General Updates
New Updates
GFNL
Senior Football
3/5/25 - St Joseph's vs Bell Park
A Grade Netball
3/5/25 - Geelong West vs Newtown & Chilwell
BFNL
Senior Football & A Grade Netball
3/5/25 - Ocean Grove vs Queenscliff
CDFNL
Senior Football
3/5/24 - Simpson vs Birregurra
AFL Barwon Clubs – Rising Star Nominations Now Open!
Do you have a rising star lighting up the field or the court?
AFL Barwon, in partnership with the Geelong Times, is now calling for club nominations for the Football and Netball Rising Star Award – recognising the brightest young talent in our region.
This prestigious award celebrates standout players under the age of 21 (as of January 1) from the Bellarine and Geelong Football Netball Leagues and Female Football Competitions, who show exceptional promise and performance on the field or court.
Each month, a Rising Star nominee will be featured in the Geelong Times, with all monthly nominees remaining eligible for the overall Rising Star Award, to be presented at the end of the season. Therefore, you only need to submit the application once for the season.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be under 21 years of age as of January 1
- Must have played no more than 10 Senior Football and A Grade games prior to the start of the current season
Clubs are invited to submit a nomination that includes a short write-up outlining the player’s achievements and why they deserve recognition.
Nominate Here: https://forms.gle/38tcL8rEhRawV41B6
Football
Senior Football
Reminders to use the following resources
- AFL Barwon Football match day checklist.
- Marsh Pre-match checklist
- Team manager's PlayHQ checklist.
- Team sheet input to PlayHQ at 7pm on Thursdays.
Senior Match Day team managers please Note below post-match process:
- Both Team Managers must go to the Umpires’ Rooms after the match to receive the “all clear”. I.e. confirm any reports or video review requests and collect relevant copies of any reports.
- Home Team Manager to collect, footballs and all match day paperwork from the umpires.
- Away Team Manager to provide the home team manager with their best players and goalkickers.
- Home Team Manager to enter Match Results, Best Players, and Goalkickers into PlayHQ
- No change to the post-match day process for match day team managers from 2024.
20. Coaching Requirements - Football
Refer AFL Vic Country Rules
All coaches of AFL Vic Country clubs are required to hold a current Foundation Coaching Accreditation prior to the commencement of the season. The penalty to be imposed by leagues if coaches continue to coach having not obtained the necessary accreditation must be:
i) a $200 fine (Senior) or $100 fine (Junior) and,
ii) the loss of match points for the matches won by the team whilst the unaccredited coach continues to coach.
In the event of no match points being received the league must apply the above fines. Fines are applied once only ($200 or $100) and are not applicable to every match.
In the instance where coaches are not accredited and commit to completing the relevant requirements within 7 days of receiving a request from AFL Barwon (or as otherwise agreed upon) the following bonds for clubs are to apply $200 (Senior) and $100 (Junior).
Where a coach fails to complete the relevant accreditation requirements in this timeframe, the bond paid by the club is forfeited and the above penalties will be enforced.
U18 Colts Clubs that are fixtured as HOME club but are playing at an away venue, its good practice for the team manager to reach out to the home senior club to avoid any inconveniences like rooms not open and goal post not attached.
The home U18 Colt club will be responsible for the match day footballs, paperwork, interchange and PlayHQ updates.
23. Under 18s Competitions
23.1.3 Where a team has the minimum number of players to start a match but not a full team (excluding bench), the team with the numerical advantage must either “loan” players to the opposition or play with an equal number of players on the field unless:
- A loan is offered but after evening up numbers there are still excess players in which case the team with the numerical advantage can play with one extra player; or
- The team with the numerical advantage only has one extra player than the opposition in which case the team with the numerical advantage can play with that extra player; or
- The team with minimum numbers refuses to accept “loan” players in which case the team with the numerical advantage can play at full strength.
Team Managers and Umpires are required to sign off on player numbers on the competition match report prior to the match commencing
Example 1:
Team A has 23 players - Team B has 16 players
- Team A refuses to loan players: Both Teams play with 16 on the field.
- Team B refuses to accept loaned players: Team A plays with 18 on the field and Team B plays with 16 on the field
- A loan is facilitated: Team A & Team B both play with 18 on the field with bench players allocated on agreement.
Example 2:
Team A has 21 players - Team B has 14 players
- Team A refuses to loan players: Both Teams play with 14 on the field
- Team B refuses to accept loaned players: Team plays with 18 on the field and Team B plays with 14 on the field
- A loan is facilitated: Team A plays with 18 on the field. Team B plays with 17 on the field.
Junior Football
Dear Clubs,
Congratulations on a successful week 1 of junior grading across both male and female competitions.
A couple of things to remind clubs of as we go into Round 2 this weekend.
1. Game changes
Please ensure both clubs agree to any changes that may be required to make and once confirmed communicating this to AFL Barwon as soon as possible to ensure we can update umpires etc. to ensure games can still run seamlessly.
This also includes forfeit games, which is extremely important for us to be aware of.
2. Coaching Staff/Player/Supporter Behaviour
In round 1 we have had too many behavioural incidents across games, and this is something that is far from acceptable from a league perspective.
AFL Barwon are asking clubs to ensure they are taking control and responsibility of ‘their own team’ when it comes to behaviour and verbal language from players, coaching staff, supporters, and volunteers. Clubs and Team Managers are asked to ensure they are pulling this behaviour into line on game day and focussing ONLY on their people not the oppositions.
3. Feedback/Raising Concerns
A reminder to reiterate to families and club officials to ensure they are going through the right channels to escalate concerns/queries.
The correct process is to go through your club coordinator or President to then determine if this warrants further discussion with AFL Barwon.
4. Game Day Paper Work
Non-competitive teams please ensure you upload match results to PlayHq, to then submit and upload paperwork through the QR code provided.
AFL Barwon grading committee has reviewed Round 1 of grading and will continue to do so post this weekend’s games to ensure this process is followed correctly to place teams in the best possible divisions for their team ability.
Thank you,
Lisa and Will
Resource Links
Football Umpiring
From 28 April to 4 May, AFL Barwon is proudly celebrating Community Umpiring Week – an annual initiative that shines a spotlight on the important role umpires play in our game.
Umpiring provides young people with leadership experience, keeps people active, and connects individuals to the game in a unique and rewarding way. Community Umpiring Week is about growing respect and appreciation for this role while creating a pathway for future umpires from all backgrounds and abilities.
AFL Barwon encourages clubs, players, and supporters to thank their umpires this week – and every week – for their contribution to the game.
If you or someone you know is interested in umpiring, get involved today. Visit aflbarwon.com.au/umpire to learn more or contact the AFL Barwon Umpiring Department directly.
Netball
Netball Victoria Monthly Online Education Sessions
The next sessions will take place next Monday (5 May) 6.00pm -7.30pm.
- Session 1 (6.00pm - 6.30pm)
- System updates and Netball Connect Drop-in session for associations, leagues, and clubs. This is an afterhours opportunity to have your Netball Connect queries answered by Netball Victoria's team.
- Session 2 (6.30pm – 7.00pm)
- Child Safe practices.
- Session 3 (7.00pm – 7.30pm)
- Social media - tips and tricks.
- Session 3 (7.30pm – 8.00pm)
- Netball Victoria’s transgender and gender diverse policy.
You can register for as many sessions on the night as you’d like.
Applications for the 2025 Country Football and Netball Program are now open
The Country Football and Netball Program helps upgrade and improve regional and outer metro football and netball clubs and associations.
Grants of up to $250,000 are available to deliver infrastructure projects that include the redevelopment and construction of courts, installation of lighting, and construction of new and redevelopment of existing pavilions, including genderneutral change rooms.
If your club, association or league is interested in facility enhancements through this program you should reach out to your local Council representatives or Netball Victoria’s facilities team. Noting that all applications must be submitted via a local government authority.
The 2025 Country Football and Netball Program applications close on 7 July 2025.
Reminder to update details in Netball Connect
Please update all details in Netball Connect under User > Administrators > Our Organisation.
Most importantly, please ensure all committee members are listed as a contact, even if they do not use Netball Connect in an administrative capacity. You can select 'No Admin Access'. Please also ensure all contacts have at least one role listed.
Senior Netball (BFNL & GFNL)
A huge thank you to all clubs who have already submitted their budgets and player contracts.
To all those who are yet to complete this step, budgets and player contracts (declared and non-declared) were due on April 30th – you are now OVERDUE.
For any players who are new to the club’s A Grade side from this point forward, you must submit a standard player declaration or non-declared players statement to
For all player payment and player points documentation, you can find this HERE.
If you require support in this space, please see the video linked below, or contact Sophie Allison.
Due to byes being present in GFNL 17&U Division 2 and 15&U Division 2 competitions, consolation fixtures have been created for the teams that have byes.
These have been updated in PlayHQ, and are worth competition points.
This move has seen teams go from playing as few as 13 games, to 16 in some cases, meaning our players are having more opportunity on court.
AFL Barwon are seeking support from a club within our region to host the practical component of the Development Coaching Course in approximately 6-8 weeks
The course runs for approximately 4-5 hours, and requires the use of courts and a meeting space with TV/projector.
CHECK LIST:
- Organise venue – meeting room (TV and audio-visual equipment required) and netball court (indoor court is preferred). Ensure sufficient seating is available.
- Organise and confirm players for practical session. (14 to 18 players) – AFLB can support
- Contact Coach Developer prior to workshop day. – AFLB can support
- Ensure basic first aid kit is available.
- Organise equipment (balls, bibs and cones).
- Organise whiteboard & markers
- Mark participant attendance on Registration Sheet. Check all required information is completed.
- Ensure course material provided by Netball Victoria is distributed at the course.
- Forward completed Registration Sheet and any additional manuals to Netball Victoria’s Workforce Department within 7 days after the course using the reply-paid envelope supplied.
If your club has someone who needs/wants to undertake the course, or you’d just be happy to help out for the day, please contact
CDFNL Netball
- Goals must be entered as goals and attempts – not misses. i.e. Should read 3 goals from 5 attempts – not 3 goals and 2 misses.
- Attempts are not required for 15&U and below.
- Any player who does not take the court must be removed from the PlayHQ line up – please refer to position tracking sheets for this data.
- Player positions MUST be entered for A Grade matches – not just goalers!
- Any player who is handwritten on must be added to the PlayHQ line up (if they took the court)
- DO NOT use the ‘fill in player’ button – use ‘club players’ only.
- If you’re unable to add players to the line-up, you’re welcome to flick us an email as we check paperwork each Mon-Weds.
All CDFNL Coaching certificates were required to be submitted by April 30th 2025 to either Sally Montano or Sophie Allison.
As this date has now passed, the following will apply.
“The penalty to be imposed by the CDFNL Board if coaches continue to coach having not obtained the necessary accreditation must be:
i) a $200 fine (Senior) or $100 fine (Junior) and
ii) the loss of match points for the matches won by the team whilst the unaccredited coach continues to coach
In the event of no match points being received then AFL Barwon must apply the above fines.
Fines are applied once only ($200 or $100) and are not applicable to every match.
From the weekend’s games, we have unfortunately had some feedback that has led to this reminder.
It is an expectation that no matter your role, you conduct yourself respectfully when interacting with others.
- As coaches, it’s expected that your players, the opposition and umpires are treated with respect.
- As umpires, while tone can be used as part of match management – it should be used within the requirements of the game, it should NOT become personal, and should be used in line with other components of match management
- As players, the sport should be played with good spirit, and be a good contest but fair. At the end of the game, it is all left on court, and we shake hands and move on.
It is disappointing that a reminder of this nature is required, but please take it on board and ensure you are keeping your members accountable, and that they are conducting themselves in a manner in which you want your club represented.
Junior Netball
Barwon Junior Netball Championships
- Geelong & District FNL vs Geelong FNL @ Oberon High School
-
- 13U at 5:20pm, 15U at 6:30pm, 17U at 7:40pm.
- Bellarine FNL vs Colac & District FNL @ Bluewater Leisure Centre, Colac
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- 13U at 5:50pm, 15U at 5:50pm, 17U at 7pm.
Geelong Central Netball Association
- 13&U Geelong FNL vs KIC Kangaroos @ 7pm, Kardinia Park court 4
- 13&U Bellarine FNL vs The Randos @ 6:05pm, Kardinia Park court 4
- 15&U Geelong FNL vs Foxes @ 7pm, Kardinia Park court 3
- 15&U Bellarine FNL vs Southern Star Diamonds @ 7:55pm, Kardinia Park court 5
Thank you to everyone for a fantastic first night of Junior Midweek Netball on Tuesday night. It was great to see so many players on court across the three venues!
Just a couple important reminders:
- Please select your team’s line-up each week so your players are printed on the scoresheet.
- Please ensure all players taking the court are on both the scoresheet and position tracking sheet. If needing to hand write a player’s name, ensure you put both first and last name.
- Taping of piercings is NOT PERMITTED. Players will be asked to remove jewellery and piercings before taking the court.
More information will be sent to clubs this week. We look forward to continuing with Round 1 tomorrow night!
Due to filming of a movie taking place at Kardinia Park from 26th April until May 3rd, carparking at Kardinia Park will be impacted for our Tuesday and Friday round 1 competitions.
Please allow PLENTY of time to get to your game. We encourage car-pooling, or parking offsite and walking to the venue.
With a new season comes new umpires on their very first games! We are so excited to welcome them to umpiring, and look forward to seeing their development over the course of the season. We wish them the best in their umpiring journey!
Please be reminded of the green wristband initiative – if they wear green, they’re under 18!
It goes without saying, however, it is an expectation that all spectators, players, team officials, and anyone present at matches, will not engage in any sort of disrespectful behaviour towards these officials. Poor behaviour will not be tolerated.
If you wouldn’t say it to your own child, grandchild, relative or friend, don’t say it to our umpires!
Resource Links
Netball Umpiring
Clubs are required to email through their umpire rosters by the conclusion of each round to
MIDWEEK UMPIRES WILL RECEIVE THIER WRISTBANDS WHEN CHECKING IN ON TUESDAY/FRIDAY NEXT WEEK.
Please be reminded of the statewide ‘If they’re wearing green, they’re under 18’ umpiring initiative!
Our underage umpires will be out in force with midweek commencing this next week, and while NO umpire deserves to be abused or disrespected – there is absolutely no place in our competitions for disrespect of our underage umpires.
Don’t be a by-stander if this occurs – please stand up and support our umpires, and advise AFL Barwon of any instances whereby this occurs.
9.8 Club Umpires are to be dressed appropriately in umpire’s attire: White t-shirt or jumper, white or navy shorts or skirt, correct sports shoes. White or navy tracksuit pants/leggings and white rain jacket are permitted.
9.9 Panel umpires are to be dressed appropriately in umpire’s attire: White t-shirt or jumper, white or navy skirt or shorts, and correct sport shoes. Penalty: $20.00 fine to the offending Club or Panel Umpire
Purchase uniform from our online shop.
Club Development
New Updates
We want to hear about your club!
AFL Barwon and AFL Victoria want to better understand your clubs’ structures,
challenges and priorities so we can better support, not only your club, but club volunteers across the state for 2025 and beyond.
The best ways to complete the survey are to:
- Complete as a whole committee at your next committee meeting; or
- Get a few members of your committee to complete the survey separately in their own time.
No matter how the survey is completed, we appreciate your time and insight regarding your clubs’ structures, challenges, and priorities.
Overall, we have had approximately 44% of clubs in Victoria respond to the 2025 Club Health Check.
With a goal of 60%, a new opportunity for clubs who complete the Club Health Check has launched.
Clubs who complete the survey before 11:59pm June 9 go in the draw to win a prize worth $4,100 ex GST ($2k cash + 12 footys)!
N.B.: All responses submitted during the competition period (before 09/06/’25) go in the draw to win the prize, so all previous responses since late last year will be eligible. N.B.: Each club would only be entered once for one or more surveys complete.
In the lead up to National Volunteer Week 2025, this webinar by Sport Integrity Australia is designed to empower and educate community volunteers on the importance of integrity in sport. Clubs will gain insights into best practice for promoting fair play, safeguarding children, and strategies to tackle common volunteer challenges.
Action: Register for the webinar and encourage other volunteers at your club to register as well.
We have been approached with the opportunity for club trainers to complete their level 1 trainer’s course.
The cost is $299 per person with the date TBC pending registrations.
If you are interested, please email
An increasing challenge clubs are facing is the support to community members for mental health and wellbeing. Those not familiar with the vast numbers of resources, programs, toolkits and guides make sure you check out the Mental Health & Wellbeing Page on the AFL Help website.
Our Mental Health partners in Read the Play and Tackle your Feelings also provide wonderful programs and services for clubs too. More information can be found at our Mental Health Page on the AFL Barwon website.
Local football clubs across the state will be supported to raise funds and become more sustainable through a new partnership between AFL Victoria and Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic). CDS Vic provides the opportunity for Victorians to return eligible drink containers for a 10-cent refund.
The Toyota Good for Footy Raffle is back for 2025! If a club has never engaged with the program, they can now register for free via the link below.
Clubs who have previously registered are automatically re-registered and can start fundraising Immediately.
A nation-wide search to find, recognise, and reward local community legends who fire up the BBQ every weekend, serving up snags in bread to raise much-needed funds for their clubs. for more information.
Nominations are open now! Closing: 24 August 2025.
The 2025 PILA Goal Post Subsidy Program is now open for all AFL Victoria affiliated clubs.
Subsidy will provide up to $1000 towards the cost of new posts for your ground.
This program is open until 30 June, 2025
The City of Greater Geelong is excited to present a Fair Access Workshop.
The introductory workshop will be led and delivered via partnership with Regional Sporting Assembly - Leisure Networks. The workshop aims to progressively build the capacity and capabilities of the sporting Clubs and associated stakeholders in identifying and eliminating systemic causes of gender inequality in policy, programs, communications, delivery and allocation of community sports and recreation infrastructure.
We welcome Clubs across the G21 region to learn how we can collectively and inclusively develop sustainable and equitable practices in a sport and recreation environment.
Date: 14 May
Time: 6.00pm
Location: Online or in person at Wurriki Nyal 137-149 Mercer Street Geelong, VIC 3220
The 2025 City of Greater Geelong Sport and Recreation Census is now live and we would love to hear from your club.
The aim of the Sport and Recreations Census is to
- Understand the constraints on pavilions and reserves
- Identify gaps, opportunities and address challenges
- Understand sport and recreation trends
- Understand who, when and how our people are using council assets
- Obtain data to support our strategic planning for our future.
Club Noticeboard
Commercial Partnerships
New Updates
Register Now and join the PLAY4BCNA Round.
For support materials and merchandise orders to arrive in time for Mother’s Day weekend – order cut off is Friday May 2 (tomorrow).
If hosting on any other weekend please allow a minimum of 5 business days for deliveries to arrive.
Link to shop BCNA merch: https://pinksportsday.bcna.org.au/store
AFL Barwon Clubs Offer to Feature in Times News Group Publications
AFL Barwon is excited to announce a new initiative with valued partner Times News Group, which will see all Geelong FNL and Bellarine FNL clubs receive dedicated editorial space in their local Times News Group publication.
As part of this partnership, each club will be provided with a half-page editorial opportunity across the 2025 season. This space offers a fantastic platform for clubs to showcase achievements, promote upcoming events, and share important community updates with a broad and engaged local readership.
With content appearing in the regionally aligned editions of the Times News Group – such as the Geelong Times, Surf Coast Times, Bellarine Times, and Golden Plains Times – the initiative ensures clubs can directly reach their local supporters and broader community networks.
To take up this offer throughout the season, please email AFL Barwon Commercial Partnerships Manager, Sean Atkinson for further details.
Get ready to see the Geelong Cats take on GWS Giants at GMHBA Stadium on Sunday 11 May!
Secure your seats with this 25% off Joel Selwood Stand seats offer to AFL Barwon
