General Updates
New Updates
Free Equal the Contest Screening & Inclusion Workshop
Pivotonian Theatre , Wednesday June 4th, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
This special event, hosted by Leisure Networks as part of AFL Barwon’s Inclusion Round, is a powerful opportunity for clubs to learn, connect, and be inspired to create more inclusive sporting environments.
The evening will feature a screening of Equal the Contest – a moving and relevant documentary that brings real stories to life, showing why inclusion in sport matters and how community clubs can help lead the change.
The film follows a non-binary filmmaker who joins a local women’s footy team in regional Victoria and, through that experience, uncovers both a personal and collective fight for belonging in community sport.
“Emotive, moving, inspiring, important and essential viewing.”
— Audience response from the film’s world premiere.
View the trailer here: https://equalthecontest.au/index.php/trailer/
After the screening, attendees are invited next door to the Leisure Networks office for light refreshments and a short networking session. You’ll also learn more about the practical ways your club can be more inclusive – and how Leisure Networks can support you to make it happen.
Spaces are limited, so we encourage early registration. Your club’s reps can be players, coaches, committee members, wellbeing officers – whoever you think will help drive inclusive change.
BFNL
Senior Football
31/5/25 - Barwon Heads vs Newcomb - 2:10pm
A Grade Netball
31/5/25 - Barwon Heads vs Newcomb - 12:50pm
31/5/25 - Torquay vs Queenscliff - 1:50pm
GFNL
Senior Football
1/6/25 - St Mary's vs St Joseph's - 2:30pm
A Grade Netball
1/6/25 - St Mary's vs St Joseph's - 2:45pm
CDFNL
Senior Football
31/5/25 - Irrewarra-Beeac vs Birregurra - 2:15pm
Mid season entries to Auskick and Super Kick for all new participants is now only $55!!
It's not too late to join the fun.
Reminders
AFL Barwon Clubs – Rising Star Nominations.
Do you have a rising star lighting up the field or the court?
AFL Barwon, in partnership with the Geelong Times, is now calling for club nominations for the Football and Netball Rising Star Award – recognising the brightest young talent in our region.
This prestigious award celebrates standout players under the age of 21 (as of January 1) from the Bellarine and Geelong Football Netball Leagues and Female Football Competitions, who show exceptional promise and performance on the field or court.
Each month, a Rising Star nominee will be featured in the Geelong Times, with all monthly nominees remaining eligible for the overall Rising Star Award, to be presented at the end of the season. Therefore, you only need to submit the application once for the season.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be under 21 years of age as of January 1
- Must have played no more than 10 Senior Football and A Grade games prior to the start of the current season
Clubs are invited to submit a nomination that includes a short write-up outlining the player’s achievements and why they deserve recognition.
Nominate Here: https://forms.gle/38tcL8rEhRawV41B6
The 2025 Female Festival of Sport Week will be held from the June 30th - July 6th, with the annual Breakfast event held on the 4th of July.
Details of breakfast:
- Date - Friday July 4th
- Location - Geelong West Town Hall
- Time - 6:45am Arrival, 7:00am Start
- Host - Madi Browne
- Panellists - Coming soon
Tickets will be released on June 2.
AFL VIC & WorkSafe have been working on the rollout of fresh signage rollout to replace old and damaged signs that stretch back to 2002.
As WorkSafe's status as Premier Partner, each club venue is required to display the WorkSafe sign.
They have provided the dimensions and details of the signage below.
WorkSafe signage specs
- 900 mm (high) x 2000 mm (wide)
- 3 mm aluminium sheet
- Laminated vinyl
If there are any clubs in need of new WorkSafe signs, please fill in the following survey.
Commercial Partnerships
New Updates
Join us for an important conversation on how to better support neurodivergent youth in sport!
Monday 16 June 2025
6:15 PM – 8:30 PM
GMHBA Stadium
$15 per person
This session is perfect for coaches working with young people aged 12–18. Learn practical strategies to:
- Coach inclusively
- Communicate effectively
- Create positive team environments
- Recognise and work with diverse strengths
Featuring keynote speaker A/Prof Erin Hoare, with insights from Simon Lloyd and Travis Zimmer
Hosted by Claudia Gunjaca, AFLW athlete with the Geelong Cats
All proceeds go directly to supporting Read the Play’s youth mental health programs.
Click the link below to secure your seats now!
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A clear, actionable tip to improve digital marketing
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Useful tools and resources
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Ideas drawn from recent work to help clubs think differently
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Practical value to help attract sponsors and grow engagement
Football
New Updates
There have been a few queries regarding player numbers in the lower graded Under 18 Competitions.
There was a recommendation that Simon proposed for all divisions other than Division 1 to be 16 a side, but it was not approved by the Commission’s Operations Committee.
It was believed that the below existing competition rule provided for teams who were short of players on the day.
Please below clarification for you to share with Coaches and Team Managers.
23.1.1 - Where there are multiple divisions, all other than the lowest graded competition are deemed to be an “18 a side competition” with a maximum of 23 players and a minimum of 14 players.
23.1.2 - The Lowest Graded Competition is deemed to be a “16 a side competition” with a maximum of 23 players and a minimum of 14 players. If either side has less than 16, both teams must play with the same number of players.
If both sides have 20 or more players on the day, then both teams will field 18 players.
23.1.3 - In all divisions other than Division 1, where a team has the minimum number of players to start a match but not a full team (excluding bench), the team with the numerical advantage must either “loan” players to the opposition or play with an equal number of players on the field unless:
- A loan is offered but after evening up numbers there are still excess players in which case
the team with the numerical advantage can play with one extra player; or
- The team with the numerical advantage only has one extra player than the opposition in which case the team with the numerical advantage can play with that extra player; or
- The team with minimum numbers refuses to accept “loan” players in which case the team with the numerical advantage can play at full strength.
- Team Managers and Umpires are required to sign off on player numbers on the competition match report prior to the match commencing
Please note that we are currently in the process of finalising the Under 18 fixture for the remainder of the season.
We understand the importance of having clarity and consistency for planning purposes, and we are working to ensure the fixture is completed and communicated as soon as possible.
If you have any questions or require further information in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact Sean at
We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we finalise these arrangements.
Reminders
The Barwon Region Showcase is a representative program delivered by the Geelong Falcons with AFL Barwon to provide an opportunity for talented players in the Barwon region to compete against each other in a day of games.
The games also serve as selection trials for the 2025 V/Line Cup and provide opportunities for coaches in the community to have a taste of higher-level representative football.
88 Boys. 44 Girls. 6 Coaches.
Teams named after Geelong Falcons Legends:
- Team Dangerfield
- Team Hodge
- Team Howley
- Team Morrison
- Team Walsh
- Team Ablett
Eligibility:
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Players must be born in 2010 to be eligible for selection.
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Players do not need to be registered to a club, but must reside in one of the following municipalities: Colac Otway, Golden Plains, Greater Geelong, Queenscliff, or Surf Coast.
How to Nominate:
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Players, parents, and coaches may submit nominations directly.
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Each club is entitled to submit four club-voted nominations.
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Clubs may also submit additional nominations for consideration by emailing the Geelong Falcons directly.
Key Dates:
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Nominations close: Monday, 2 June
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Player selection notifications: Monday, 30 June
Coaching Opportunities:
Community coaches are invited to nominate for involvement in the Showcase. A head coach will be appointed for each of the six participating teams.
Pathway to V/Line Cup:
Participation in the Barwon Region Showcase will be one of the evaluation opportunities for selection in the 2025 V/Line Cup squads. However, Showcase participation is not a prerequisite for selection. Final squads will be based on a combination of school and community football performance, and club feedback.
Registration Fee:
A $30 player registration fee applies, with full fee subsidies available in certain circumstances.
Resource Links
Netball
Netball Victoria
Nominations are now open for the 2025 Netball Victoria Community Awards, celebrating the passionate individuals and groups who go above and beyond to make netball thrive across Victoria.
You know better than anyone the incredible people who dedicate their time and energy purely out of love for the game – now’s the time to recognise them.
Award categories include:
- Volunteer of the Year
- NetSetGO Centre of the Year
- Inclusive Netball Community of the Year
- Contribution to Coaching
- Contribution to Umpiring
- Association/League of the Year
- Teacher of the Year
- WorkSafe Safety Initiative of the Year
We encourage every association, league, and club to submit at least one nomination. Let’s share and celebrate the inspiring stories of those at the heart of our sport.
All netball Associations, Leagues and Clubs to MUST appoint a Child Safety Officer (CSO) and Complaints Manager. These appointments are a mandatory requirement under the Netball Affiliation Policy.
What is this about?
Each netball Association, League and club is required to appoint and record a Child Safety Officer (CSO) and Complaints Manager in Netball Connect by the 30th of June. This role is dedicated to supporting child safety and wellbeing at all levels of participation. The Complaints Mangers role is designed to support the management of complaints in accordance with Netball Victorias Policy Framework for Dispute Resolution.
The CSO will:
- Act as the first point of contact for any child safety concerns or reports,
- Support the implementation of our child safeguarding policies and procedures,
- Help embed a culture of child safety in accordance with the Child Safety Standards in their netball community.
- Lead/Assist the Child Safety review and action plan.
The Complaints Manager will:
- Receive complaints and act as the first point of contact for individuals wishing to raise a concern or complaint.
- Advise complainants on their rights, processes, and possible resolutions.
- Offer support and explain the complaint procedure clearly and fairly to all parties.
- Where appropriate, facilitate informal resolution or mediation between parties.
- Work toward timely and fair resolution of disputes.
- Maintain confidential and accurate records of all complaints and actions taken.
Why is this important?
As a sport that involves thousands of young players, coaches, and volunteers, netball must be proactive in protecting children from harm. By appointing a CSO and Complaint Manager, you will:
- Ensure compliance with national and state-based child protection laws,
- Promote a safe environment for junior players to thrive,
- Demonstrate leadership and accountability in child safeguarding within netball.
How do you implement this?
- Nominate a CSO & Complaint Manager - Identify a suitable individual within your Association, League or Club—ideally someone with experience working with young people and a strong understanding of the Child Safe Standards. This could be an existing committee member, coach, or volunteer. The teachers, police officers, childcare workers etc in your community are excellent candidates for this role. Complaint Manger candidates may include police officers, social workers and social service workers.
- Enter CSO & Complaint Manger in Netball Connect - It is a mandatory requirement that Child Safety Officers and Complaint Managers are nominated and
recorded in Netball Connect. Click the link for the process - Our Organisation - Contacts - Complete Required Training - Appointed CSOs are required to complete the Vicsport Child Safety in Sport online training modules as part of their induction. The training is a free and interactive way to understand and comply with the 11 Victorian Child Safe Standards. Featuring one module per Standard, users are able to delve into the content while working through practical, sport-based strategies and scenarios to help with their
understanding. The modules feature the ability to save as you go, meaning you can work through the program at your own pace. Click Here to access the training. Complaints Mangers will have dedicated netball online training modules in July which will be communicated, - Stay Connected - CSOs and Complaint Managers will be part of a network who receive regular updates, resources, and support through the likes of monthly online training sessions and collaboration in the Engage NV platform. This will help ensure consistency and confidence in creating child safe cultures in our netball communities and managing complaints.
- Next Steps - Please submit the name and contact details of your appointed CSO and Complaints Manager by June 30,2025 via Netball Connect. Dedicated training and support details will be communicated and commence in July.
We thank you in advance for taking this essential step to ensure netball remains a safe, inclusive, and trusted sport for all young participants.
For questions or support during the process, contact the Member Services Team at
Applications for the 2025 Country Football and Netball Program are now open
The Country Football and Netball Program helps upgrade and improve regional and outer metro football and netball clubs and associations.
Grants of up to $250,000 are available to deliver infrastructure projects that include the redevelopment and construction of courts, installation of lighting, and construction of new and redevelopment of existing pavilions, including genderneutral change rooms.
If your club, association or league is interested in facility enhancements through this program you should reach out to your local Council representatives or Netball Victoria’s facilities team. Noting that all applications must be submitted via a local government authority.
The 2025 Country Football and Netball Program applications close on 7 July 2025.
Please update all details in Netball Connect under User > Administrators > Our Organisation.
Most importantly, please ensure all committee members are listed as a contact, even if they do not use Netball Connect in an administrative capacity. You can select 'No Admin Access'. Please also ensure all contacts have at least one role listed.
BFNL & GFNL Netball
The next Netball Meeting/Workshop following March’s catch up was originally tabled for June. This meeting will be postponed to sometime in July, with the date to be communicated in due course via email to clubs.
Thanks for your understanding.
AFL Barwon are seeking support from a club within our region to host the practical component of the Development Coaching Course in approximately 6-8 weeks
The course runs for approximately 4-5 hours, and requires the use of courts and a meeting space with TV/projector.
CHECK LIST:
- Organise venue – meeting room (TV and audio-visual equipment required) and netball court (indoor court is preferred). Ensure sufficient seating is available.
- Organise and confirm players for practical session. (14 to 18 players) – AFLB can support
- Contact Coach Developer prior to workshop day. – AFLB can support
- Ensure basic first aid kit is available.
- Organise equipment (balls, bibs and cones).
- Organise whiteboard & markers
- Mark participant attendance on Registration Sheet. Check all required information is completed.
- Ensure course material provided by Netball Victoria is distributed at the course.
- Forward completed Registration Sheet and any additional manuals to Netball Victoria’s Workforce Department within 7 days after the course using the reply-paid envelope supplied.
If your club has someone who needs/wants to undertake the course, or you’d just be happy to help out for the day, please contact
Live scoring has been completed really well this season, so a huge thanks to you all for your buy in.
If you’re ever having trouble with e-scoring, some trouble shooting steps include:
- Ensuring you’re using the correct scoring link
- Logging out and back in
- Clearing your browser cache
- Ensuring the person trying to score has been granted access via the admin portal.
E-scoring instructions can be found via the Match Day Operations Manual
Keep up the great work.
Thank you to all clubs for your understanding while one of the VEO cameras underwent repairs. The camera has been returned and will be back in action this weekend. Live stream game details can be found at the beginning of the Barwon Bulletin. Please continue to take care while using these devices, and let us know if you have any issues.
Best Players - We have noticed that there are a few matches coming in without ‘best players’ on PlayHQ being selected.
Please ensure that at the conclusion of all games, you are advising the home club of your best players for media purposes (those entered on PlayHQ). These are printed in the papers, and many players do go online to see these records.
This can be communicated via alternate slips of paper, as 3-2-1 on the scoresheet, or team managers/club admins can actually enter this themselves within 24 hours of the game concluding on their relevant PlayHQ portal (even if the away club).
A Grade Player Positions – Please ensure when entering the results that player positions are entered for ALL A GRADE GAMES.
**Please note that next week, the option to enter positions for B Grade during score entry will appear as PlayHQ are visiting and will be e-scoring some our games to gain a greater understanding of our needs as leagues within their software, meaning the setting will be on. This is not required for clubs.
Live scoring – Live scoring has been completed really well this season, so a huge thanks to you all for your buy in.
If you’re ever having trouble with e-scoring, some trouble shooting steps include:
- Ensuring you’re using the correct scoring link
- Logging out and back in
- Clearing your browser cache
Keep up the great work. J
The University of South Australia is conducting on online research study into ankle injury.
Our aim is to better understand what might contribute to feelings of ankle instability in adolescents (12-19 years old*). This information will help us to create new treatments to reduce these feelings of instability and help promote return to activity. This study will require adolescents to complete an online survey, which will take around 30 minutes.
We are looking for adolescents who have sprained their ankle before, AND adolescents who have never sprained their ankle.
*If you are less than 16 years of age, please have a parent or guardian present while completing the survey.
Eligibility Requirements
We are looking for people worldwide who are:
- Age 12-19
- Proficient in written English
- No diagnosed connective tissue disorder (e.g. Ehlers Danlos Syndrome), arthropathy (e.g. Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis) or neurological disorder (e.g. Cerebral Palsy)
- No recent severe ankle injury requiring surgical intervention.
- No severe mobility impairment necessitating dependence on mobility aids (e.g., wheelchair, walking stick, wheeled frame walker)
CDFNL Netball
Please be reminded that for Colac & District SENIOR netball grades (A-D), umpires are not to wear leggings/tights. Permitted uniform options are outlined in the competition rules, being skirts or shorts (included below).
Any breaches to this will result in fines being issued by the CDFNL Board.
Junior Netball
Barwon Junior Netball Championships
Barwon Junior Netball Championships has now concluded.
Geelong Central Netball Association
- 13&U Geelong FNL vs 13&U Bellarine FNL 7:00pm KP court 3
- 15&U Geelong FNL vs Monarch Crystals 7:55pm KP court 1
- 15&U Bellarine FNL vs Foxes 7:00pm KP court 5
Association Championships
Last weekend, the Bellarine FNL, Geelong FNL and Colac & District FNL 15&U and 17&U Representative Netball Teams competed at the Central West Association Championships. It was a fantastic day, with all teams displaying some very competitive netball against the other leagues and associations. Congratulations to coaches, players and parents for all their hard work on the day and in the lead up. Congratulations also to the 15&U Champ Bellarine FNL and 17&U Champ Geelong FNL teams for making it through to the semi-finals on the day!
Midweek Netball
With grading finishing last week for our midweek teams, we are working hard at finalising divisions and completing the fixture for the remainder of the season. The Tuesday Round 6 (3rd June) fixture has now been released and the Friday Round 6 (7th June) fixture will be released by the end of the week.
Clubs will receive an email once the full fixture has been finalised.
Friday 20th June
A reminder that the Geelong Cats home game at GMHBA on Friday 20th June means the Kardinia Park netball courts are not available. However, games will still be going ahead! We will be playing across 6-7 club venues for the night.
This will also be the case for the Friday 8th August.
Resource Links
Netball Umpiring
Clubs are required to email through their umpire rosters by the conclusion of each round to
Respect the players.
Respect the umpires.
Respect the volunteers.
Respect the game.
That’s how we keep community football and netball strong
Club Development
Reminders
The Toyota Good for Footy Raffle is back for 2025! If a club has never engaged with the program, they can now register for free via the link below.
Clubs who have previously registered are automatically re-registered and can start fundraising Immediately.
A nation-wide search to find, recognise, and reward local community legends who fire up the BBQ every weekend, serving up snags in bread to raise much-needed funds for their clubs. for more information.
Nominations are open now! Closing: 24 August 2025.
The 2025 PILA Goal Post Subsidy Program is now open for all AFL Victoria affiliated clubs.
Subsidy will provide up to $1000 towards the cost of new posts for your ground.
This program is open until 30 June, 2025
Local football clubs across the state will be supported to raise funds and become more sustainable through a new partnership between AFL Victoria and Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic). CDS Vic provides the opportunity for Victorians to return eligible drink containers for a 10-cent refund.
‘If in doubt sit them out’
The AFL has launched a new concussion hub. One centralised location where our community coaches, umpires, volunteers, players and parents can brush up on their concussion smarts.
Check out the more than 150 educational assets on the new hub
We want to hear about your club!
AFL Barwon and AFL Victoria want to better understand your clubs’ structures,
challenges and priorities so we can better support, not only your club, but club volunteers across the state for 2025 and beyond.
The best ways to complete the survey are to:
- Complete as a whole committee at your next committee meeting; or
- Get a few members of your committee to complete the survey separately in their own time.
No matter how the survey is completed, we appreciate your time and insight regarding your clubs’ structures, challenges, and priorities.
Club Health Check - Incentive CLOSING SOON
Late breaking news! - NEW COMPETITION FOR ONE CLUB TO WIN $4K+
Overall, we have had approximately 44% of clubs in Victoria respond to the 2025 Club Health Check.
With a goal of 60%, a new opportunity for clubs who complete the Club Health Check has launched.
Clubs who complete the survey before 11:59pm June 9 go in the draw to win a prize worth $4,100 ex GST ($2k cash + 12 footys)!
N.B.: All responses submitted during the competition period (before 09/06/’25) go in the draw to win the prize, so all previous responses since late last year will be eligible. N.B.: Each club would only be entered once for one or more surveys complete.
The 2025 City of Greater Geelong Sport and Recreation Census is now live and we would love to hear from your club.
The aim of the Sport and Recreations Census is to
- Understand the constraints on pavilions and reserves
- Identify gaps, opportunities and address challenges
- Understand sport and recreation trends
- Understand who, when and how our people are using council assets
- Obtain data to support our strategic planning for our future.