to participate in that division’s finals series. If the minimum number of games is not played, the player is ineligible to play finals.
  • Once a player takes the court in the 9th game, they are ineligible to play in a lower grade/ division in the same age group.

GFNL

  • Players must take the court in at least 6 games to be eligible to participate in that division’s finals series. If the minimum number of games is not played, the player is ineligible to play finals
  • Junior players qualified in Division 2 of their age group automatically qualify to play in Division 1 finals of that age group.
  • Once a player takes the court in the 9th game, they are ineligible to play in a lower grade/division in the same age group.
BFNL/GFNL Netball – Coaches Votes

A gentle reminder for those who are yet to complete this form from the weekend.

BFNL - 2026 Bellarine FNL Netball Coaches Votes – Fill in form

GFNL - 2026 Geelong FNL Netball Coaches Votes – Fill in form

A reminder that we require this information be submitted by Tuesday morning of each week.

Junior / Midweek Netball

Fixture Update

Grading has now concluded for AFL Barwon’s Midweek Competition.

Using the data and insights gathered across the four weeks of grading, teams have now been placed into their final grades for 11&U, 13&U, 15&U and 17&U.

The remainder of the season fixture will also be released as soon as possible, with updates provided via email to clubs as additional rounds become available.

Uniform Reminder

All players must be in the correct approved uniform. Approved uniform may be in the form of netball dress, or approved t-shirt & short/skirt combinations. Design of Shorts worn with alternate uniform must be APPROVED by AFL Barwon, and that type of short ONLY will be permitted to be worn. Shorts must be of an appropriate length, and not contain pockets, zips or logos outside of what has been approved. Compressive bike shorts are not permitted – knee length or longer leggings are exempt.

Scoring Resources

Please see below an example scoresheet and position tracking document that may support your volunteers ahead of their scoring duties.

https://www.aflbarwon.com.au/images/2026/Barwon%20Bulletin/April/Example%20Scoresheet%20-%20Juniors%20copy.pdf   

We encourage clubs to pre-type their position tracking documents, with their club, age group and playing list included. You can find an updated (2026) template for this here:

https://aflbarwon.com.au/images/documents/2026/2026%20OFFICIAL%20CDFNL%20Position%20Tracking%20Template.docx

CDFNL Netball

Position Tracking Reminder
  • A reminder that for CDFNL competitions, the position tracking document is completed by the TEAM MANAGER at the team bench. All changes must be tracked via the position tracking document.
  • Any goaler changes MUST be communicated to the scorebench as soon as they occur for brackets to be recorded. Any changes to starting goalers for each quarter should also be noted.
  • This document must include the names of all players listed on the scoresheet.
    • Anyone missing from either the position tracking sheet or scoresheet (or missing from both) is not permitted to take the court.
CDFNL Qualification Reminders

As we approach the threshold where players will be sealed to higher grades, please be reminded of the player qualification competition rules:

  • Players must take the court in at least 6 games to be eligible to participate in that division’s finals series. If the minimum number of games is not played, the player is ineligible to play finals.
  • Once a player takes the court in the 7th game, they are ineligible to play in a lower grade/division (in the same age group – Seniors is classified as one age group).
  • Once a player has taken the court in a specific senior grade they are ineligible to play in the senior grade 2grades lower. Ie. A grade and C grade or B Grade and D Grade.

Netball Umpiring

Action required: Missing information from clubs

As outlined in the Netball Umpire Coordinator meeting at the start of the year clubs are required to provide their umpire rosters each week to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. assist in providing mentoring opportunities for your club umpires.

Can the below clubs please send through their rosters for round listed.

Bell Park

Round 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7

Colac

All received

Geelong West Giants

Round 1, 5, 7

Grovedale

Round 4, 7

Lara

Round 5, 6, 7

Leopold

Round 0, 3, 5, 6, 7

Newtown & Chilwell

All received

North Shore

All received

South Barwon

All received

St Albans

All received

St Josephs

All received

St Marys

All received

Anglesea

Round 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Barwon Heads

All received

Drysdale

Round 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Geelong Amateur

Round 8

Modewarre

All received

Newcomb

All received

Ocean Grove

All received

Portarlington

All received

Queenscliff

All received

Surf Coast Suns

Round 5, 6, 7, 8

Torquay

All received

Resource Links

Book a Read the Play session before Mental Health Round

May and June bookings are filling quickly, so clubs are encouraged to book as soon as possible to secure a session before RTP Round.

Clubs that book one or more Read the Play sessions and appoint a Player Wellbeing Officer will receive a Read the Play Mentally Healthy Club Badge. To be eligible, clubs will need to promote the Player Wellbeing Officer role within their club and provide the details to Read the Play.

The badge gives clubs a great opportunity to promote on their website, socials, newsletters and other club communications that they are a mentally healthy sporting club and are prioritising the mental health and wellbeing of their young players.

Brazilian Butterfly Player of the Week

Brazilian Butterfly is proud to partner with AFL Barwon in supporting and celebrating female athletes across our region throughout the 2026 season.

As part of this partnership, Brazilian Butterfly will provide Player of the Week vouchers to clubs across our female competitions. The initiative aims to recognise outstanding individual performances and celebrate the contribution of players at every level of the game.

To assist in promoting the initiative, clubs are asked to share an image of their selected Player of the Week holding the voucher using the dedicated template on social media and tag @aflbarwon & @Brazilianbutterflyau.

The template can be downloaded on the link below.

Please note that vouchers are available for collection from AFL Barwon for clubs that have not yet picked theirs up.

We thank Brazilian Butterfly for their support of female football and netball within the Barwon region.

Mental Health Round

19th - 21st June

Female Festival of Sport

6th - 12th July

Club Health Checks reminder

Thanks to those clubs that have completed their 2026 Club Health check. For those that have not had the opportunity there is still time to complete.

 By way of explanation the survey helps us better understand club structures, challenges, and priorities so we can continue improving support for clubs and volunteers locally and across the state.

The Health Check takes around 20 minutes to complete, with mostly multiple-choice questions and an opportunity to provide additional feedback.

 Link is found here.

Club Health check

We encourage clubs to either complete the survey together at a committee meeting or have multiple committee members complete it individually.  Thank you for your ongoing support of the local football and netball community. Please reach out if you have any questions.

Regards

Tim Secombe

Club Development Lead

AFL Barwon

0417665173

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

Ascend Coaching Pathway

The Geelong Cats, in conjunction with the Geelong Falcons and AFL Victoria, are pleased to announce the Ascend Coaching Pathway for ambitious junior coaches across the Barwon region. 

Participants will gain a Silver Coaching Accreditation via AFL Play, be considered for coaching opportunities within the Geelong Cats Academy and Geelong Falcons talent pathways, and be exposed to contemporary coaching practices from experienced coaches in the region.

  • Session 1 - Monday 1 June 6:30PM-8PM
    • Pathways Potential Talent ID with Jesse Drever (Geelong Falcons), Tom Lonergan and Abby Howard (Geelong Cats)
  • Session 2 - Tuesday 9 June 6:30PM-8PM
    • Player-Centered Development Environments (The Coaching Environment) with Nigel Lappin (Geelong Cats)
  • Session 3 - Tuesday 16 June 6:30PM-8PM
    • Fundamental Focused Training Sessions (Coaching at Training) with Chris Lynch and Harry Corrigan (Geelong Cats)
  • Session 4 - Monday 22 June 6:30PM-8PM
    • Coaching for Development (Coaching the Game) with Paul Corrigan and Tash Heffernan (Geelong Falcons)

 To be eligible for selection, candidates must be: 

  • Already Level 1 coaching accredited
  • Currently coaching or aspirational junior coach (Under 14s or above, stipulate club and role)
  • Interested in Cats Academy/Falcons programs in July and/or September
  • Available for all sessions
  • Based in the Barwon region 
  • Able to provide coaching background and reason for interest in the program

Applications for the program open on Friday 15 May and close on Monday 25 May, with those selected to be notified on Wednesday 27 May.

Please complete the following form to apply for the program: https://shorturl.at/9vL88

New Netball Intermediate Coach Course Structure

Netball Australia have released the newly redesigned and update Intermediate Coach course. Moving to a blended learning model, with both online course and a face-to-face workshop, it is an amazing learning opportunity for Development accredited coaches to move to the next level. The practical workshop must be completed to have your accreditation awarded, but the online course is open to all that hold the prerequisites. Details about upcoming practical workshops will be confirmed soon, while we pilot and test with Netball Australia. 

Toyota AFL National Volunteer Awards

Do you know an amazing community club volunteer? Nominate them for the 2026 National Volunteer Awards and recognise them for their incredible contribution and dedication each season. Category prizes include a money-can’t-buy 2026 Toyota AFL Grand Final experience and keys to a brand new Toyota. 

Find out more information here - https://play.afl/toyota-afl-national-volunteer-awards 

Join Love the Game

The Love the Game Sporting Club Program aims to reduce the exposure of young people to sports betting promotions and to counter the normalisation of betting on sport. As a Love the Game partner, your club will take a stand against sports betting sponsorship and help juniors to love the game, not the odds.  

Clubs who SIGN UP to Love the Game before May 31 go into the running for a Collingwood v North Melbourne behind the scenes experience! 

Signing up only takes two minutes, join now. 

Women & Girls Community Football Charter – AFL Vic

AFL Barwon is committed to ensuring community football environments are welcoming, safe, and inclusive for women & girls.

Female football participation across the region is entering an exciting growth phase, with new opportunities emerging for clubs supporting women and girls. The Women and Girls Community Football Charter encourages clubs, leagues, and umpire groups to create inclusive, safe, and welcoming environments, guided by four principles: opportunity, visibility, access, and investment.

Clubs can easily become signatories by submitting an expression of interest and completing a short action plan with support from the state body. Benefits include access to grants, ongoing updates, recognition, and promotional resources. As momentum builds, embracing women and girls in football is strengthening club culture and fostering a unified “one club” environment.

Further information and to register your clubs EOI found here - https://play.afl/clubhelp/women-girls/community-football-charter

As a thought provoker and to compliment the Women & Girls Community Football Charter, please consider completing The Fair Access Club Self-Assessment Tool which is a practical guide developed by the City of Greater Geelong to help sporting clubs review how inclusive and welcoming they are. It allows clubs to assess key areas such as facilities, culture, leadership, participation and promotion, focusing on inclusion of women, girls and under-represented groups. The benefit is that clubs can identify strengths and gaps, then take action to improve fairness and access across all parts of the organisation. This leads to more diverse participation, stronger community connections, increased volunteering, and a more supportive environment for everyone involved in sport and active recreation. 

Complete the tool with your committee here: https://yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/index.php?cID=3580

Football Coach Developers – AFL Vic

AFL Victoria provides a free Coach Developer network to support community clubs with mentoring, training session observation, and tailored education focusing on player-centred environments. These developers work directly with local coaches, particularly in junior football, to improve training structures and game-day coaching behaviours, AFL Barwon have assigned local AFL Victoria coach developers who are more than happy to provide coach education at your club. Enquires can be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Check out these handy coaching resources packed full of videos to support coaches in our region

Container Deposit Scheme

Win a Million Cents! CDS are running their Win a Million Cents campaign again in 2026. collect at least 50 eligible drink containers, find the nearest refund point, and return containers, complete the online entry for and upload the proof of return. The entry form will automatically calculate the number of entries. Open: 10:00am Monday 4 May. Close: 11:59pm Sunday 14 June For FAQ’ s and T&C’ s - Click here

WorkSafe Footy's Favourite Farmer Nominations

Nominations are now open for the annual Footy ’ s Favourite Farmer competition, celebrating the incredible individuals who shine both on the farm and at the local oval. The competition, run in partnership with AFL Victoria, awards $10,000 to the winning farmer to put towards farm safety improvements, and another $10,000 for upgrades to their local football netball club.

Worksafe Health & Wellbeing Programs and Workshops (SALT)

Thanks to our Principal Partner, WorkSafe, and delivery partner, Sport and Life Training (SALT) , Netball Victoria is offering a range of FREE health and wellbeing courses to netball associations, leagues and clubs across the state. Topics include: Mental Health and Wellbeing, Team First Leadership, Empowered – helping girls challenge stereotypes.

For more information click here

Vixen’s Grassroots Membership

Netball Victoria affiliated clubs, associations and leagues have the opportunity to align with the Melbourne Vixens for the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball season with our Grassroots membership.

We're excited to invite all Netball Victoria affiliated clubs, associations and leagues to join us as Melbourne Vixens members for the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball season with our Grassroots membership offer, thanks to Love the Game.

Building Culturally Safe Clubs

Club leaders and coaches shape the culture of community sport through what they encourage, tolerate and address. As participation declines and clubs face growing pressure, creating more inclusive environments is key to improving retention, increasing participation and supporting healthier communities.  Set The Standard is VicHealth’s statewide campaign helping coaches and club leaders prevent and respond to racism and build inclusive club cultures through practical tools, training and everyday actions. This webinar will explore the research behind the campaign and share practical steps leaders can take to reduce and prevent racism in community sport.

Attendees will:

  • Hear the latest evidence on racism in community sport and its impact on participation, belonging and health
  • Learn how clubs can access fully subsidised anti-racism training (valued at $2,500 per club)
  • Gain practical guidance on addressing racism on and off the field
  • Learn how to share “Set The Standard” tools and resources across club networks

Date: Tuesday 19 May 2026

Time: 10am - 11.30am

Location: Online via Teams (link to be provided 24hrs prior)

Register here

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