News

AFL Barwon is proud to announce a new three-year commercial partnership with Gilbert, the globally recognised manufacturer of netballs and sports equipment. The agreement runs through to 2028 and marks a significant step in supporting netball across the Barwon region.

Under the partnership, all AFL Barwon netball competitions will use Gilbert-branded products for every home and away, and finals match. This ensures players at all levels have access to high-quality, consistent, and performance-focused netballs, enhancing the standard of play across the region.

As part of the partnership, Gilbert will provide access to an exclusive online store, enabling clubs to easily purchase netballs and related training equipment, providing greater access to premium products for players and teams.

“AFL Barwon is thrilled to partner with Gilbert, a brand synonymous with netball excellence,” said Sean Atkinson AFL Barwon Commercial Partnerships & Communications Manager. “This partnership ensures our players, coaches, and clubs have access to the best equipment available, while strengthening grassroots netball across the region. The exclusive online store will also make it easier for clubs to access high-quality equipment for training and competition.”

Lauren Plumridge, Gilbert Netball Partnerships Manager said, “We’re absolutely delighted to be partnering with AFL Barwon and getting behind the incredible netball community across the region. Grassroots netball is the heartbeat of the sport, it’s where friendships are made, skills are developed, and a love for the game truly begins. At Gilbert, we’re passionate about providing players with high-quality, reliable products they can trust every time they step onto the court. We’re proud to support the clubs, players and volunteers who make it all happen and can’t wait to be part of the journey over the next few years.”

Gilbert has a long-standing history in netball, producing durable, high-performance balls used at the elite level nationwide. Through this partnership, AFL Barwon clubs and players will now benefit from the same quality, supporting player development, performance, and enjoyment of the game.

The partnership is effective at the start of 2026 and will continue through to 2028, with Gilbert netballs being used across all AFL Barwon netball competitions.

Clubs can set up their Gilbert Club Webshop by registering here, giving them access to exclusive club pricing and offers.

Looking for a fun, active and welcoming way to get involved in footy in 2026? AFL Barwon is excited to offer a range of Auskick, Superkick and AFL Nines programs across the region, giving children and adults the perfect opportunity to get active, build skills and enjoy the game in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Whether you’re brand new to football or returning for another season, these programs are designed to be inclusive, affordable and focused on fun.

Junior Programs – Auskick & Superkick

Our four-week Auskick and Superkick programs are ideal for young players wanting to learn the basics, develop confidence and enjoy footy with friends. Best of all, participants receive $55 off their community Auskick or Superkick program, making it a great pathway into local club football.

Queenscliff Football Club – Auskick & Superkick

• When: Mondays, 4–5pm

• Duration: 4 weeks

• Season Commences: March 2

• Cost: $55

• Auskick: https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/de1ff4

• Superkick: https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/a54be5

Armstrong Creek Sharks – All Girls Auskick & Superkick

• When: Wednesdays, 4–5pm

• Duration: 4 weeks

• Season Commences: February 18

• Cost: $55

• Auskick: https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/4fc631

• Superkick: https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/d1794f

Drysdale Football Club – Auskick & Superkick

• When: Thursdays, 4–5pm

• Duration: 4 weeks

• Season Commences: February 26

• Cost: $55

• Auskick: https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/455872

• Superkick: https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/4a11d3

AFL Nines – Social Footy for Adults

AFL Nines is the ultimate social football competition — fast-paced, non-contact and perfect for friends, workmates and local teams looking to enjoy footy in a relaxed environment.

• When: Mondays from 6pm

• Duration: 6 weeks

• Season Commences: February 16

• Cost: $350 per team

• Individual Registration: https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/dc7871-3133b2dd

• Team Registration: https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/7cc2a3

Get Involved!

Spots are limited, so we encourage particpants and teams to register early. These programs provide a great introduction to football, a pathway into local clubs, and a fun way to stay active and connected in the Barwon community.

In-line with the recent announcement of the AFL’s updated 2024 Concussion Protocols, AFL Barwon has announced updated Football & Netball Concussion Protocols.

The most significant announcement detailed within the 2024 AFL Concussion Protocols was:

• All Australian rules football competitions at all ages (i.e. adult/open competitions and all junior competitions outside AFL/AFLW), will adopt a mandatory minimum 21-day return to play protocol. This new protocol will apply for State Football competitions (including the VFL and VFLW), elite pathway competitions (including the Coates Talent League for boys and girls) and all community football competitions; and
• Under the new community guidelines, the earliest that a player can return to play after a concussion is on the 21^st day after the day on which the concussion was sustained and provided that the player has safely progressed through each phase of the return-to-play program. 

In-line with this announcement, AFL Barwon has adopted:

1. The 2024 AFL Concussion Protocols for all AFL Barwon and affiliated Australian rules football competitions at all ages; and
2. Has also adopted this policy for all AFL Barwon and affiliated Netball competitions at all ages.

This adoption extends to practice matches, interleague and other games of any kind, of Australian Rules Football and Netball, in all forms.

In-line with AFL Barwon’s 2024-2026 Strategic Plan, to be community sport leaders in the safe and sustainable delivery of Football and Netball, we will continue work regionally on further resourcing and support for all affiliated Clubs, competitions and Leagues.

Clubs, stakeholders and community members alike are encouraged to contact AFL Barwon if they require further detail or clarification on these guidelines.

AFL Barwon wishes to advise that, following an agreement between the two clubs, there will be a change to the Round 7 fixture. The match between Colac and St Mary’s, originally scheduled for Saturday, 6 June, will now be played on Saturday, 11 April at Central Reserve.

A Grade Netball will start at 3:00pm, followed by the Senior Football match at 4:30pm.

This early-season clash promises to be an exciting contest, giving both clubs the opportunity to set the tone for the 2026 season.