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Get Involved in Footy Fun This Season Across the Barwon Region!

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

Armstrong Creek Sharks – All Girls Auskick & Superkick

Drysdale Football Club – Auskick & Superkick

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.

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 21st 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.

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Round 7 Shake-Up: Colac vs St Mary’s Moved to April 11

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.

The updated version of the 2026 Blood Toyota Geelong FNL Fixture can be found below.

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Friday Night Lights: North Shore to host Newtown & Chilwell under lights

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.

The updated version of the 2026 Blood Toyota Geelong FNL Fixture can be found below.

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2026 AFL Barwon On-Field Football Rule Changes

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.

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All-Abilities Football Competition Structure Change for 2026

AFL Barwon has confirmed changes to the structure of the Kardinia Park All-Abilities Football Netball League competitions for the 2026 season, introducing two distinct football divisions designed to better support participation, safety, and long-term growth.

From 2026, the All-Abilities football competition will be separated into:

  • A Contact Division, which will maintain the dynamic, competitive nature and rules of the current competition, and
  • A Non-Contact Division, designed to support non-tackle participants and provide an accessible entry point for players seeking a modified football experience.

The introduction of a non-contact division reflects AFL Barwon’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and participation, ensuring players of all abilities can engage in the game in an environment that best suits their needs.

The clubs participating in the All-Abilities Football Netball League will remain the same as in 2025 across both competitions, with one adjustment. Following a collaborative agreement between the two clubs, Newtown & Chilwell will fill the non-competitive position previously held by Bell Park in the non-contact football competition. This agreement supports continuity within the league while allowing both clubs to align their participation with their respective objectives.

AFL Barwon will continue to administer both competitions, working closely with clubs, participants, and stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition into the new structure. 

These changes form part of AFL Barwon’s commitment to developing a long-term growth strategy for the Kardinia Park All-Abilities Football Netball League, focused on creating clear and inclusive participation pathways, supporting sustainable club involvement, and identifying strategic growth opportunities across the region.

Further information regarding competition governance and fixturing will be shared with clubs and the broader community ahead of the 2026 season. 

 

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