General Updates
Key Updates
AFL Barwon would like to remind all clubs that only correctly branded footballs and netballs are permitted for use in official matches across all competitions. The use of non-compliant balls is strictly against competition rules and may result in penalties.
In addition, the AFL Barwon Guernsey Branding & Style Guide outlines the approved designs and guidelines for all on-field playing and officials' uniforms for the 2025 season. These rules align with the AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria licensee agreements.
Key reminders:
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All on-field football apparel must be ordered through an AFL Victoria-approved licensee.
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Heavy fines apply for any breaches of this requirement.
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All on-field design proofs must be approved by AFL Barwon’s Commercial Partnerships & Communications Manager, Sean Atkinson, via email at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . -
All branding guidelines and rules are also outlined in the AFL Barwon Handbook.
Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring consistency and compliance across our competitions.
AFL Barwon is seeking Expressions of Interest from all affiliated clubs across the GFNL, BFNL, CDFNL and GDFNL for a pre-season Senior Netball Tournament, tentatively scheduled for a weekend in late March 2026.
This tournament-style event will provide an exciting opportunity for clubs to fine-tune their squads ahead of the season, test combinations, and enjoy competitive match play in a fun and structured environment.
Further details, including the confirmed date, format, and venue(s), will be shared in the coming months.
If your club is interested in participating, please submit your EOI below
BFNL
Senior Football
9/8/25 - Barwon Heads vs Modewarre - 2:10pm
A Grade Netball
9/8/25 - Anglesea vs Newcomb - 1:50pm
GFNL
Senior Football
9/8/25 - Bell Park vs Colac - 2:10pm
CDFNL
Senior Football
9/8/25 - Simpson vs Colac Imperials - 2:15pm
AFL Nines registrations at Belmont Common are now open for 2025! The competition is designed for adults including Mens, Mixed and Womens.
The fun and friendly competition will run for 8 weeks.
Dates: Monday, October 20th - December 8th Times: 5:30pm - 9:00pm depending on fixture Location: Belmont Common, Belmont
Reminders
AFL Barwon is excited to seek nominations for the 2025 AFL Barwon Community Awards.
The event has incorporated the historic AFL Barwon Coaches Awards with the additions of Community Netball Coaching, Club Administrator Awards, and both Football and Netball umpiring awards.
To nominate a Club Administrator, Football or Netball Coach, Personality of the Year or Club Trainer, simply answer the questions below associated with the specific award.
Nominations can be made by any member of the community and is open to all AFL Barwon Affiliated Clubs, Associations and Leagues (GFNL, BFNL, CDFNL, GDFNL, Female Football, Junior Football & Netball, and All Abilities FNL).
AFL Barwon is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced media, broadcast, or production companies to deliver filming, live streaming, highlights, and digital content distribution services for football and netball matches across our competitions.
Our current broadcast footprint includes the live streaming of one senior football match per week in both the Geelong Football League (GFNL) and Bellarine Football League (BFNL). All senior football matches are filmed weekly, while netball coverage is provided using VEO technology.
This tender process aims to formalise and potentially expand AFL Barwon’s filming and broadcast arrangements from the 2026 season onwards.
The Expression of Interest details can be found below.
We are currently following up on a few outstanding submissions to for this year’s award across all Senior Male and Female Football, and A Grade Netball competitions.
To maintain the integrity of the results and ensure players across all clubs are recognised appropriately, we kindly remind all coaches to submit their votes if they haven't already.
These votes provide a valuable opportunity for coaches to acknowledge standout performances, both from within their own teams and from the opposition.
At this stage, we are holding off on publicly releasing the leaderboards to ensure all data is complete and accurate.
If you have any questions or require assistance with submitting your votes, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Tackle Your Feelings, Read the Play and Leisure Networks are coming together to help support the mental health of the football and netball communities in the Geelong, Barwon and Surf Coast regions. The organisations will be holding a special mental-health themed event at the Geelong and District Football Netball League clash between Winchelsea and Thomson at Eastern Reserve (Winchelsea) on Saturday August 9 starting at 12.30pm. The luncheon will include a panel discussion with Geelong footballers Mark O’Connor and Zach Guthrie, as well as some other activations and prize giveaways. For those looking to support or requiring further information, please get in contact with TYF’s Ben Guthrie (
Commercial Partnerships
The 2025 AFLW season is right around the corner and the Geelong Cats are excited to kick it off on August 7 with the Season Launch!
Join the team for the jumper presentation and hear from some of the players and staff ahead of Round 1.
Get your tickets now at bit.ly/CatsSeasonLaunch
Club Development
On behalf of AFL Barwon, thank you to all clubs who promoted and submitted nominations for the 2025 Toyota AFL National Volunteer of the Year Awards.
AFL Victoria saw a 70% increase in nominations with AFL Barwon receiving 33 nominations which is a fantastic recognition and demonstrates the respect and value we have for the volunteers in our region.
The Geelong Cats Academy is excited to offer a number of coaching opportunities across our 2025 Emerging Talent and Development Squad programs for Boys and Girls.
We are seeking passionate and committed coaches to join our Academy team in delivering high-quality football development experiences for talented young athletes across our Cats Academy zone.
Please see the list of available positions below:
- U16 Boys Development Squad Coaching Team
- U15 Boys Development Squad Coaching Team
- U14 Boys Emerging Talent Squad Coaching Team
- U13 Boys Emerging Talent Squad Coaching Team
- U16 Girls Development Squad Coaching Team
- U14 Girls Emerging Talent Squad Coaching Team
The 2025 Academies will involve a 4-week training program commencing in August, with coaches expected to attend training one night per week. Training may then increase to two nights per week throughout September, leading into the Academy matches.
Coaches will also be expected to attend a coach development session led by Geelong Cats staff and be encouraged to attend AFL Barwon matches to observe nominated players and assist in the talent identification process.
Applications for these positions are now open, and close on Friday 8 August.
To apply for one or more of these roles, please click here.
More information can also be found here – Geelong Cats Academy Coaching opportunities
Purpose
This honorarium position is to collaboratively lead the Geelong Cats Academy Boys and Girls talent programs by delivering a player-centred environment that supports development at all stages of the pathway. Coaching teams will provide high-performance experiences for players progressing toward elite junior football, while also fostering foundational skill development, confidence and connection for emerging talent. Together, coaches will plan and deliver training, mentor athletes, and contribute to the overall vision and values of the Geelong Cats Academy.
Key Responsibilities
- Identify and select players through training, trials and game observations.
- Plan and deliver structured, progressive training sessions.
- Share coaching responsibilities across all aspects of preparation and match day execution.
- Promote the values of connection, learning and resilience within the squad.
- Provide individual player feedback and support player development plans.
- Assist in preparing player evaluations and end-of-program reports.
- Maintain strong communication with families, Academy staff and other stakeholders.
Requirements
- Coach AFL accreditation.
- Demonstrated coaching experience with junior athletes.
- Strong teamwork, communication and planning skills.
- Knowledge and experience in the Geelong Cats Academy zone, including insights into clubs, schools and pathways.
- Understanding of the Coates Talent League and player pathway expectations.
- Current VIT or Working with Children Check.
Enquires regarding the above can be directed to Chris Lynch Academy & Pathways Manager – Geelong Cats - 0400 071 680 -
Junior club coordinators have been contacted to provide feedback on eligible Geelong Cats Next Generation Academy (NGA) Boys and Girls born 2009-2012 tied to their club. This information will support Talent ID for the Cats Academy U13 & U14 Emerging Talent Squads and U15 & U16 Development Squads.
If your club has not received the email, please contact Chris Lynch, Academy & Pathways Manager at the Geelong Cats, via
Our 2025–26 Community Grants open on Saturday 26 July 2025.
To assist you in applying for a grant we are offering free information sessions and grant‑writing workshops.
Information sessions
The information sessions will explain the 2025–26 grants offered, including key eligibility criteria, and highlight any changes in the guidelines. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions to understand which grant best suits your project.
Community Infrastructure
In person | Wednesday 6 August, 6:00-7:30pm (doors open 5:45pm)
Wurriki Nyal,137–149 Mercer Street, Geelong
Register to attend.
All other grants
In person | Thursday 7 August, 6:00-7:30pm (doors open 5:45pm)
Wurriki Nyal,137–149 Mercer Street, Geelong
Format: brief introduction, followed by breakout sessions tailored for each grant
Register to attend.
Grant‑writing workshops
The grant‑writing workshops are designed to help you craft a strong application. We’ll take a detailed look at the application questions, explain what makes a good application and give examples of what to avoid.
Community Infrastructure
Hybrid (online and at Wurriki Nyal)
Wednesday 20 August, 6:00-7:30pm
Register to attend.
Online only | Thursday 14 August, 6:00–7:00pm
Register for all grant writing workshops (except Infrastructure).
If you have any questions, please email or call us at 03 5272 5560.
August is the final month for nominations for Bunnings Legend of the Tongs. Nominees go in the draw to win weekly prizes including a BBQ, tool sets and more. We have had 20 weekly winners in Vic so far! Click here for more information.
Football
General Football
Now is a good time to check player eligibility for finals. Players must have played a minimum number of games in a particular age group to qualify. Those who’ve played in higher grades/divisions may have additional requirements to be eligible for lower division finals. If there are any questions about eligibility, please reach out, and we can assist you.
Please note: Even if a player qualifies for multiple teams, they are only permitted to play in one finals match per weekend.
The below link will provide clubs with a tool to check players games played this season.
AFL Barwon is currently seeking updated information from all clubs regarding their home venues. This information will play a vital role in helping us better understand the current landscape and assist with planning and decision-making for future facility development and support.
We kindly ask each club to complete the form linked below to ensure we have the most accurate and up-to-date details.
Resource Links
Football Umpiring
Reminder
(please refer to respective by-laws or handbook for GDFNL and CDFNL)
As we approach finals, lets look at the role of the water carrier.
The below extracts are from the 2025 AFL Barwon Handbook and are to be actioned as such.
The key take aways are:
- Water carriers can only deliver water to a player(s)
- They MUST not engage in any verbal to an umpire or opposition player
- They are not to be coaching at any time
- They are not to throw or toss water bottles around
- They are not to deliver messages to player(s)
- They MUST be off the ground and away from the boundary line when not performing their role
- They must operate around the ground and not directly from the coaching box area, unless refilling their water bottles.
Water Carriers MUST follow the direction of an umpire at all times.
Free kicks and send offs may occur for any infringement or interference in the view of the umpire(s)
19. Water Carriers AFL Barwon Juniors
Water carriers must wear AFL Barwon light blue bibs that are numbered with numbers 5, 6 or 7 (numbers must not be duplicated). There is a maximum of 3 water carriers permitted for all junior football.
Water carriers must be over the age of 12 years of age for Under 14, 16 & 18 male and Under 14, 16 & 19/18 female.
There are no water carriers allowed in Under 9’s, Under 10’s, Under 12’s or Under 10 & Under 12 female.
They must also only attend a maximum of three players at any one time on entering the field.
Umpires have been instructed to send off any officials not correctly attired.
Water Carriers found to be coaching on the field will be sent from the field, repeat occurrences may result in the water carrier being sent from the ground for the remainder of the game and may be reported for misconduct and cannot be replaced. Field umpires may award free kicks against water carriers if in their opinion are coaching or interfering in the game, this includes not following the direction of an umpire at any time during the game as per Laws of Australian Football
12. Water-Carriers AFL Barwon Senior Football
12.1 Eligibility to act as water carrier
12.1.1 A maximum of three (3) water-carriers is permitted in any game
12.1.2 Water carriers must be aged over twelve years.
12.1.3 No coach or assistant coach of an AFL VICTORIA COUNTRY open age team shall act as a water carrier in any AFL Barwon match.
12.1.4 No coach or assistant coach of an AFL VICTORIA COUNTRY team shall act as a trainer or
medical staff in a match in which the team that they coach is participating.
12.2 Water carrier uniforms
Water carriers are to wear a light blue AFL Barwon branded ‘water carrier’ vest with a white shirt underneath and the word ‘water carrier’ and be correctly numbered with 5, 6 and 7 or 8 respectively for all football competitions where water carriers are permitted.
Water carriers’ names must appear on the official team sheet. Penalty $50
12.3 Water carrier duties
12.3.1 Water-carriers may enter the arena at any time during the match but only to provide water
to players and for no other purpose whatsoever and to immediately leave the playing arena once the drink has been delivered, and before play recommences (Refer AFL VICTORIA COUNTRY Rule 18.2.)
12.3.2 Water carriers are not permitted to operate constantly from the Coaches 12 metre interchange box area but must be around the boundary area against the fence while not delivering water.
Please ensure all your people are aware of their role and we can then have a smooth finals series ahead.
Netball
All Abilities Netball
Congratulations to Geelong West Giants and Newcomb Power on making it to the All-Abilities Grand Final!
This match will be played at Kardinia Park on Tuesday 12 August at 6:20pm on court 5.
We hope to see you all down there supporting these two teams!
Netball Victoria
Umpire tester meeting – Monday 11 August
Interested in learning more about becoming an umpire tester? A new umpire tester meeting has been confirmed for 2025.
Great for new testers, current testers, umpire mentors and umpire coordinators.
Intermediate coach course – Sunday 31 August
Another date has been locked in for an Intermediate coach course, full day, face-to-face workshop at State Netball Centre - the perfect way for coaches to consolidate their learnings across the season and increase their knowledge and accreditation.
Places are limited and some prerequisites apply. Please share with your coaches.
BFNL & GFNL Netball
In an attempt to reduce the amount of paper used through finals, as well as reduce the number of tasks required by clubs on match day, there have been some changes to the processes for finals, which will be included with other finals information when distributed, but I wanted to highlight here.
Bench Officials – TEMPLATE AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD
A spreadsheet will be sent to all clubs to complete, nominating who their team bench officials will be for the finals series. We understand many teams will have a stable bench, so needing to provide this each week is not always necessary.
However, if there is a change to your submitted list – then no worries, please pop to the competition office, or email the AFL Barwon team through the week, and we can update this for you. Only those named on our lists will be permitted to sit on the bench.
Starting Positions
While team selections will still be required by Wednesday of each week to enable us to type up position tracking sheets with qualified players, starting positions/line ups will be required to be selected in PlayHQ by 6pm the day before match day.
Again – if there are changes to this post this time, this can be communicated at the competition office.
All teams will still be required to ‘check in’ at the competition office, to run their names over their lists, and ensure all players are listed. From there, umpires will bring the paperwork to the score bench, for the independent scorer and check scorers.
Please be reminded that all players must be in correct uniform. Correct uniform includes:
- Playing dress or approved alternate uniform
- Netball shorts/briefs
Socks (as nominated by your club – see page 181 of AFL Barwon Handbook)
Junior Netball
This Friday there are no games at Kardinia Park due to the Geelong cats home game.
Please ensure clubs know which alternate venue and what time they are playing at and allow extra travel time
Alternate venues for the night include:
- Banyul-Warri Fields
- Grinter Reserve
- Herne Hill Reserve
- Lara Recreation Reserve
- Queens Park Reserve
- Shell Road Reserve
For those playing at Bunyul-Warri or traveing through, please be aware lane closure along the Surf Coast Highway. Please allow extra travel time to get to your venues.
Please note there is also a new highway access to the car park being created.
Clubs can choose the 3 best players for media votes by writing 3, 2, 1 on the scoresheet next to the player you wish to award votes to.
3- best on court
2- second best on court
1- third best on court
11&U Party Round is scheduled for 24th August at Kardinia Park.
An email has been sent out to clubs with a link to submit their application to be involved. Please have this submitted no later than 15th August.
The theme this year is crazy socks and posters!
Coaching applications are now live AFL Barwon’s 2026 Representative Netball program. Please see the link below to submit your interest.
AFL Barwon are looking for a team of selectors to assist in the rep trials.
For more information, please contact Caitlyn at
BFNL and GFNL Junior Netball Award nominations are now open! Below is a summary of all awards available to vote on.
DOW Primary Education Award (BFNL Only)
The purpose of this award is to encourage and support the further education, and development in the sport of netball, of a Primary age player within an affiliated Club.
Criteria:
· Age and status i.e. must have completed year 6 at Primary School and entering year 7 the following year
· Club orientation i.e. Contribution to the ideals / practices of the Club
· Self-motivation e.g. Attitude to training, participation in available courses
· Evidence of good sportsmanship
· Talent, and the likelihood of a significant future in netball
· The need for assistance toward the costs of secondary education.
DOW Tertiary Scholarship (BFNL Only)
Dow Australia Pty Ltd has been a valued sponsor of the Bellarine Football Netball League since 1987.
The purpose of this award is to encourage and support the further education, and development in the field of science of a junior age player towards their chosen professional career.
Criteria:
- Age and status i.e. must be a year 12 student entering University in the following year
· Evidence of good leadership
· Self-motivation e.g. Attitude to training, participation in available courses
· The need for assistance toward the costs of higher education
· Must have ambitions of a future in one of the following careers: Science / Engineering OR Business / Commerce
Junior Coach Encouragement Award (BFNL & GFNL)
The Purpose of this award is to encourage, develop and support a young, aspiring coach.
Criteria:
▪ Hold a current Coaching Accreditation
▪ Hold a current pass in the Rules of Netball theory exam
▪ Needs to be the nominated Coach for a team, not an Assistant.
▪ Be of Junior age: Up to and including 19/Under.
▪ Be a financial member of a club affiliated with AFL Barwon.
▪ Be a financial member of Netball Victoria.
▪ Display the qualities of a good Coach (Arrives early to meet and greet players, Dresses appropriately, Keeps players interested and active during training and warm-up sessions, Can demonstrate and encourage correct skills and apply appropriate fault correction, Gives constructive feedback during training and matches.
Junior Umpire Encouragement Award (BFNL & GFNL)
The purpose of the award is to encourage, develop and support young trainee / badged umpires who are members of a Club affiliated with the Bellarine Football Netball League.
Criteria:
- Completion Foundation umpire course and the rules of netball theory exam prior to or during the year of the award.
- The ability to umpire matches completely unsupervised.
- Willingness to umpire as and when requested by their Club, to dress appropriately, and to act responsibly as an umpire.
Please see the below links for to submit your nominations.
BFNL:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1D7rusd1loBRu52rm0haevqdHVMRk5HOCjKIijz4AQ1Y/edit
GFNL:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1dlGhI3dq1M7byrwTJsOJU2Bjio_JWkdcSwOCYf-WS78/edit
CDFNL Netball
The CDFNL Board have determined that for the final rounds of the season, we are going to be introducing a ‘Match Management’ log, which will be a requirement to be completed should any form of Warning, Suspension or Send Off occur.
The Match Management log can be kept underneath the scoresheet, but when time is held for a warning (or other) to be issued, the scorer should note the position, club and quarter for which the incident has occurred. This is for OFFICIAL warnings and so on, not proactive advice or advancements, so time should be held for these to be issued, so should not impact scoring.
At the end of the game, when signing off on votes and paperwork, the umpires should write down a note as to the reason for the warning (i.e. persistent infringing), and fill in any blanks (i.e. player name), as scorers may only note down the position, quarter and action at the time.
If this paperwork needs to be completed, it must be sent with the scoresheets to AFL Barwon. If no issues occur, the paper can be re-used another time.
The form can be found under ‘Netball Resources’ on the AFL Barwon website – or HERE for convenience
It’s the time of year where we ask clubs to please provide the names of their 7 nominated scorers and timekeepers for finals.
These can be submitted via the following form: https://forms.gle/zhtrDadfkny3v45M8
Please do so by August 18th
As the final 5 begin to become clearer, we are also in a position to start collecting your bench officials for finals.
These can be submitted via the following form: https://forms.gle/ZDuGiVNJGCDUqz7j9
Skip any teams for which you do not need to submit officials for. If your team is a possibility of making finals, please complete the form.
Please complete this form by August 24th.
