AFL Barwon writer Wil Spence previews this weekend’s men's football matches across the Geelong and Bellarine FNL competitions.

Geelong Football Netball League

Bell Park vs Newtown & Chilwell

Hamlyn Park, 2:10PM, Saturday 5^th July, 2025

An exciting game ahead with both sides in winning form, Bell Park have won five of their last six games, and Newtown haven’t lost a game in two months.

Last time these two sides played each other in round one, Newtown come from behind to win in a cracking game of football.

Dragon stars, Benjamin Lloyd, Eli Pearce and Jett Bermingham should all see plenty of the footy, averaging over 19 disposals per game.

Their importance was evident last week for James Saker’s men against reigning premier Leopold.

The Towners even spread of contribution from Steve Johnson’s list has helped put them in good stead for the second half of the season.

With nine players averaging over 18 disposals per game, there’s no individual brilliance required with all players playing the role.

Evident from last week’s 101-point victory over Geelong West Giants.

Colac vs Grovedale

Central Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 5^th July, 2025

Back on the winners list, in a big way for Colac solidifies their top four position on the ladder.

A disappointing month for Grovedale being on the end of some close losses and big margins, what Grovedale outfit will we see this weekend?

Colac’s scoring prowess could cause headaches for Grovedale defenders, averaging 17 goals per game, to go with 59 inside 50’s.

Jason Armistead’s even contribution in front of goals is a point of difference.

Players to have played seven or more games this season, six of those players are averaging a goal a game.

The inclusion of gun key forward, Tom Gillett over the past two weeks has given Jacob Spolding more options in front of goals.

Currently averaging 12 goals per game, which rates below average, Spolding will be hoping Gillett can help improve this number.

Particularly with clearances an area they have been strong in all season.

Geelong West Giants vs South Barwon

West Oval Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 5^th July, 2025

Differing weekends for either side, Giants come into this weekend with a heavy defeat to Newtown.

South Barwon on the other hand were victors by just under 200 points.

Last time either side played each other, the Swans got the chocolates by 59 points.

A competitive display of football for Greg Mellor’s side should keep the Giants in the game.

Key figure, Lachie Horniblow will be relied on heavily in front of goals, averaging 3.4 goals per game.

The Giants equalled their lowest number of turnovers last week; similar trend here could provide optimism for Mallor.

Swans forwards could be dangerous this weekend, particularly Fraser Fort who had a day out last week, kicking eight goals to sit equal second in the goal kicking.

Look to Fort to be busy in front of goals with Neeld’s squad averaging 15 goals per game.

St Joseph’s vs North Shore

Herne Hill Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 5^th July, 2025

Clinical victory for St Joseph’s last week, holds them in good stead against a young North Shore squad.

The Seagulls were hoping to put in a competitive four quarters against Colac, having won their first game of the season, the previous week.

They were ultimately outclassed but learnt some valuable lessons to bring to this weekend’s game.

St Joseph’s potent forward line could be busy this week for Ron Watt’s side, currently averaging 15 goals per game.

Geelong VFL listed player, Paddy De Grandi is averaging three goals per game, with teammate Oscar Morrison averaging 2.5 and Mitch Chafer and Hunter Lewis averaging just over two goals per game.

North Shore’s defensive transition could determine the result of the game.

Low turnover rate from defense to attack by foot for Mark Hounslow’s squad could open the game up, with Lachlan Hayes, a key figure averaging 10 rebound 50’s per game.

St Mary’s vs Leopold

Kardinia Park West, 1:10PM, Sunday 6^th July, 2025

Both sides have had some patchy form recently, but with the quality of players for either side, expect a big turnout for what should be a competitive game of footy.

A win for St Mary’s would continue their trend towards a second chance come September.

For the Lions, a much-needed win to draw level with St Mary’s and avoid potentially dropping positions on the ladder.

Both sides play a highly contested brand of football,

Luke Rayner’s gun trio, Patrick Dowling, Jarryd Garner and Michael Rudd all average over 13 contested possessions per game.

Rick Kelly’s major ball winners Tate Porter, Marcus Thompson and Brock Williamson all average over 13 contested possessions per game.

The battle could be between which midfield group is willing to work defensively with lots of the players mentioned, currently average one or more goals per game.

Lara vs St Albans

Lara Recreation Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 12^th July, 2025

A difficult period for both sides, Lara are currently after their first win of the season.

St Albans are looking to bounce back with their first win since round five.

Brett Henderson’s reliance on Cats stars, Darby Henderson and Thomas Gunther could determine the outcome of the midfield battle.

Both players lead their club in clearances and disposals.

St Alban’s clearance and contested possession style of football has helped improve the squad’s overall performance.

Expect contested possession beasts, Fletcher Keck, Jed Warrin to have an influence in stoppages for Rick Munn’s side.

Equal second in the goal kicking, Tom Higgins could give headaches to Lara defenders.

Bellarine Football Netball League

Torquay vs Anglesea

McCartney Oval, 2:10PM, Saturday 5^th July, 2025

Contrasting months for either side has shaken the competition, Torquay have been back to their best, sitting comfortably in the second position with the strongest percentage in the competition.

Anglesea’s last month has been challenging, through injuries and player form, the Roo’s sit a game inside the top five.

However, a relatively low percentage gives sides on the outer an opportunity to get in.

Dom Gleeson’s fast paced style of footy with plenty of run and overlap should be evident this weekend.

Experienced duo, James Darke and Matthew Boag both average 16 or more handballs per game.

The Roo’s ability to win centre and stoppage clearances has been a big strength of theirs all season, rating elite for total clearances.

However, their inability to be effective going inside 50 has hurt their chances of kicking major scores.

Jordan Keras’s side go at 45%, for forward 50 entries which needs to improve if they’re to be competitive against the top sides.

Geelong Amateur vs Queenscliff

Queens Park Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 5^th July, 2025

Both sides have been in confident form since they last encountered each other.

Geelong Amateur are on a win streak dating back to round six when they were handed their first loss of the season to Queenscliff.

For the Coutas, their run of form has been just as good, winning five of their last six games.

Ammos scoring power has been evident for much of the season, Sam Lloyd’s side currently averages 15 goals per game, rating elite.

Returning home, star key forward Mitchell day averages 4.2 goals per game and could pose a threat for Coutas defenders, having kicked four goals last time they played each other.

Heath Jamieson will be without star forward, Izzac Grant who will miss an extended period after rupturing his spleen, reported via Krock Football.

Jamieson will look at other avenues for goal with Jordan Monahan and Jayden McHenry, important pieces in front of goal, averaging two or more goals per game.

Ocean Grove vs Modewarre

Shell Road Recreation Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 5^th July, 2025

A competitive showing from the Grubbers against a strong Queenscliff side, gives plenty of promise for Ocean Grove in the back half of the season.

Modewarre were able to grab their fourth win of the season, after a fast start against an inaccurate Newcomb.

A win here for Modewarre presents a possibility for top five hopes.

Dave Farrell’s heavy reliance on veteran Jye Walker in front of goals has helped the Grubbers competitiveness over the past month.

Walker has kicked four goals in his last two games, another big outing this week could give plenty of problems for Modewarre defenders.

Mark Hovey will look to key ball users, skipper Morgan Fenton and Oscar Cooke who lead their side in rebound 50’s with six or more per game.

Forward 50 entries is an area of concern for the Warriors, going at 42%, Fenton and Cooke will look to change this.

Portarlington vs Barwon Heads

Portarlington Recreation Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 5^th July, 2025

A promising four-week block from Portarlington has them sitting at seventh with five wins.

Sitting on the same points as Barwon Heads, the Dees would love to make another statement.

Barwon Heads has been dealt a difficult last month, playing the top four sides in the competition.

The standard is set for what’s required of the Seagulls to push for finals.

Turnovers have still been quite high for Nathan Storer’s side, something he’d like to change to be competitive against the perennial teams in the Bellarine.

Key figures, Nicholas Sing, Thomas Panuccio and Riley Hayden, who all average 13 or more kicks per game should lead the charge.

The Seagulls’ tackling pressure has been an area Sam Schaller’s side would like to improve, averaging 40 effective tackles.

Sammy Baker, Sonni Walter and Finn Cornell lead their side in total tackles, averaging a tick over four tackles per game.

Newcomb vs Drysdale

Grinter Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 5^th July, 2025

The last time these sides played each other in round six, it ended in heartbreak for Newcomb.

Drysdale’s last quarter heroics shapes as an exciting rematch between the two clubs.

The Power’s past three weeks have displayed plenty of promise for Tony Mirabella’s side.

Barring an inaccurate second quarter last week against Modewarre, key indicators went their way,

Leading the match in, inside 50’s, clearances and having a whopping 112 marks to go with 111 the week before against Geelong Amateur.

Drysdale have opened a two-game buffer on fifth place Anglesea; the Hawks are now looking to push for a top three birth.

The Hawks had their second lowest total turnovers tally last week with 63 total turnovers, a similar effort by disposal this weekend could shape the outcome of the result.

Key ball users, Jack Jenkins, Luke Preece and James Breust all average 12.5 or more kicks per game.

In a landmark moment for grassroots football in Victoria, the state’s 20 metropolitan and country governing bodies have aligned with AFL Victoria to formally endorse a unified strategic direction for the game’s future.   The culmination of more than two years of collaboration, the newly established Victorian Community Football Charter marks the first time the state’s community football bodies have aligned under a shared philosophy: that through strong relationships, clearer governance, and effective structures, Victorian community football can thrive.   Developed under the guidance of the Future State Project, the Charter reflects a united commitment to overcoming shared challenges, seizing new opportunities, and building a more sustainable and inclusive game for all Victorians.   “Victoria is the largest football community nationally yet, until now, has not shared a strategic direction or collaborated as an industry to ensure the game thrives,” said Greg Madigan, Head of AFL Victoria.   “The signing of the Victorian Community Football Charter and the commitment to initial priority projects align all governing bodies and AFL Victoria under one strategic vision, supported by structured processes and shared decision-making.”   A Collaborative Vision, Backed by Action The Charter outlines a broad strategic focus, guiding principles, and seven initial key Priority Projects, all led by representatives across the state's football community. These projects include: Player Pathways Community Umpiring Programs and Environments Community Female Football The continuation and expansion of the CCSP (Club and Competition Sustainability Project) Critical Incident Management Community Football Conduct and Standards A Policy Reference Group “The CCSP and Policy Reference Group have already proven to be critical components, and under the Charter, they’ve been revised and expanded to help strengthen the game’s foundations,” said Madigan. “We’ve already seen success, with all governing bodies co-designing and adopting State Affiliate Regulations for club transfers and team establishments earlier this year.”

United in Philosophy, Diverse in Governance While each metropolitan league and country region remains independent and manages its own governance and constitutional responsibilities, all signatories to the Charter have committed to a broader, evidence-based, industry-wide approach.   Lee Hartman, CEO of the Southern Football Netball League, said: “This Charter represents significant progress. Victorian community football will be far better served when leagues work together, not in isolation.”   Jason Reddick, CEO of the VAFA, added: “Whilst there are many challenges facing community football, our leagues are best placed to maximise the opportunities of growing male and female participation and supporting volunteerism when working collaboratively as an industry, whilst also encouraging leagues to drive initiatives"   Zac Hedin, AFL North East Border Region Manager, reinforced the importance of unity across varying models. “Simplicity and consistency of process apply in every setting. Clear communication and collaborative decision-making will deliver better outcomes across the board.”   CEO of Wetsern Football Netball League David Jennings said: "The Western Football Netball League is proud to stand alongside our peers in shaping a vibrant future for community football in Victoria. The Charter represents a powerful step forward for grassroots football and this collective approach ensures that every level of the game benefits from a stronger, more inclusive, and sustainable future”.   A New Era for Community Football The Charter is not a one-off achievement but the foundation of an evolving, collective approach to managing and growing community football in Victoria.   “AFL Victoria is committed to ongoing coordination, project delivery, and the establishment of new initiatives,” said Madigan. “We now have a clear path forward — with structure, strategy, and unity underpinning everything we do.”

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AFL Barwon writer Wil Spence previews this weekend’s men's football matches across the Geelong and Bellarine FNL competitions.

Geelong Football Netball League

Grovedale vs St Joseph’s

Burdoo Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 28^th June, 2025

Grovedale were defeated in heartbreaking fashion last week by the Giants, with a 31-point lead heading into three quarter time.

Albeit, the Tigers have been very competitive, the last month shaping for an intriguing match.

St Joseph’s in clinical fashion were able to run away with a win last week, after Bell Park trailed by seven points at the main break.

Jacob Spolding will be asking a lot from his young midfield brigade against an experienced St Joseph’s midfield.

William Ford, Jak Tute and Nicholas Hau should all be prevalent in the contest, leading the way in total groundball gets per game.

Ron Watt’s squad will look to control the football, ranking elite for kicks.

Experienced duo, Luke Webb and Jack Buckley, who returned last week after a long stint on the sidelines should provide elite ball use off the half back line.

Leopold vs Bell Park

Leopold Memorial Park, 2:10PM, Saturday 28^th June, 2025

Leopold are looking for a fifth consecutive win after a shaky start to the season, the Lions seem to have all cylinders firing as they look to snatch a top three spot come September.

Bell Park are on the out looking in, however they have shown plenty of promise, falling short to top of the ladder, St Joseph’s.

Rick Kelly’s highly contested brand of football has been quite the success, ranking elite.

Lions star, Logan Wagener currently leads his side, averaging a whooping 33 disposals per game and should expect plenty of attention in the midfield.

Look to Connor Giddeys to be dangerous inside 50, currently with 26 majors.

James Saker’s midfield have their work cut against a powerful Lions midfield, gun Dragon Eli Pearce should expect a heavy workload, averaging 19 disposals per game, with 10 of those contested.

Skipper, Stephen Bensted’s intercept ability will be vital, averaging seven intercept possessions per game.

Newtown & Chilwell vs Geelong West Giants

Elderslie Oval, 2:10PM, Saturday 28^th June, 2025

A come from behind win from Newtown in tough conditions against a strong Colac side, provides more insurance Newtown are the real deal.

The Giants are also coming off a come from behind win, trailing Grovedale by five goals at three quarter time, a win here and the top five becomes very achievable.

Steve Johnson has called upon key trio, Ned Harris, Mitch Diamond and Liam Nash to lead through the midfield and half back line, the trio all averaging 21 or more disposals per game.

In Greg Mallor’s final season as coach, announced on K rock Football, expect the Giants to control the football, ranking elite for total disposals.

Off-season recruit, August Stelma will be important for the Giants defense, leading his side in intercept possessions.

North Shore vs Colac

Windsor Park, 2:10PM, Saturday 28^th June, 2025

Coming off a famous victory where North Shore won their first game of the season, the Seagulls are looking to make it two on the trot.

Colac are looking to bounce back after a devastating loss to Newtown, leading by 10 points at the main break.

Last time these two sides faced each other, the discrepancy was quite a large margin, going the way of the Tigers.

Seagulls coach Mark Hounslow’s  would be hoping for a more consistent effort, particularly after kicking six goals in a quarter last week, the most they’ve kicked all season.

Seagulls key players, Harry Purcell and Scott Brackley should have an influence on the game, Purcell averages 22 disposals per game, while Brackley leads his side in intercept possessions.

Jason Armistead will look to Tigers star Jarrod Walters to dominate in stoppage situations, currently leads his side in handballs, contested possessions, groundball gets, looseball gets and hardball gets.

South Barwon vs Lara

McDonald Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 28^th June, 2025

South Barwon come into this weekend with one of their biggest wins of the season, defeating St Mary’s in a hotly contested game.

Similar showing here and finals is well and truly in the mix.

For Lara, a disappointing display last week when they had a chance to win their first game of the season.

Expect the Cats to bring the pressure from the first bounce.

Mark Neeld will look to experienced duo, Matthew Caldow and Fraser Fort to create opportunities inside 50 against a young Cats defense.

Fort currently averages 2.5 goals per game, and Caldow a tick under two goals a game.

Brett Henderson’s clearance game is an area he hopes to continue to improve on, currently minus 15 for clearances in the competition.

The heavy reliance of Darby Henderson won’t be enough with Thomas Gunther also required to play key roles.

St Mary’s vs St Alban’s

Kardinia Park West, 2:10PM, Saturday 28^th June, 2025

St Mary’s are looking to respond after a second consecutive loss last week against South Barwon.

St Alban’s are also looking to end their losing streak of four games after losing to the reigning premier last week.

Luke Rayner’s squad will look to get threatening forward of centre with an abundance of players that can play both midfield and forward.

Jarryd Garner leads his team, averaging 28 disposals per game and 13 of those handballs which is a club high.

Rick Munn’s strongest statistics all season has been his clearance work, against a strong St Mary’s midfield, key player Fletcher Keck will carry a large load, currently averaging 25 disposals per game.

Bellarine Football Netball League

Torquay vs Portarlington

McCartney Oval, 2:10PM, Saturday 28^th June, 2025

Both sides are looking to capitalise with their fourth win in a row.

Torquay are in good touch with key players back from injury and are pushing for a top three spot with strong percentage.

After a start to the season, Portarlington have got their season back on track under new senior coach Nathan Storer.

Incredibly trailing Modewarre at three quarter time by 30 points, the Dees put in an almighty lunge to get over the line as they look to cement themselves as a midfield team.

Dom Gleeson’s side should look to get deep entries inside 50 from their midfield, the Tigers currently rate elite for inside 50’s per game.

Led by Banjo Dyer and William Montebello who have currently kicked 23 and 22 goals respectively.

The Dees will look to be strong in the contest, led by gun recruit, Scott Greenhough who leads his side in contested possessions and handballs, with 15 and 11 per game.

Anglesea vs Drysdale

Ellimatta Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 28^th June, 2025

Shapes as an exciting game of football, Anglesea currently in a rut they would like to get out of sooner rather than later.

After a disappointing loss to improving Ocean Grove, a scalp for the Roos against a Drysdale side who knocked off the form team of the competition in Queenscliff could shake the Bellarine.

A win for Drysdale would open a buffer between them and Anglesea on the ladder, and more importantly keep them within top three aspirations.

For Jordan Keras’s side, he’ll need leading goal kicker, Ayden Gras to have a day out against a quality defense.

Ben Carmichael’s squad will look to win the contested possessions and put pressure on Anglesea’s defense with deep entries inside 50.

Leading Hawk’s goal kicking this year with 18 goals, Jake Hargreaves will be dangerous at the fall of the ball.

Geelong Amateur vs Barwon Heads

Queens Park Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 28^th June, 2025

An important game in which could shape the top five as we enter the second half of the season.

Geelong Amateur’s look to control top spot of the ladder with a fifth win in a row.

Barwon Heads were handed a tough loss against the reigning premier and are looking for a response.

A loss could bring about a two-game buffer between them and Anglesea if the Roos went on to win.

Riley Kershaw’s squad will look to take control in the midfield, particularly winning the contested football.

Ammos currently have four players averaging 10 or more contested possessions, to go with elite groundball numbers, led by Blake Sutterby.

Sam Schaller’s attack will need to take their opportunities in front of goal, led by Jack Henderson who averages 2.5 goals per game.

Off-season recruit, Damian McMahon will shoulder the load in the midfield with Zach Walter out, currently averaging 34 disposals per game.

Modewarre vs Newcomb

Mount Moriac Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 28^th June, 2025

Heartbreak for Modewarre after coming into three quarter time with a 30-point buffer, ultimately being run down by Portarlington.

The Warriors have been on the wrong side of two close games in consecutive weeks and would like to make amends this week.

Newcomb are in a challenging block at the moment, a win away from home could be the catalyst to kick start the back of half of the season.

Mark Hovey’s side will look to control the football, making the ground bigger in front of their home fans.

Led by star Oscar Cooke, who leads his club, averaging 29 disposals per game.

Tony Mirabella’s squad are looking for consistency, targeting a four-quarter performance.

Leaders, Dion Johnstone, Finn Anscombe and Josh Taylor should lead the way, particularly Johnstone with his contested possessions.

Currently leads his side, averaging 14 contested possessions per game from 19 disposals.

Queenscliff vs Ocean Grove

Queenscliff Recreation Reserve, 2:10PM, Saturday 28^th June, 2025

Contrasting results for either side, Queenscliff were eyeing off a seventh victory in a row.

Although a disappointing performance against Drysdale puts a halt to their wave of confidence.

Ocean Grove however shocked the competition with a comprehensive victory against finals contender Anglesea.

Patience has been the key for Grubbers supporters, but after a promising last month, there’s plenty to like for the remainder of the season for Dave Farrell’s squad.

Heath Jameison’s side will look to bring back a competitive edge that has seen them rise up the ladder.

Key duo, Che Durran and Lachie Kidd should lead the way, both are leading their club for handballs and contested possessions, 9 and 12 respectively.

Off season recruit, Taj Wyburd was instrumental in their win last week and will have to dominate in the midfield again and push forward, having kicked two goals last week.

Wyburd leads his club, averaging 23 disposals per game.

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