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THE BARWON BULLETIN

The official noticeboard for AFL Barwon Club Officials & Volunteers.
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EDITION 69
March 4, 2026
(LAST UPDATED - March 4, 2026)
Bulletin Archive
Contact Us

General Updates

2026 AFL Barwon On-Field Style Guide

Please see the below link for copy of the 2026 AFL Barwon Style Guide for on-field apparel. 

View Here
2026 Bellarine FNL & Geelong FNL Number 1 Ticket Holder Nominations

The AFL Barwon Commission are seeking nominations for the 2026 BFNL and GFNL Number 1 Ticket Holder(s).

The Number 1 Ticket Holder is a prestigious honour that is bestowed upon an individual who exemplifies outstanding support, dedication, and passion for their respective league.

Nominate Here
PlayHQ Education Session – Hosted by Danielle Cornwall

AFL Barwon Netball and Football administrators are invited to join Danielle Cornwall from PlayHQ for an introductory-level education session on Wednesday, 4 March at 6:15 pm.

Register Here
AFL Barwon Awards Life Membership to Three Long-Serving Commissioners

AFL Barwon has awarded Life Membership upon Richard Underwood, Robert Hallett and Ian McTaggart in recognition of their outstanding and sustained service to the Barwon region.

The honour was presented at the AFL Barwon AGM, celebrating the trio’s combined contribution and leadership across nine years each on the AFL Barwon Commission. Their tenure spanned a significant period of growth and evolution for the organisation, during which they helped guide strategic direction, strengthen governance, and support clubs across the region.

Across nearly a decade of service, Underwood, Hallett and McTaggart played an instrumental role in shaping AFL Barwon’s future. Their time on the Commission coincided with participation growth, expansion of female football and netball pathways, enhanced commercial partnerships, and continued investment in club development and community engagement initiatives.

Read More
New Directors Appointed at AFL Barwon AGM

AFL Barwon is pleased to announce the appointment of Nick Lang, Todd Devine and Michael Fitzgerald to the AFL Barwon Board, endorsed by members at the Annual General Meeting.

Two of the Director vacancies were filled by nominees from the Bellarine Football Netball League and Geelong Football Netball League Boards, with Todd Devine and Michael Fitzgerald appointed through that process. Nick Lang was also voted in by member clubs to join the Board.

The three new Directors bring a wealth of experience across community sport, governance and business, and will play an important role in guiding the continued growth and strategic direction of football and netball across the Barwon region.

Read More
City of Greater Geelong Sporting Club Information Night

The City of Greater Geelong are inviting clubs to Sporting Club Information Night.

This event offers a great opportunity for new and existing club officials to get up to speed on everything you need to know when operating and booking facilities on council-managed land.

Event Details:

When: Wednesday, 18 March 2026, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm AEDT

Format: Hybrid— online (link sent 2 days before)

Designed for:

  • Club officials and committee members
  • Anyone managing bookings, facilities, or council operations
  • Sporting associations


Agenda

  • Sports lighting maintenance 
  • Fees and charges
  • Council Vs Club responsibilities
  • Parks level of service
  • Facilities maintenance
  • Keys & security
  • Works on council land/buildings
  • New booking system
  • Key contacts
Register Here
Trainers Course EOI

AFL Barwon is seeking expressions of interest from clubs interested in participating in a Trainers Course ahead of the upcoming season.

Clubs keen to take part should email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register their interest.

AFL Victoria

Promotion of your club

The AFL provides a wide range of marketing assets and editable templates that you can use to promote your club.

For social media, assets are available in different sizes depending if you're posting in feed or via story on Facebook & Instagram. Include any text in your post rather than on these images for better engagement.

For Flyers, these are editable so you can tailor the image and club details to suit your audience. Only include key details such as program, location & time to make sure your message is clear and simple. Clubs yet to open/promote/ their registrations should do so as soon as possible.

Promotional Toolkits and Resources - Play AFL
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

Grants

Telstra Footy Grants - 2nd round open

2nd round opened 02/02/2026 and closes 02/04/2026.

  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

Are you Coaching in 2026?

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

Junior Football

Junior Team Submissions 2026

We're now asking for all Junior Football Team Entries for 2026! We ask that this please be submitted as soon as possible, and no later than March 13th.

Please read through the entire form which covers nominations for U9, U10, U12, U14 & U16 age groups for Male Football and U9, U10, U12, U14 & U17 for Female Football. There will be a separate form to fill out for Male and Female teams.

Once you make it to the end of the form and are happy with your entries by age group, please ensure you click the submit button to ensure your entries come through on our end.

AFL Barwon Junior Male Football Team Entry Form:

https://www.cognitoforms.com/AFLBARWONFOOTBALLCOMMISSIONLIMITED/_JuniorMaleTeamEntries

AFL Barwon Junior Female Football Team Entry Form:

https://www.cognitoforms.com/AFLBARWONFOOTBALLCOMMISSIONLIMITED/_JuniorFemaleTeamEntries

Junior Representative Football Opportunity

School Sport Australia (SSA) presents the SSA Australian Football Championships which gives aspiring Boys born in 2012 and 2013 the opportunity to trial and represent Victoria in the 2026 SSA Championship in Melbourne this July.

2026 marks the first year that the competition will be also played at the Under 14 age group. Team Vic will be selecting 2 teams (Blue and White) which gives more players an opportunity to be selected.

Nominations for trials have just opened, and all information and a nomination link can be found here or below: https://www.ssv.vic.edu.au/team-vic/Pages/Australian-Football.aspx

Registrations for the 14 Years and Under Boys teams opened on Thursday, 15 January 2026.

The registration link is now available below:

14 Years and Under Boys

Registrations close at 11:59pm, Friday, 6 March 2026.

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
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.

Resource Links

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

Netball

General Netball

Preseason Handbook

Please find linked below, the 2026 Preseason Handbook – a resource created to step you through some of the required administrative tasks at a club level. This resource includes video links and pictures, to help you navigate through items you may be unsure about.

Similarly, a match day operations document will be finalised and shared with clubs in the coming months, to support game day operations.

2026 Preseason Handbook
Team Entry Links
What is it? - Geelong Barwon Netball – WINTER - Monday Women's

Continuing on from the term 4 and term 1 competitions, the partnership between AFL Barwon and Geelong United Basketball will continue, with a brand-new 15 rounds WINTER season commencing. 

This competition is set up under the "Geelong Barwon Netball" banner.

  • Teams are entered independently (don't need to be entered under the club admin accounts/be club aligned - social teams also welcome)
    • Participants who play Saturday are not excluded from this competition and may also enter should they wish.
  • Teams are paid for at the point of registration via the link above.
    • Players will then pay a $13.92 weekly fee. 
  • Netball Connect links will be provided for this competition

Geelong Barwon Netball - Winter Season Dates

Game Date

Round

Monday, 13 April 2026

Round 1

Monday, 20 April 2026

Round 2

Monday, 27 April 2026

Round 3

Monday, 4 May 2026

Round 4

Monday, 11 May 2026

Round 5

Monday, 18 May 2026

Round 6

Monday, 25 May 2026

Round 7

Monday, 1 June 2026

Round 8

Monday, 8 June 2026

BYE (King's B'day)

Monday, 15 June 2026

Round 9

Monday, 22 June 2026

Round 10

Monday, 29 June 2026

Round 11

Monday, 6 July 2026

BYE (League bye)

Monday, 13 July 2026

Round 12

Monday, 20 July 2026

Round 13

Monday, 27 July 2026

Round 14

Monday, 3 August 2026

Round 15

Monday, 10 August 2026

SF

Monday, 17 August 2026

PF

Monday, 24 August 2026

GF

 

Please feel free to reach out if you have any queries or interest in this competition

Junior / Midweek Netball

Grill’d Summer Netball Competition

Thank you to all teams who participated in the 2025/26 Grill’d Summer Netball Competition.

AFL Barwon would like to congratulate the following teams on taking out this season’s premiership title.

Well done to all involved, and we look forward to seeing you back on court next season!

13&U Div 6 Grill'd Summer Competition - Grovedale Tigers 24 v Newtown Jeanes 6

13&U Div 4 Grill'd Summer Competition - Geelong West Orange 19 v South Barwon Bronze 28

13&U Div 9 Grill'd Summer Competition - Grovedale Gold 13 v Newtown Bright 11

15&U Div 8 Grill'd Summer Competition - Bell Park Green 17 v Grovedale Silver 18

13&U Div 7B Grill'd Summer Competition - St Mary’s Greig 23v St Mary’s Biggs 10

13&U Div 2B Grill'd Summer Competition - South Barwon Swans 23 v Ocean Grove Court Crushers 19

13&U Div 7A Grill'd Summer Competition - St Mary’s Sherman 12 v Suns Southside 15

13&U Div 5B Grill'd Summer Competition - Belmont Lions 21 v Drysdale Yellow 17

13&U Div 8 Grill'd Summer Competition - St Mary’s Navy 23 v Corio 22

13&U Div 1 Grill'd Summer Competition - Ammos Emeralds 26 v South Barwon Swans 21  

15&U Div 2 Grill'd Summer Competition - Bannockburn Tigers 37 v Suns Danger 23

15&U Div 1 Grill'd Summer Competition - Bell Park Dragons 29 v St Mary’s Gold 26

15&U Div 9 Grill'd Summer Competition - Ammos White 14 v Bell Park Grey 18

15&U Div 7 Grill'd Summer Competition - Anglesea Blue 14 v Bannockburn Gold 6

15&U Div 3 Grill'd Summer Competition - Inverleigh Hawks White 25 v Bell Park Black 17 

13&U Div 3 Grill'd Summer Competition - St Albans Madden 19 v Ammos Blue 13

13&U Div 2A Grill'd Summer Competition - Ocean Grove Waves 19 v Suns Birdrock 23

13&U Div 10 Grill'd Summer Competition - Port McGarry 12 v Armstrong Creek Green Sharks 5

15&U Div 6 Grill'd Summer Competition - Joeys Yellow 22 v Suns Cosy 9

15&U Div 4 Grill'd Summer Competition - Modda Blue 34 v Inverleigh Brown 13

13&U Div 5A Grill'd Summer Competition - Thomson Tigers 31 v Ammos Green 19

15&U Div 5 Grill'd Summer Competition - Lara Blue 27 v St Mary’s Blood 13

17&U Div 1 Grill'd Summer Competition - Anglesea Pink 44 v Bell Park Dragons 18

17&U Div 2 Grill'd Summer Competition - Leopold Roar 36 v South Barwon Swans 38

17&U Div 3 Grill'd Summer Competition - Geelong West White 32 v Grovedale Black 33

17&U Div 4 Grill'd Summer Competition - North Geelong Magpies 17 v Bell Post Hill 18

17&U Div 5 Grill'd Summer Competition - Inverleigh Hawks Gold 27 v Inverleigh Hawks Brown 17

17&U Div 6 Grill'd Summer Competition - Joeys Black 33 v Torquay Yellow 9

Kardinia Park All-Abilities Competition - Geelong West Giants 25 v Surf Coast Suns 6

BFNL Representative Team Win's Tournament

Congratulations to the 13&U BFNL Representative Champs team for winning the Ariel’s tournament last weekend!

Netball Umpiring

ACTION REQUIRED: Club Umpire Coordinators

Can clubs please send through the name and contact information of who will be their Club Umpire Coordinator’s for the 2026 season This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Tuesday 10 March

Netball Umpire Uniforms Window

Uniform purchase order window: 1–7 March.

This is your last chance to secure your AFL Barwon netball umpire uniform before the Winter seasons start.

Youth sizes are now available.

Order online here
Mentoring Opportunities (Monday's, Tuesday's, Friday's & Saturday's)

We are looking for umpire mentors to assist with the development of umpires through our competitions. If you have experience in umpiring and are keen to share your knowledge to others then it would be great to hear from you.

Click the link below and scroll to the mentoring section.

Click here
Want to start umpiring netball or sign up to umpiring midweek winter competitions

Click the link below to see the pre-requisites required to start your umpiring journey.

Click 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

Resource Links

Netball Resources
2026 AFL Barwon Pre-season Handbook

Netball Victoria

Courses & Education

Spread the word! Become a Community Coach with Netball Victoria

Become a Community Coach – a paid role coaching school programs and clinics across Victoria

More Information

Endorsed Umpire Tester List

Click the link for the current 2026 Endorsed Umpire Tester list
All umpire testers are required to attend a meeting and register as a tester on Netball Connect.

Endorsed Testers List (Jan 2026).pdf

Advanced Umpire Course - Netball Australia

Netball Australia have launched the Advanced Umpire Course.
Umpiring is both rewarding and challenging. This course supports umpires who are refining their skills and preparing to progress through the umpiring pathway.
The Advanced Umpire Course is a prerequisite for obtaining a National A Badge, which is required to officiate at National Championships and State League. Whether you're working towards your A Badge Accreditation or looking to further refine your umpiring skills, this course provides an opportunity to expand your knowledge and build confidence on court.
Umpires intending to continue towards A Badge testing will also be required to complete a two-hour face-to-face workshop, organised through their relevant Member Organisation.

https://learning.netball.com.au/enrol/index.php?id=2042

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.

Support & Help

Netball Victoria Online Support – Ask Netti

Got a question or need help fast? Head to our website and chat with Ask Netti — Netball Victoria’s hardest-working team member and our Virtual Assistant! Netti can help you find instant answers to your questions across all Netball Victoria content, and if she can’t, you’ll have the option to submit your query to our support team for follow-up. Connect with Ask Netti

Need to submit a query or Netball Connect ticket to our Support Team?

Simply send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  Save this email address for future reference - it’s a direct link to our Support Team.

If you would like to speak to someone, please include your phone number and request a call back.

 

Need to submit a query or Netball Connect ticket to our Support Team?

Simply send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  Save this email address for future reference - it’s a direct link to our Support Team.

If you would like to speak to someone, please include your phone number and request a call back.

Melbourne Vixens Grassroot affiliate membership

Free 2026 MV Grassroot membership available to NV affiliates and clubs. 

Join now

Commercial Partnerships

GameFace is seeking Camera Operators

GameFace is looking for enthusiastic individuals to join their team as Camera Operators to film Football matches across the region in 2026.

No experience is required, with full training and all equipment provided.

It’s a great opportunity to be involved in local football and gain hands-on experience in sports media.

Apply now: www.gamefaceon.com.au/hiring

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