AFL Barwon are excited to announce that the Surf Coast Football Netball Club will be participating in the Bellarine FNL Netball 13&Under Division 1, 15&Under Division 1, 17&Under Division 1, and 19&Under competitions in 2025.

Following proactive and collaborative conversations by Newcomb Football Netball Club, they had indicated to AFL Barwon that they would not be able to field teams in these competitions in the 2025 winter season. This has therefore provided Surf Coast FNC with the opportunity to allow their players to be part of these junior netball competitions a season earlier then their full club introduction in 2026.

Please note that all games in this competition involving Surf Coast FNC will be aligned to the Newcomb FNC BFNL home and away fixture in 2025.

This is great outcome for all players in these competitions as it allows teams to play 2 additional matches where a bye would have been scheduled. This also maximises the home game fixtures for clubs excluding gaps in the day’s fixtures.

The 2025 Dow Bellarine FNL season fixtures on PlayHQ will reflect this upon their completion.

AFL Barwon extends its gratitude to Newcomb FNC and Surf Coast FNC, for being proactive in their respective involvements and contributions in this outcome.

AFL Barwon in consultation with Grovedale Football Netball Club and Netball Victoria, have determined that all fixtured home games at Burdoo Reserve will now be played inside the Grovedale Secondary College Stadium for the 2025 season.

During the course of the 2024 season, it has been identified that following the implementation of rolling substitutions and in conjunction with the current court profile, the Burdoo Reserve Netball Courts have experienced higher levels of congestion on the team-bench sideline, leading to an increased risk profile.   

Grovedale FNC has identified this increased risk profile, and proactively sought support from AFL Barwon and Netball Victoria about alternatives to mitigate this factor moving forward. 

The Club has been proactive in their discussions and have been actively working with Local Government to improve the conditions of their outdoor courts, and both AFL Barwon and Netball Victoria are supportive of these actions.  

While permission to use the indoor courts has been granted for season 2025, Grovedale FNC are aware that they must continue to work towards the redevelopment of the Burdoo Reserve courts as a high priority.  

All parties will continue to monitor and review the status of both court arrangements, responding to any issues that arise throughout the season. 

AFL Barwon would like to acknowledge the work Grovedale FNC has completed to date, to ensure a more permanent solution to the issues their courts face can be found. The Club has been working proactively in this space, and we support their endeavours to have their netball facility redeveloped. 

We thank the Geelong Football Netball League Clubs in advance for their support of Grovedale FNC for 2025 season, and look forward to the ongoing improvements at the outdoor site. 

The Bellarine Football Netball League, Geelong Football Netball League, and AFL Barwon Football Commission Limited Annual General Meeting’s will be held on Wednesday 27^th November at Buckleys Entertainment Centre.

All AGMs will be held in-person, as per the event specifics below:

Bellarine Football Netball League Annual General Meeting

Date: Wednesday 27^th November 2024

Time: 6:00pm

Location: Buckleys Entertainment Centre, 54 Fellmongers Road Breakwater VIC 3219

Geelong Football Netball League Annual General Meeting

Date: Wednesday 27^th November 2024

Time: 6:30pm

Location: Buckleys Entertainment Centre, 54 Fellmongers Road Breakwater VIC 3219

AFL Barwon Football Commission Limited Annual General Meeting

Date: Wednesday 27^th November 2024

Time: 7:00pm

Location: Buckleys Entertainment Centre, 54 Fellmongers Road Breakwater VIC 3219

AFL Barwon has celebrated and recognised the Football and Netball leaders for the 2024 season at tonight’s Community Awards event held at the Geelong Library & Heritage Centre.

The Community Awards are a true celebration of coaches, administrators, umpires, trainers and club volunteers who are the lifeblood of local sporting clubs throughout the region.

The nominations for all awards categories were exceptional, with all shortlisted nominees and award winners providing a great reflection of the strength and high-quality people that are within our community.

A very special congratulations to Ian McTaggart who was recognised for his dedication to community sport in the Barwon region. Ian’s unparalleled service led to him being honoured with naming of the AFL Barwon Club of The Year award.

The acknowledgement of local netball coaching pioneer Joy Grubb was a highlight of tonight’s event with the Senior Netball Coach of the Year named in her honour. Joy’s dedication and commitment to netball inspired generations over her decades-long career.

We would like to congratulate the winners of this year’s AFL Barwon Community Awards.

Ian McTaggart Club of the Year

St Joseph's

Mental Health & Wellbeing Club of the Year

Ocean Grove

Social Media & Communications Club of the Year

Queenscliff

Leisure Networks Inclusive Club of the Year

Geelong West Giants

John Edsall Award (Outstanding Service to Administration)

Angie Spinks (Barwon Heads)

Leon Schram Football Administrator of the Year

Andrew Hill (East Geelong)

Junior Netball Administrator of the Year

Stephanie Miles & Kirsten Clarke (South Barwon)

Senior Football Administrator of the Year

Michael O'Leary (East Geelong)

Senior Netball Administrator of the Year

Maddie Okely (Barwon Heads)

Personality of the Year

Lana Anderson (St Albans)

Peter Burke Award (Senior Football Coach of the Year)

Andy Walsgott & Brent Vermeulen (Belmont Lions)

Joy Grubb Award (Senior Netball Coach of the Year)

Lisa Robinson (Newcomb)

Rookie Me Female Football Coach of the Year

Taylah Hassett & Paul Price (Grovedale)

Rookie Me Youth Football Coach of the Year

Sean Lever (Geelong West Giants)

Youth Netball Coach of the Year

Lani Puttyfoot (Drysdale)

Inclusive Coach of the Year

Luke Marruso (Geelong West Giants)

Junior Netball Coach of the Year

Carly Hedlam (Queenscliff)

Junior Football Coach of the Year

Brent Taylor (Drysdale)

Auskick Coach of the Year

Fiona Neumann (Grovedale)

Net Set Go Coach of the Year

Edwina Lidgerwood (Birregurra)

Corio Bay Health Group Trainer of the Year

Cam Ward (Queenscliff)

Football Umpire of the Year 

Bailey Wilson

Football Best First Year Umpire

Nate Patrick

Football Rising Star Umpire

Shay Huby

Netball Umpire of the Year 

Woody Tangoora

Netball Best First Year Umpire

Leni Hassett

Netball Rising Star Umpire

Sharni Van Doren

Hamlan Hanger of the Year   

Jye Bartley (Barwon Heads)

Geelong Homes Goal of the Year

Riley Moore (Geelong West Giants)