Looking for a fun, active and welcoming way to get involved in footy in 2026? AFL Barwon is excited to offer a range of Auskick, Superkick and AFL Nines programs across the region, giving children and adults the perfect opportunity to get active, build skills and enjoy the game in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Whether you’re brand new to football or returning for another season, these programs are designed to be inclusive, affordable and focused on fun.

Junior Programs – Auskick & Superkick

Our four-week Auskick and Superkick programs are ideal for young players wanting to learn the basics, develop confidence and enjoy footy with friends. Best of all, participants receive $55 off their community Auskick or Superkick program, making it a great pathway into local club football.

Queenscliff Football Club – Auskick & Superkick

• When: Mondays, 4–5pm

• Duration: 4 weeks

• Season Commences: March 2

• Cost: $55

• Auskick: https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/de1ff4

• Superkick: https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/a54be5

Armstrong Creek Sharks – All Girls Auskick & Superkick

• When: Wednesdays, 4–5pm

• Duration: 4 weeks

• Season Commences: February 18

• Cost: $55

• Auskick: https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/4fc631

• Superkick: https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/d1794f

Drysdale Football Club – Auskick & Superkick

• When: Thursdays, 4–5pm

• Duration: 4 weeks

• Season Commences: February 26

• Cost: $55

• Auskick: https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/455872

• Superkick: https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/4a11d3

AFL Nines – Social Footy for Adults

AFL Nines is the ultimate social football competition — fast-paced, non-contact and perfect for friends, workmates and local teams looking to enjoy footy in a relaxed environment.

• When: Mondays from 6pm

• Duration: 6 weeks

• Season Commences: February 16

• Cost: $350 per team

• Individual Registration: https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/dc7871-3133b2dd

• Team Registration: https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/7cc2a3

Get Involved!

Spots are limited, so we encourage particpants and teams to register early. These programs provide a great introduction to football, a pathway into local clubs, and a fun way to stay active and connected in the Barwon community.

In-line with the recent announcement of the AFL’s updated 2024 Concussion Protocols, AFL Barwon has announced updated Football & Netball Concussion Protocols.

The most significant announcement detailed within the 2024 AFL Concussion Protocols was:

• All Australian rules football competitions at all ages (i.e. adult/open competitions and all junior competitions outside AFL/AFLW), will adopt a mandatory minimum 21-day return to play protocol. This new protocol will apply for State Football competitions (including the VFL and VFLW), elite pathway competitions (including the Coates Talent League for boys and girls) and all community football competitions; and
• Under the new community guidelines, the earliest that a player can return to play after a concussion is on the 21^st day after the day on which the concussion was sustained and provided that the player has safely progressed through each phase of the return-to-play program. 

In-line with this announcement, AFL Barwon has adopted:

1. The 2024 AFL Concussion Protocols for all AFL Barwon and affiliated Australian rules football competitions at all ages; and
2. Has also adopted this policy for all AFL Barwon and affiliated Netball competitions at all ages.

This adoption extends to practice matches, interleague and other games of any kind, of Australian Rules Football and Netball, in all forms.

In-line with AFL Barwon’s 2024-2026 Strategic Plan, to be community sport leaders in the safe and sustainable delivery of Football and Netball, we will continue work regionally on further resourcing and support for all affiliated Clubs, competitions and Leagues.

Clubs, stakeholders and community members alike are encouraged to contact AFL Barwon if they require further detail or clarification on these guidelines.

AFL Barwon wishes to advise that, following an agreement between the two clubs, there will be a change to the Round 7 fixture. The match between Colac and St Mary’s, originally scheduled for Saturday, 6 June, will now be played on Saturday, 11 April at Central Reserve.

A Grade Netball will start at 3:00pm, followed by the Senior Football match at 4:30pm.

This early-season clash promises to be an exciting contest, giving both clubs the opportunity to set the tone for the 2026 season.

AFL Barwon wishes to advise that, following an agreement between the clubs, all football and netball matches for North Shore versus Newtown & Chilwell, originally scheduled for Sunday, 26 April, will now be played on Friday, 24 April at Windsor Park.

The Reserves match will kick off at 6:00pm, followed by the Senior Football game at 8:10pm, while Netball times are yet to be confirmed.

AFL Barwon has confirmed a number of on-field rule changes that will apply across all competitive age competitions for the 2026 season.

These updates reflect the AFL’s recently announced rule amendments, with AFL Barwon adopting four of the nine changes. A summary of the on-field rule adjustments to be implemented next season is outlined below.

Further detail on the applicable rule changes will be provided by the AFL Barwon Umpiring Department once official guidance is received from the AFL.

Clubs will also have the opportunity to receive additional information on these competition rule changes in person at the AFL Barwon Club Education Event on Sunday, March 1.

Last Disposal

Introduce a Free Kick for the last disposal Out of Bounds in between the 50m arcs. This rule interpretation will replace the last possession rule that is officiated across competitions.

Centre Ball Up Contests

At all centre ball-ups, a competing Ruck cannot cross the Centre Circle line and engage with the opposition Ruck, prior to contesting the football.

Shrugging in the Tackle

A shrug (in a tackle) will be deemed Prior Opportunity (i.e. an attempt to evade or fend an opponent).

Ruck Nominations

Around the ground, the umpire may restart play without a nominated Ruck present. The aim is to get play starting again as soon as possible once the area is clear.