AFL Barwon Clarifies Incidents from Recent Geelong FNL Senior Match

AFL Barwon received a request from the Colac Football Netball Club to review two incidents from last weekend’s Blood Toyota Geelong FNL Senior match against Bell Park.

The first related to the sounding of the final siren. While there was initial confusion, the matter was quickly resolved. AFL Barwon is satisfied the final quarter met the required 20 minutes of playing time plus time-on, as confirmed by both officiating timekeepers.

The second involved an interchange matter. The review determined no sanction was warranted against Bell Park, as the player left the field outside the designated interchange area with direct permission from an officiating umpire, who also gave direct permission for the player to return to the field. The permission for the player to leave the field outside the interchange gates should not have occurred.

The Umpire Department has addressed the matter by counselling the umpires involved, delivering refresher education to all Development and Senior Field Umpires, and communicating directly with the Colac Football Netball Club.

AFL Barwon is committed to ongoing support, education, and development of the AFL Barwon umpiring group to minimise the likelihood of similar incidents occurring in the future.

All clubs will be reminded of the rules and processes regarding injured players leaving the field to ensure consistent application across all football competitions.