AFL Barwon is proud to celebrate our current VFL-listed umpires, who have progressed through our local pathways to officiate at the state level. Their dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence are a testament to the strength of our umpiring program. We congratulate them on their achievements and look forward to seeing their continued success!

Umpires play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity of the game, and reaching the VFL level is a significant milestone in an umpire’s career. The progression of these officials highlights the strong development pathways available within the region for aspiring umpires.

These umpires have demonstrated exceptional skill, decision-making, and resilience, earning their place in the VFL ranks. AFL Barwon extends our congratulations to these talented officials and wishes them all the best for the 2025 season and beyond. We look forward to following their progress and seeing them continue to excel in their umpiring careers.

The AFL Barwon Commission wishes to provide the following update regarding North Shore Football Netball Club and the Geelong Football Netball League.

AFL Barwon, AFL Victoria, and North Shore FNC have maintained regular communication over the past 12 days in a collaborative effort to resolve concerns about North Shore’s ability to field Senior and Reserve Football teams in 2025.

In response, North Shore has been working to meet key registration requirements as outlined by the AFL Barwon Commission. As of today, the total number of eligible senior player registrations on the PlayHQ database exceeds 50 members. North Shore has assured AFL Barwon that all listed registrations represent active players who will be participating in the upcoming season and that additional registrations are expected in coming days once clearances are finalised. Although just shy of the initial request of 60, AFL Barwon has agreed that this has met the intent of criteria outlined in February.

Last night, North Shore discussed two options with their committee to deliberate and agree a way forward.:

1. Proceed with fielding teams for the 2025 season, with assurances that they will field senior and reserve teams in all 18 home and away matches in 2025 at an acceptable level of competitiveness.   
2. Undertake the process to place the football section of the club into recess for the 2025 season, providing adequate time to assess the current situation and take the necessary steps to re-enter at a level that best supports the entire club.

The North Shore FNC Executive has reviewed these options and provided AFL Barwon with their decision to proceed with playing in the Geelong FNL in 2025.

Attention now turns to the successful commencement of the season, which kicks off for North Shore at Australian Lamb Company Stadium in Colac on April 12th.

There is still much work to be done by North Shore, AFL Barwon and AFL Victoria to ensure a sustainable program into the future. This work has already commenced with a clear focus on the development of junior programs across the Northern Suburbs.

Quote from AFL Barwon Chair, Michelle Gerdtz

“The North Shore committee has carefully considered their options and made the decision to proceed with the 2025 season. We commend their dedication to their players, members, and the wider football and netball community.

While this is a positive step forward, we acknowledge that ongoing efforts will be required to ensure the long-term sustainability of North Shore FNC. AFL Barwon remains committed to supporting the club in this journey.”

Quote from North Shore President, Maryian Szponar

“Plans are already in motion to strengthen our football division this season, for 2026 and beyond which will lay the groundwork to future-proof pathways for new talent and boost junior development to secure a prosperous future.

Following months of consultation, planning, and hard conversations, North Shore is proud to confirm its commitment to fielding two senior football teams in the 2025 season.  The club is also embracing transparency and collaboration, giving AFL Barwon an open invitation to be part of committee meetings and match-day events to ensure ongoing progress.

We’re prepared to open the doors, work hand-in-hand with AFL Barwon and welcome check-ins throughout the season from the outside for people to see the struggles, but it’s also what happens on the inside that matters and makes the difference.”

AFL Barwon is proud to announce a new partnership with Beyond Bank, extending through to the end of the 2027 season. This partnership brings together two community-focused organisations with a shared commitment to supporting local clubs, participants, and the wider Barwon region.

As one of Australia’s largest customer-owned banks, Beyond Bank is dedicated to helping individuals and communities thrive. Their strong focus on local engagement aligns seamlessly with AFL Barwon’s strategic direction to foster inclusive, sustainable, and well-supported grassroots football and netball competitions.

AFL Barwon Football and Netball clubs now have the opportunity to access the Community Reward Program through Beyond Bank. By linking their savings accounts to their chosen community organisations, club members can help their clubs receive annual donations from Beyond Bank. This initiative fosters community growth and support by allowing customers to actively contribute to their preferred clubs and local organisations.

AFL Barwon Region General Manager, Edward Wilson, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, “The community approach that Beyond Bank brings to the region is one that resonates significantly with AFL Barwon, and we’re looking forward to the support this partnership will offer and provide to affiliated clubs and other stakeholders in the years to come.”

Beyond Bank Community Development Manager, Cam Murnane, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, saying, “We are excited to partner with AFL Barwon for the 2025 season. The football and netball clubs in this region play a vital role in our community, offering a wonderful space for connection and support to participants and their families throughout Greater Geelong and the Bellarine. We look forward to collaborating with both AFL Barwon and the individual clubs to offer support wherever possible.”

Beyond Bank continues to build lasting relationships that extend beyond banking, empowering individuals and clubs to thrive both on and off the field. To find out more about Beyond Bank’s services and opportunities, simply head to https://www.beyondbank.com.au.

AFL Barwon is excited to share that Liam Clark has been selected for the VFL Development Squad for the 2025 season. This well-earned promotion reflects his dedication, professionalism, and continuous growth as an umpire. 

Liam’s strong officiating credentials include his appointment to the 2024 GDFNL Grand Final and the 2023 BFNL Grand Final, demonstrating his ability to manage high-stakes games with composure and authority. His consistency in decision-making, game awareness, and leadership on the field has made him a standout within AFL Barwon’s umpiring ranks. 

The VFL Development Squad is a key pathway for umpires striving to reach the highest levels of the game. Liam’s inclusion is a testament to both his individual talent and the quality of AFL Barwon’s umpiring development program.

AFL Barwon Director of Football Umpiring Jock Hillgrove praised Liam’s achievement:

“Liam has shown tremendous growth over the past few seasons. His ability to read the game, stay composed under pressure, and officiate at a high level makes him a deserving selection for the VFL Development Squad. We’re excited to see where this next step takes him.”

Liam’s success highlights the strong pathways available for umpires within AFL Barwon. With a focus on skill development and progression, the program continues to produce officials ready for the next level.

Liam will join Henry Buckley who was promoted to the VFL Development Squad earlier this year.

Congratulations to Liam on this outstanding accomplishment! We wish him all the best as he embarks on this exciting new chapter in the VFL Development Squad.

If you are looking to take up Football Umpiring in 2025, simply click here for more information.