ANZAC Day clash and Grand Final rematch included in updated fixture changes 

AFL Barwon wishes to advise of several fixture changes for the 2025 season across both Bellarine & Geelong Football and Netball competitions. 

Please see all the updated match times and dates below: 

Twilight Matches for Colac in Round 0 and Round 3 

Colac vs Bell Park (Round 0) will feature a twilight Senior Football match kicking off at 5:30pm, while A Grade Netball will commence at 3:50pm 

Colac vs South Barwon (Round 3) will also be played under twilight conditions, with Senior Football starting at 5:30pm and A Grade Netball at 3:50pm. 

ANZAC Day Night Clash: Newcomb vs Ocean Grove 

Newcomb vs Ocean Grove clash has been rescheduled to an ANZAC Day night fixture, adding to the significance of the day in the Bellarine FNL. Both Senior Football and A Grade Netball will now take place under lights, with first bounce and first centre pass at 6:30pm. 

This change marks a shift from the traditional scheduling and enhances the ANZAC Day proceedings in the region, complementing the existing Portarlington vs Drysdale fixture earlier in the day.   

South Barwon vs Leopold moved back to Saturday 

The highly anticipated Grand Final rematch between South Barwon and Leopold has been rescheduled to Saturday, May 24th, reverting to traditional time slots after originally set for Sunday May 25th. 

Leopold vs St Joseph’s Netball Venue Change 

The Leopold vs St Joseph’s A Grade Netball match, originally scheduled to be played in Lorne, will now be played at Leopold on Saturday, April 12th due to court issues. 

For the latest fixture updates and matchday information, stay tuned to the AFL Barwon website and social media channels. 

The AFL Barwon Commission can confirm to stakeholders that club affiliation and winter team fees will remain unchanged for the 2025 season. 

Affiliation and winter Football team fees have remained unchanged following a review conducted in 2021, during which AFL Barwon significantly subsidised fees at the conclusion of the season. 

AFL Barwon will conduct a comprehensive review of all affiliation and team entry fees throughout the 2025 season to ensure a fair and sustainable fee structure for 2026 and beyond. This review will consider economic pressures, cost increases across all facets of football and netball operations, and the long-term sustainability of club and AFL Barwon finances. 

 While this decision helps ease immediate financial pressures on clubs, AFL Barwon remains committed to working closely with clubs and maintaining transparency throughout this process. 

New AFL Barwon Club Content Submission Form – Share Your Stories & Updates

AFL Barwon is excited to introduce a new, streamlined process for clubs to submit social media content, major news stories, and community updates for us to share.

We will use this information to create a regular Club Noticeboard update across our platforms, with the possibility of broader coverage for major announcements.

What can you submit?
Game day photos/videos 
Player milestones & achievements 
Club events & announcements 
Community initiatives & feel-good stories 
Major club news & opportunities 

How to submit?
Fill out our AFL Barwon Club Content Submission Form

We encourage all clubs to use this form to keep us informed about exciting news and key updates we can share across our platforms. Whether it's a player reaching a milestone, a club fundraiser, or a heartwarming community initiative, we want to hear about it. 

If you have any questions, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Thank you to everyone who attended a Club Education session this week. 

All sessions were recorded and will be available on the Club Education Hub within the next week. 

More information to come.

Pendlebury: Beyond 400 – A Howie Games Special Podcast Project which could help your club! 

Howie and Pendles have worked hard across the pre-season on this Howie Games special project, Pendlebury: Beyond 400. 

It has become a goldmine of wisdom for clubs, players, and aspiring athletes. Into his 20th pre-season and still going strong at 403 games, Scott Pendlebury shares what it takes to sustain excellence—mental resilience, elite preparation, nutrition, sleep and insights into how he has evolved his training to improve himself. The insights in this series can inspire players of all levels to refine their own programs and better themselves and their clubs in the process.  

The best way to spread these lessons of greatness? Drop the link in your club’s WhatsApp group and start sharing today.  

🎧 Listen now: Spotify 

🎧 Listen now: Apple Podcasts  

AFL Barwon is pleased to announce the appointed coaches for the 2025 Bellarine FNL and Geelong FNL netball representative programs. The exciting group of coaches selected for all teams will play a crucial role in guiding the region’s most promising young netballers through the representative pathway, with a key focus on development, skill enhancement, and high-performance competition. 

Bellarine FNL Representative Coaches 

• 13&U Championship: Karen Pole 
  
  The winner of the 2023 Junior Coach of the Year award, Karen returns to the program for her second year after a season away from the program. Karen has extensive experience at Geelong Amateur with their 13&U Division 1 team, having been Grand Finalists in 2021, and taking out the premiership in 2023. During her time in the program in 2023, Karen’s team saw success as the Barwon Junior Netball Championship Premiers, and as semi-finalists at Central West Association Championships. 

• 13&U Development: Emily Quinten 
  
  New to the program this season, Emily brings with her a wealth of experience having been a product of the representative program herself. Emily has coached various junior teams at Ocean Grove the past few seasons, as well as coaching a development squad alongside experienced Flyers coaches at the club. 

• 15&U Championship: Lani Puttyfoot 
  
  With over 5 years of coaching experience from NetSetGo through to seniors, Lani is in her second year in the program, having taken out the AFL Barwon Youth Coach of the Year in 2024. Lani previously coached the 15&U Development Team to a Grand Final in the GCNA Division 1 Competition in 2024. 

• 15&U Development: Rori Addicoat 
  
  New to the program this season, Rori brings with her a wealth of experience having been a product of the representative program herself. A Drysdale product with a high netball IQ, Rori has been a member of the Bellarine FNL A and B Grade competition since her junior years, while also having taken out club best and fairest awards in her junior years. 

• 17&U Championship: Taryn Laverty 
  
  Taryn has an extensive coaching resume, spanning over several years, within the high-performance environment. Her experiences include leading Ocean Grove FNC teams, as well as involvement at the Geelong Netball Club (Flyers), Barwon Region State Titles, and the AFL Barwon Representative Program, with her focus having been 15&U and 17&U athletes. 

Geelong FNL Representative Coaches 

• 13&U Championship: Jade Bartz 
  
  Having coached within the Bellarine FNL for 7 years, we welcome Jade back for her second season with the representative program. After leading our 15&U Development team last season, Jade’s will be leading our 13&U Championship team throughout Barwon Junior Netball Championships. 

• 13&U Development: Tylah Paech 
  
  Tylah has joined the representative program this year, having previously won the Geelong Football Netball League ‘Junior Coach of the Year’ award. A talented young coach who has already built an impressive resume across both St Joseph’s and Newtown & Chilwell, we look forward to the impact Tylah can have on this team. 

• 15&U Championship: Billy Mahoney 
  
  A Geelong FNL A Grade Coach, Billy has joined the AFL Barwon Representative program this season, and brings with him a wealth of experience from his playing career, having represented Victoria and Australia in Men’s and Open Mixed Teams as well as representing Victoria in indoor ‘rebound netball’. His coaching experience extends beyond the GFNL, into the Hampden and Colac & District leagues. 

• 15&U Development: Zac Wojtowicz 
  
  A returning coach to the program, Zac joined the representative program in 2024, supporting our 13&U Championship team. His coaching experience includes stints at Winchelsea, Modewarre, a premiership with Inverleigh, and most recently, an appointment at Newtown & Chilwell within the GFNL.  

• 17&U Championship: Lisa Van Halen 
  
  Her third season within the representative program, Lisa’s experience includes having coached at Geelong Amateur in the Bellarine, and most recently, seniors at Lara in the GFNL. Her coaching experience includes a premiership in 2022, and having lead the 17&U GFNL team in 2024 to winning the Barwon Junior Netball Championships Grand Final. 

All coaches bring a wealth of experience and passion for developing young athletes. Their leadership will be instrumental in guiding players through the AFL Barwon representative program, helping them refine their skills and take the next steps in their netball journey.  

The AFL Barwon representative program is a key part of the netball talent pathway, providing athletes with high-level coaching, elite match exposure, and opportunities to progress towards higher representative honours. One of the program's highlights is participation in the Netball Victoria Association Championships, where teams compete against the best talent from across the state. This competition serves as a critical platform for player development and identification by Netball Victoria selectors. 

AFL Barwon congratulates all appointed coaches and looks forward to an exciting 2025 representative season. 

Stay tuned to the AFL Barwon website and our social media channels. 

If your club is in a position where you are seeking additional players to field a Saturday team (senior or junior), please feel free to email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we can post your contact details here. 

This will provide opportunity for those clubs who aren’t able to accept anymore players, to give those players some alternate contacts. 

13&U netball players for the winter BFNL season.  

Modewarre Football and Netball Club are looking for 5-6 more players to fill their 13&U netball teams. We welcome all levels of abilities, including beginners. Teams play Saturday mornings or Friday nights and train on Wednesday afternoons.  

Please contact Christine Graham at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to express your interest or for more information. 

Development Coaching Course – Face-to-face component 

Netball Victoria Accredited Course 

Sunday 16th March  

12pm to 4:30pm 

Herne Hill Recreation Reserve 

REGISTER FOR DEVELOPMENT COACHING PRACTICAL COURSE HERE. 

Beginner Umpire Training Session 

AFL Barwon Facilitated 

These training sessions are to provide individuals with the opportunity to take part in an education component discussing the basic netball rules, before 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 one of these sessions is one of the pre-requisites for all umpires prior to starting their umpiring journey within AFL Barwon competitions.  

Tuesday 11th March 
4:30pm 
Kardinia Park

Sign up via the link below 
 https://www.aflbarwon.com.au/umpire-netball 

TUESDAY FIXTURES 

FRIDAY FIXTURES 

Friday Night finals (13&U and 15&U) 

Semi Finals: 

• Date: Friday 21st February 

• Venue: Kardinia Park 

• Format: knockout [1 v 4 (G1), 2 v 3 (G2)] 

• Number of games: 40 games across 5 timeslots 

• Times: 4:20pm, 5:15pm, 6:10pm, 7:05pm, 8:00pm 

Grand Finals: 

• Date: Friday 28th February 

• Venue: Kardinia Park 

• Format: W1 v W2  

• Number of games: 20 games across 3 timeslots 

• Times: 4:40pm, 6:00pm, 7:20pm 

Tuesday Finals (17&U and All Abilities) 

Semi Finals: 

• Date: Tuesday 25th February 

• Venue: Queens Park and Herne Hill (Cats preseason game at Kardinia Park) 

• Format: knockout [1 v 4 (G1), 2 v 3 (G2)] 

• Number of games: 16 games across 4 timeslots (14 x semi-finals for 17s + 2 x AA games – round 9) 

• Times: 4:30pm, 5:30pm, 6:30pm, 7:30pm 

Grand Finals: 

• Date: Tuesday 4th March 

• Venue: Kardinia Park 

• Format: W1 v W2 (AA based on ladder position 1 v 2) 

• Number of games: 8 games across 2 timeslots (7 x 17s + 1 x AA) 

• Times: 5:00pm and 6:20pm 

Finals Qualifications 

• A Player must take the court in at least 4 games throughout the home and away season to be eligible to participate in that division’s finals series. If the minimum of 4 games is not played the player is ineligible to play finals.  

• NOTE – to be eligible under this rule – a player MUST have PLAYED ON COURT during the games that player team sheets have been submitted throughout the home and away game series.  

• Where teams play less than 80% of the maximum number of scheduled games, a pro rata system will apply. 

• Once a player takes the court in the 5th game, they are ineligible to play in a lower division in the same age group. 

• A player is only allowed to play in one final over the night

Monday 24th February 2025 

Barwon Junior Netball Championships – Championship Teams 

Venue: Oberon High School Stadium, Armstrong Creek 

13&U at 5:20pm, 15&U at 6:30pm, 17&U at 7:40pm 

• Colac & District FNL v Geelong Central NA 

• Bellarine FNL v Geelong FNL 

Full BJNC fixture and results 

Geelong Central Netball Competitions – Development Teams 

• 13&U Bellarine FNL v KIC Cockatoos – Kardinia Park Court 5 – 6:05pm 

• 13&U Geelong FNL v The Randos – Kardinia Park Court 4 – 6:05pm 

• 15&U Bellarine FNL vs Foxes – Kardinia Park Court 7 – 7:55pm 

• 15&U Geelong FNL vs GCNA Turquoise – Kardinia Park Court 4 – 7pm 

Full GCNA fixture and results – 13&U teams 

Full GCNA fixture and results – 15&U teams 

Player, Coach and Umpire Registrations 

A reminder that ALL Players, Coaches and Umpires must register on both Netball Connect AND PlayHQ – this is compulsory and can lead to loss of match points. 

Netball Connect is for ‘Netball Victoria Membership’ which includes player/coach/umpire insurance for netball activities such as training, practice matches and in season games. 

Pricing for Netball Victoria Membership. 

PlayHQ is our competition administration system. All Players and Coaches must also register to PlayHQ and be assigned to teams.  

Coaches should be registered and assigned to teams by round 1 so that accreditation checks can occur. 

Instructions on how to set up these forms  and complete these actions can be found here:  

Please view this ‘Pre-Season Handbook HERE!’  

Netball - Certificate of Currency 

Each club has access to their ‘Certificate of Currency’ via Netball Victoria’s insurance provider, Howden. 

These expire in March each year, but can be re-downloaded via the following steps. 

1. Head to https://www.howdengroup.com/au-en/netball-australia-certificate-currency-howden  
2. Select the state, league and club 
3. Generate your Certificate of Currency. 

You may be asked to provide this should you be booking courts or other things throughout the year, so it is useful document to keep on file. 

A reminder that once a player’s transfer has been approved, they will then be prompted to complete their registration via an email to confirm their registration.  

We have seen a few transfers sit at the ‘approved’ status for a little while, so please touch base with those transferring to you club, and ensure this final step is completed. 

Transfers are required for any player moving between BFNL/GFNL/AFL Barwon clubs. 

Please be reminded of the rule changes that will be implemented for season 2025, and included in the handbook. 

• 3.2. - All age group divisions should be fielded top down to avoid byes in the division one competitions. If any team submits a request to AFL Barwon within the first four weeks of competition, a 1-week consultation period will take place. AFL Barwon, on their own assessment, may make a determination based on the data, for teams outside of those who submit requests.
  
• 4.8 - In the GFNL competitions any player who plays in either ‘A Grade’ or ‘B Grade’ senior grade competition during a season are not permitted to participate in the 19&U competition for that season
  
  
• 7.1 (RECENT CHANGE) - Players must take the court in at least 4 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 6th game (reduced from 8), they are ineligible to play in a lower grade/division in the same age group).
  
  
• 8.7.1) Players may play no more than two games over one night in midweek competitions but not in the same age group.
  
• 8.7.2) Movement between teams is not permitted in the grading period of the competition without the explicit consent of the competition coordinator
  
  
• 8.10 - Players cannot play in both Saturday Division 2 and Friday night finals over one weekend but must not exceed two finals per weekend
  
  
• 13.1.1 - 11&U, 13&U (Divisions 1 & 2); 15&U (Divisions 1 & 2); 17&U (Division 1 & 2), 19&U; ‘D Grade & E Grade matches- 4 x 10-minute quarters with an interval of 2 minutes between the first – second quarters; an interval of 3 minutes at half time; and another 2-minute interval between third and fourth quarters.
• 13.1.2 - 19&U and C Grade 4 x 12-minute quarters with a two (2) minute interval at ¼ and ¾ time with a three (3) minute interval at ½ time.

14. Game Times

2025 BFNL Game Times 

8:15am 15 & Under Division 2 and 13 & Under Division 2 

9:15am 13 & Under Division 1 and 17 & Under Division 1 

10:15am D Grade and 19&U (No changes as time permitted) 

11:15am C Grade and 15 & Under Division 1 

12:20pm B Grade and 17 & Under Division 2 

1:45pm A Grade and E Grade 

2025 GFNL Game Times 

8:15am 13 & Under Division 1 & 13 & Under Division 2 

9:10am 15 & Under Division 1 & 15 & Under Division 2 

10:05am D Grade & 17 & Under Division 1 

11:00am C Grade & 17 & Under Division 2 

12:10pm B Grade & 19&U (No changes as time permitted) 

1:40pm A Grade and E Grade 

The Women n Sport Breakfast is back for 2025! Join Olympic gold medallist Noémie Fox OAM on Thursday 27 March for an unmissable morning to hear her incredible story and journey to becoming an Olympic champion. 

Feel inspired and connect with like-minded individuals.  

Win a year’s supply of footballs for your club competition  

Sherrin is giving you the chance to win a year's supply of footballs for your club valued at $2500. 

Just enter your details on the below link and go into the draw for a chance to win. 

Winner will be chosen at random and published here on 03/03/2025. 

All Community Coaches and Club staff are invited to the 2025 AFL Victoria Coaches Forum at the MCG on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 March.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from industry experts, AFL level coaches and connect with other coaches over the course of the weekend.

There are offerings available to coaches of all levels and we encourage coaches to take advantage of the opportunities and accrue coach accreditation points to help progress their coaching status. 

Please see below the program for the weekend with coaches able to register for any sessions that they wish to attend, (there is no obligation to attend the entire weekend).

The link to register for the weekends sessions is HERE.

If you have any questions regarding the weekend, please contact the AFL Vic Coach Education and Developer Lead, Joshua Galbraith, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 AFL Victoria are excited to announce that the Melbourne Satellite Training Hub will continue in season 2025. This AFL Victoria initiative is aimed at providing a structured training session for players from AFL Victoria Country affiliated leagues and clubs residing in Metropolitan Melbourne.  
 
Summary of the 2025 details: 

• When: Tuesday night every week (one night a week), starting at 6.00pm finishing at 7.15pm. The hub will run from mid-March to mid-September with the official start date to be communicated closer to March. 

• Where: Merv (Mervyn G) Hughes Oval. 99 Farnsworth Ave, Footscray VIC 3011. 

• Purpose: To create a club-like atmosphere where country club players can train together as a group that are living in Metro-Melbourne. 

• Coach: Each session will be coached by a qualified AFL Victoria Coach Developer. 

• Communication: Registered players for the hub via PlayHQ will be added to an AFL Victoria WhatsApp group where week-to-week updates and communication is shared. 

• Registration: Registrations will again be facilitated through Play HQ, ensuring user-friendly and efficient onboarding for players. Players wanting to train at the hub will be required to register in PlayHQ and pay the player levy, to ensure players are covered for insurance. 

• Registration Link: Players can now register for the 2025 Melbourne Satellite Training Hub via this link - https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/6f5e8f 

• Cost: $90 – for the full 2025 season. 

AFL Victoria are leading the annual Regional Satisfaction Survey and we invite all Clubs to submit a response of feedback to enable AFL Barwon & AFL Victoria to adequately prepare for 2025. 

Your time and comments are greatly appreciated, and you can complete the Survey via the link below

Ahead of the Game is a free program for players (12 years-18 years), their parents and coaches. Funded by Movember and partnering with the AFL, Ahead of the Game has delivered 1000+ sessions and reached 18,000+ young players nationally in 2024.

Ahead of the Game provides young players with the tools to deal with life’s challenges, and the confidence to support their mates through tough times, whilst also empowering them to look after their own mental wellbeing. The program has been designed to have localised Delivery Partners come to community clubs to deliver at a time that suits during the season.

In 2025 Ahead of the game will have capacity to deliver up to 40 workshops in the Geelong & Colac regions.

Further information and to register your interest can be found here - https://play.afl/movember-ahead-game 

Watch video about Ahead of the Game - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azNYnVgXL6s 

The Change Our Game Community Activation Grants Program funds community level initiatives that enable participation, build capability and celebrate the role of women and girls in community sport and active recreation.

The program has many outcomes:

• increased participation by women and girls in community sport and active recreation
• enhanced understanding of gender equity practices within community sport and active recreation organisations
• more women in leadership roles in community sport and active recreation
• promotion and elevation of women and girls in sport and active recreation

Applications close on the 26^th of February. 

Come and learn how to use Prep-to-Play and prevent injuries this season.  

A practical workshop to give you the confidence and skills to use new warm-up, tackling and ground ball drills at your next training. This will include a structured, evidence-based football specific warm-up and cool down, as well as how to teach and introduce contact skills (tackling/being tackled/ground ball focus) safely and effectively. 

When and where: 6.00pm -7.30pm Tuesday March 25th, Highton Reserve

Who can attend: Coaches, players, parents, trainers, health/exercise professionals. Prep-to-Play can be used in female and male teams, and all age groups.  

Coaches will earn 50 CPD points via AFL Learn. 

Please contact Tim Secombe (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) and/or the Prep-to-Play team (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) with any questions regarding the above information. 

Local footy clubs across the country can apply for Telstra Footy Country Grants, a partnership between the AFL and Telstra that will deliver $2m per year for a four-year period to community football.