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THE BARWON BULLETIN

The official noticeboard for AFL Barwon Club Officials & Volunteers.
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EDITION 94
SEPTEMBER 9, 2026
(LAST UPDATED - SEPTEMBER 9, 2026)

(Umpire appointments are updated Thursday 4pm)

Kempe Junior Football Vote Count Award Winners

AFL Barwon has congratulated the winners and placegetters from the 2026 Junior Football Vote Counts, with 11 best and fairest winners recognised across the Under 14 and Under 16 competitions.

Over 5250 viewers tuned in to watch the vote counts virtually in this years new format. 

In the Under 16 competitions, St Joseph’s Hamish Watson claimed the Division 1 Uncle Buck’s Cup with 15 votes, while Drysdale’s Jai Foot won the Division 2 Kempe Cup with 15 votes. Armstrong Creek’s Sonny Primmer dominated Division 3, polling 27 votes after being named among the best nine times. Portarlington’s Ashley Muscat produced one of the standout performances of the counts, winning Division 4 with 31 votes after being named in the best in every game.

Corey King of Anakie/Lara took out Division 5 with 15 votes.

In the Under 14 competitions, Geelong East’s Phillip Coumans won Division 1 with 22 votes, while Grovedale’s James Richardson claimed Division 2 with 24 votes after being named in the best in every game.

Armstrong Creek’s Noah Dunscombe won Division 3 with 26 votes, Anglesea’s Finn Bereza took Division 4 with 27, and Modewarre’s Xavier Partridge dominated Division 5 with 32 votes.

North Geelong’s Ashley Fiorillo won Division 6 with 20 votes, while Newtown & Chilwell’s Max Growse narrowly claimed Division 7 with 18 votes.

AFL Barwon congratulates all winners and placegetters on their outstanding seasons.

CDFNL Junior Vote Count Award Winners

The Colac & District Football Netball League has announced its 2026 junior award winners following Monday night’s junior presentation at the Colac RSL, with outstanding performances recognised across football and netball.

In the Under 18 South West TAFE Cup, South Colac’s Gavin Reynolds claimed the Best & Fairest with 20 votes, narrowly ahead of Colac Imperials’ Bodhi Garlick on 18.

Irrewarra-Beeac’s Nader Black was a dominant winner of the Under 15 Bulla Cup, polling 41 votes to finish 12 clear of Western Eagles’ Kayleb Bartlett on 29.

In netball, Irrewarra-Beeac’s Ruby Hall won the 17 & Under South West TAFE Cup with 38 votes, ahead of South Colac’s Jessica Dellar on 35 and Alvie’s Sophie Bell on 33.

The 15 & Under Bulla Dairy Foods Cup produced a thrilling finish, with Simpson’s Milah Crole edging Colac Imperials’ Natalie Farquaharson by a single vote, 32 to 31.

The 13 & Under Steve Finn Used Cars Group count was even closer, with a three-way tie for Best & Fairest. Alvie’s Lily Simon, Western Eagles’ Regan Smart and Birregurra’s Savannah Kelly all finished on 35 votes.

The Colac & District FNL congratulates all award winners and placegetters on their outstanding seasons and achievements.

All Actions Create Memories

Finals time is about creating lasting memories that can be talked about for years to come.

Across this exciting finals period, let’s make sure the memories we create are positive ones for everyone involved — memories worth celebrating, not ones that should be forgotten.

Respect the game, respect the opposition and respect our officials throughout the finals series.

We’ve created a downloadable social tile and would appreciate all clubs sharing it across their social media platforms throughout the finals period.

Let’s make finals memorable for all the right reasons

Pre-Purchase Tickets and Save!

Beat the queues and save money by securing your tickets online before you arrive.

Early Bird tickets are available now: Purchase tickets

Early Bird ticket prices:

  • Adult (18+): $15
  • Concession: $10
  • Junior (5–17): $5
  • Family (2 Adults + 2 Children): $40

Get your tickets early, skip the queues and get straight into the finals action!

Vote Count and Presentation Reminders

The AFL Barwon presentation calendar continues with the Under 18 Football and 19 & Under Netball Presentation Night on Monday, September 14 at Buckley's Entertainment Centre.

The AFL Barwon Junior Netball Vote Counts will follow on Tuesday September 15 virtually via the AFL Barwon website, before the Ash Medal for the Dow Bellarine FNL is celebrated on Wednesday, September 16.

The Geelong FNL's Mathieson & Woolley Medal Presentation Night will then take place on Tuesday, September 22.

Links to register for the events will be sent to clubs directly.

GFNL & BFNL Netball

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.

BFNL & GFNL Finals Information

Scorers Roster – Action Required

Participating clubs have been allocated an INDEPENDENT SCORER duty.

The names of the people who will be fulfilling these roles for your clubs must be back to Sophie Allison by 12pm Wednesday.

Please note, you will still need a check scorer for all games you are competing in, who will work alongside the independent scorer.

Ticketing

Please find on the link below information in relation to the Ticketing Process for 2026.

Ticket links will be distributed by Tuesday of each week to your nominated email address.

Ticketing Process Here

Bench Officials - Action Required

Thanks to those of you who have submitted the Bench Officials Template. If you are yet to complete this step, please do so as a matter of urgency.  

Team Entry

PLEASE ensure your line ups are selected by 12pm Wednesday so we can commence typing up position tracking documents. We appreciate your support in this space.

Player Changes

Player change slips will be available at the office and in tubs at the courts each weekend. We do know that some clubs like to pre-type these, so please find a template attached. 

Junior / Midweek Netball

Midweek Netball Grand Finals

The Grand Final fixture for Friday 9th September can now be found on PlayHQ.

All midweek grand finals matches will be played at Kardinia Park.

Good luck to all competing teams!

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

Netball Umpiring

2026/27 Summer Midweek Umpiring Sign-up

For the upcoming season, AFL Barwon will only be accepting a handful of new umpires, pending team entries and overall umpire sign-ups. This is to ensure our current umpires have enough opportunities to umpire regularly, develop their skills and get the most out of the mentoring available.
Returning umpires or umpire with 6+ months experience on court can complete the sign-up via the website below.

2026/27 Summer Midweek Mentoring Sign-up (Tuesday's and Friday's)

AFL Barwon is seeking experienced umpire mentors to support umpire development across our competitions. If you are keen to share your knowledge, please complete the sign-up via the website below.

Resource Links

HITIQ PROTEQT Website Survey

HITIQ are looking for people to complete a short usability test of our new PROTEQT website concept.

You may be suitable if you are:

  • Based in Australia and aged 18+

  • A parent or guardian of a contact-sport player, or an adult player yourself

  • Unfamiliar or only slightly familiar with PROTEQT

  • Not employed by HITIQ or involved in the website project

The test takes approximately 10 minutes and must be completed on a desktop or laptop with a microphone enabled. We’re looking for completely honest feedback—no design or technology experience is required.

Test link: https://usabi.li/do/yquo3ap8akru/tyun9o

Thank you for your help

Build a More Inclusive Club

How confident is your club when it comes to LGBTQI+ inclusion? 

Join us for a FREE online LGBTQI+ Inclusion Webinar designed to help clubs create a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone — players, volunteers, families and supporters.

This webinar is suitable for anyone from a club to attend including, committee members, team managers, or wellbeing coordinators who are interested in shaping the culture of the club.

Learn about:

  • Inclusive language & behaviours
  • AFL resources and support
  • Practical ways to foster LGBTQI+ inclusion
  • Creating a positive club culture

📅 Wednesday 14 October
6:00–7:30pm
💻 Online
💰 FREE

Set the Standard: Build a Club Where Everyone Belong

FREE ANTI-RACISM EDUCATION FOR COMMUNITY SPORTING CLUBS

Could your club be more confident in preventing and responding to racism?

Leisure Networks, in partnership with Regional Sport Victoria and VicHealth, are bringing Set the Standard to the Barwon region — helping community sporting clubs create more welcoming, inclusive and culturally safe environments for everyone.

🏉 FREE WORKSHOPS. PRACTICAL TOOLS. REAL IMPACT.

A limited number of fully subsidised Reflect Forward anti-racism workshops are available to eligible sporting clubs.

These interactive workshops will help club leaders and volunteers:

✅ Understand racism and its impact in community sport
✅ Build confidence to respond when racism occurs
✅ Create a more inclusive and culturally safe club environment
✅ Access practical tools and resources your club can use immediately

You don't need to have all the answers. Whether your club is just starting its inclusion journey or building on existing initiatives, Set the Standard provides practical support to help create positive change.

Community sport has the power to bring people together, create connection and foster belonging.

Let's make sure everyone feels welcome, respected and valued.

SET THE STANDARD. START THE CONVERSATION. CREATE CHANGE.

Limited places available — don't miss this opportunity to strengthen your club's culture.

All club enquires can be directed to

Andrew Crowley

Leisure Networks - Your Regional Sports Assembly

Manager Sport Recreation and Health

0417 932174 E  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Container Deposit Scheme award nominations

Is your club registered as a CDS donation partner?

Does your club go above and beyond to raise funds for an important cause? Now is the time to give them the recognition they deserve!

There’s still time to shine the spotlight on a club making a real difference in the community through fundraising.

NOMINATIONS CLOSE SEPTEMBER 11!

Get your nomination in now and help your club get the recognition it deserves!

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.
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
📅 Thursdays: 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.

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.

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