AFL Victoria is calling on grassroots football and netball clubs to promote road safety in their communities for a share of $700,000 thanks to the Transport Accident Commission’s (TAC) Club Rewards Program.

This year’s program aims to empower clubs to develop a culture where all players and members consider road safety before getting behind the wheel.

The Wellman family from Lucknow FNC attended today’s launch, after tragically losing their brother and son Koby in a road accident in 2022.

Now in its sixth year, the TAC Club Rewards Program allows AFL Victoria-affiliated football and netball clubs to apply for rewards of up to $10,000 to spend on club initiatives like club transport, new equipment and uniforms or facility upgrades. 

A further $100,000 has been added to this year’s funding pool to support more clubs in spreading the message.

More than 230 clubs earned a share of last year’s pool, with many motivated to take part after being affected by road tragedy.

As part of this year’s program, clubs will be asked to start conversations and be part of the campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of speeding, with the tagline – “Be the difference”. 

Gippsland’s Lucknow Football Netball Club and Barwon’s Western Eagles Football Netball Club were last year’s top recipients, and were rewarded for their impressive social media campaigns and road safety themed initiatives like ‘Deso Discounts’ and peer-to-peer videos.

Today’s launch in Gippsland comes as 133 people have lost their lives on Victorian roads, with more than 60 per cent of deaths happening on the same regional roads that footballers and netballers travel on for games every week.

More information on the TAC Club Rewards Program can be found at play.afl/victoria/tacclubrewards 

AFL Barwon is proud to announce a new three-year partnership with Town & Country Pizza, naming the beloved local business the Official Pizza and Pasta Partner of AFL Barwon for the next three years.

As part of the partnership, AFL Barwon clubs and members will enjoy exclusive specials and promotions at participating Town & Country Pizza stores throughout the season, bringing even more value to being part of the local football and netball community.

This exciting partnership will also see Town & Country Pizza secure naming rights to the Geelong FNL and Bellarine FNL Netball C Grade Competitions, and the Division 5 Mixed Under 14 Football Competition.

AFL Barwon Regional General Manager Lisa Patterson expressed her gratitude for the partnership.

“We’re incredibly thankful to Town & Country Pizza for their support of community football and netball. Their investment will have a direct impact on the development and enjoyment of hundreds of players across our region. To have a trusted local business like Town & Country Pizza backing our competitions and offering added value to our members is something we’re truly excited about.”

With locations spread across the region, Town & Country Pizza has been serving quality, fresh pizza and pasta for over 30 years. Renowned for their generous toppings, family-friendly service and community-minded ethos, they’re a trusted part of many local family’s weekly routine, including post-game meals and club functions.

Joe Rossi from Town & Country Pizza said they were proud to support local community sport.

“At Town & Country, taking care of people is at the heart of everything we do. It’s how we’ve built our business, and it’s why this partnership with AFL Barwon means a lot to us. Local sport brings families, friends, and communities together, and we’re proud to support an organisation that shares our commitment to taking care of people both on and off the field.”

The 2025 season will mark the beginning of this new partnership, with more details to be released soon on how clubs can access Town & Country Pizza specials and offers.

For more on Town & Country Pizza, go to https://www.townandcountrypizza.com.au

AFL Barwon announces that Head of Football, Michael Limb, will conclude his tenure at the end of the 2025 season, bringing to a close an extraordinary 23-year contribution to football in the region.

Michael began his journey with the organisation under Football Geelong and has since played a pivotal role in shaping the game locally through his time as Junior Football Manager, Senior Football Manager, Head of Operations, and most recently, Head of Football at AFL Barwon.

Across more than two decades, Michael’s contribution to the growth and governance of community football in the Barwon region has been immense. His guidance and football intellect have underpinned a period of substantial development, ensuring clubs and competitions have continued to thrive.

Michael has been a guiding figure for clubs, players, coaches, and volunteers across all levels of community football. His deep understanding of the game and its governance needs, coupled with his ability to influence, has supported the region through significant growth, challenges, and transformation.

From managing competitions and player registrations, to overseeing disciplinary matters and implementing governance reforms, Michael’s fingerprints are on nearly every operational aspect of the game in the Barwon region. His work behind the scenes has ensured that thousands of participants have had the opportunity to enjoy safe, well-run, and inclusive competitions year after year.

Michael’s knowledge and experience have been integral to many aspects of the game’s operations, particularly in overseeing the Match Review Panel, Tribunal processes, Player Points System and Allowable Player Payments. His commitment to fairness, integrity, and supporting clubs has helped create a robust football framework that will continue to benefit the region long after his departure.

AFL Barwon Region General Manager, Lisa Patterson, paid tribute to Michael's long-standing service.

“Michael has been a cornerstone of football administration in our region for more than 20 years,” Patterson said. “His wealth of knowledge, calm and considered approach, and genuine care for our clubs and people have been invaluable. He has worked with humility, and his behind-the-scenes efforts have underpinned the integrity of our competitions. While we are sad to see him go, we are incredibly grateful for the legacy he leaves behind.”

Reflecting on his time with the organisation, Michael said:

 “Having started in 2003 managing the Junior Football Program three days a week, I had no idea that 23 years later I would still be in the organisation. This journey has been extremely rewarding, to be a part of the incredible growth of football and netball in our region. Clearly it is a work environment that I enjoy, having remained for so long. I feel blessed to have met so many amazing and selfless people throughout my tenure."

"Whilst we have not always agreed or shared the same opinions, we all have a common desire to provide the best possible outcomes for our participants and stakeholders. I will truly value the friendships I have made and have the utmost respect for the individual contributions made by so many wonderful volunteers. Thank you all for your support, I look forward to sharing a beer and a laugh somewhere at the local footy in the years to come.”

AFL Barwon extends its thanks to Michael for his extraordinary contribution and wishes him and his partner Kellie all the very best as they begin the next chapter beyond football at seasons end.

Following the success of the 2024 V/Line Cup, AFL Victoria is proud to announce that the City of Ballarat will once again host the talent pathway carnival in 2025.  

The 76th edition of the V/Line Cup will return to the Central Highlands region, bringing together over 600 players, officials and their families to Ballarat for a three-day carnival from Monday 22 September to Wednesday 24 September.

The event is expected to again deliver significant economic benefits to the Ballarat community, attracting visitors from across Victoria and beyond. 

Ballarat's top sporting venues including Mars Stadium, Marty Busch Reserve and City Oval will host the matches providing a high-quality stage to showcase the football talent of these rising stars. 

AFL Victoria looks forward to continuing its partnership with V/Line and the City of Ballarat to deliver another successful country football carnival.

AFL Victoria and V/Line last year announced a three-year extension to the partnership, continuing V/Line’s support for country football into a third decade. 

Head of AFL Victoria, Greg Madigan, said: 
“The V/Line Cup is a highlight of the AFL Victoria calendar - an historic and important event for many of the best young footballers from regional Victoria. 

“After the success of the 2024 carnival, we are thrilled to announce Ballarat as the hosts for another year. Ballarat is a place with such rich football history, wonderful facilities and a thriving community, and will ensure another fantastic experience for the more than 600 participants, officials and umpires involved,” Madigan said. 

“I thank and congratulate the City of Ballarat for hosting the V/Line Cup for a second year and extend my appreciation to V/Line for the ongoing and long-standing support of country footy in Victoria for more than 20 years.” 

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said:  
"We are pleased to welcome the V/Line Cup back to Ballarat for what promises to be another brilliant spectacle of regional Victoria's best young footballers," Cr Hargreaves said. 
 
"Having hosted the event for the first time last year, we look forward to showcasing our magnificent sporting facilities once again.
 
"We have a rich sporting history in Ballarat and events like this further build on our reputation as a sports events destination."

V/Line Acting CEO Warwick Horsley said:  

“V/Line is incredibly proud of our ongoing support for the V/Line Cup and seeing the next generation of rising stars showcase their skills,” Mr Horsley said.

“Last year’s V/Line Cup in Ballarat was a fantastic event and we’re delighted to support the V/Line Cup returning to this regional city for the second consecutive year.