The annual AFL Victoria Community Football Awards were held on Friday night at IKON Park, to celebrate the end of another season of local footy across the state.

Australian Rules Football is driven by volunteers, coaches, umpires and administrators who are the heartbeat of the local game. Tens of thousands of people in Victoria dedicate significant time and effort towards ensuring the success of their clubs and communities.

Chris Jones and Luke McNamara were amongst the award winners for their contributions to Umpiring and Participation within the AFL Barwon region.

AFL Victoria Male Development Umpire Coach of the Year

Christopher Jones (AFL Barwon)

Christopher Jones was honoured with the prestigious title of AFL Victoria Development Field Umpire Coach of the Year.

As the AFL Barwon Field Development Coach based in Geelong, Chris has been a driving force in developing community umpiring through his inclusive leadership and commitment to innovation.

Chris has played a pivotal role in creating a positive, supportive environment, particularly for younger umpires. His engaging, game-based training sessions are designed to build skills, confidence, and team cohesion, while promoting the inclusion of umpires of all genders.

Chris mentors umpires on match days across the region and continues to perform at a high level in senior-grade umpiring himself. He also facilitates the AFL Barwon Drysdale Satellite venue, ensuring wider access to quality development opportunities. By guiding emerging assistant coaches and fostering leadership within the group, Chris has built a strong, connected umpiring culture. His dedication, vision, and influence mark him as a standout community leader.

AFL Victoria NAB AFL Superkick Volunteer of the Year Award

Luke McNamara (Armstrong Creek, AFL Barwon)

Luke has demonstrated exceptional leadership in driving the success of the Armstrong Creek Superkick program.

Starting with just five participants in 2024, his dedication and initiative have grown the program to 37 in 2025, including one of only two all-girls Superkick groups in Victoria. Luke played a pivotal role in the Centre of the Future program and was instrumental in his centre winning the Superkick Blitz for the highest number of registrations in the North West region.

In addition to running a thriving Auskick program with over 200 participants, Luke expertly manages two Superkick fields on a single oval - widely regarded as one of the best setups in the area. His strong organisational skills, commitment to inclusion, and ability to inspire and engage volunteers have all contributed to his success.

In recognition of these achievements, Luke was awarded the AFL Victoria NAB AFL Superkick Volunteer of the Year Award.

AFL Barwon are seeking an enthusiastic, and motivated person(s) to coordinate the AFL Barwon Junior Netball midweek competitions.

The Netball Competition Coordinator is primarily responsible for managing and coordinating all onsite venue requirements for the AFL Barwon Junior Netball midweek competitions. The AFL Barwon Junior Netball competitions are run across Tuesday and Friday evenings at multiple venues.

The successful applicant will be responsible for liaising with key stakeholders, clubs, netball umpires, AFL Barwon staff and other valuable groups present at our midweek competitions. 

Reporting to the Netball Coordinator, the successful applicant will require:

• Experience around netball competitions and their procedures.

• Excellent verbal communications skills.

• Demonstrated experience in volunteer management.

• Experience in conflict management and skills to deescalate difficult situations.

• Proven ability to work autonomously.

• Demonstrated capacity to plan and schedule differing work demands for oneself and the team to meet deadlines for multiple tasks in a variety of work areas.

• A valid Victorian Working with Children’s Check.

Further Information

Download Position Description 

How to apply

Please email a cover letter and your resume to Sophie Allison (Head of Netball) – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Applications close on Monday 20 October, 2025.

Applications will be assessed as they are received and may close sooner than the advertised close date.

Coaching applications for the 2026 AFL Barwon Netball Representative program are now open.

The Bellarine and Geelong Representative Programs are an opportunity for athletes, coaches and umpires within these competitions to compete at a higher level and provide an opportunity for skills development and talent identification.

Download Position Description

Application Form

The 2025 Geelong Football Netball League (GFNL) season has concluded following a huge day of Grand Finals at Kardinia Park on Friday.

Below is a recap of all the results.

A Grade Blood Toyota Cup Grand Final

St Joseph’s (25) defeated by Newtown & Chilwell (37)
Olivia Cameron Medallist (Best on court): Charity Nasalio

B Grade Buckley’s Cup Grand Final

South Barwon (39) defeated by St Mary’s (40)

C Grade Town and Country Pizza Cup Grand Final

St Mary’s (50) defeated South Barwon (31)

D Grade Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong Grand Final

St Joseph’s (26) defeated South Barwon (17)

E Grade Epworth Cup Grand Final

Grovedale (12) defeated by Leopold (32)

19&Under gforce Cup Grand Final

Newtown & Chilwell (21) defeated by South Barwon (27)

17&Under Division 1 Kempe Cup Grand Final

Geelong West Giants (37) defeated South Barwon (15)

17&Under Division 2 P&R Foods Cup Grand Final

St Josephs (15) defeated by South Barwon (24)

15&Under Division 1 Grill’d Cup Grand Final

Bell Park (23) defeated by South Barwon (24)

15&Under Division 2 Brazilian Butterfly Cup Grand Final

St Mary’s (37) defeated Bell Park (35)

13&Under Division 1 Brazilian Butterfly Cup Grand Final

Bell Park (28) defeated South Barwon (21)

13&Under Division 2 The Athlete’s Foot Cup Grand Final

Bell Park (24) defeated by South Barwon (25)