The Barwon Bulletin
THE BARWON BULLETIN
The official noticeboard for AFL Barwon Club Officials & Volunteers.
To receive email notifications of the Barwon Bulletin, please contact
EDITION 64
December 17, 2025
(LAST UPDATED - December 17, 2025)
General Updates
-
Festive Season Office Opening Hours
Please note that the AFL Barwon Office will be closed from 1pm Friday December 19 until Monday January 12th.
-
Next Edition of the Barwon Bulletin
The next edition of the Barwon Bulletin will be January 21st.
It will return to a weekly content cycle from February 11th.
If you would like to be added to the distribution list, please contact
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. -
2026 Club Contacts List
AFL Barwon is seeking the 2026 Club contacts from all Bellarine FNL, Geelong FNL, Geelong & District FNL, Colac & District FNL, and Female and Junior Only clubs.
We are keen to ensure that we are correctly communicating with the right people at club’s so that any important information is getting through, including the Barwon Bulletin.
It is noted that some positions may not be filled yet however, clubs can resubmit the form multiple times for any specific position and do not have to enter all club positions each time.
We would appreciate if all information relevant to your club, was submitted by COB February 1st.
The form link can be found below.
If you have any issues with this form, please don't hesitate to contact Sean Atkinson (
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) directly.
AFL Victoria
Professional Development Opportunity – Lead Your Way
AFL Victoria is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Lead Your Way program, for women and gender diverse leaders in community football.
To be eligible, you must be over 18 and hold a current leadership position as a committee volunteer within an AFL Victoria affiliated community football club or umpire association.
Successful applicants will take part in professional and personal development and learn valuable skills that they can bring back to your club to share, and apply to their roles, with education delivered by expert facilitators and football industry leaders. All free of charge.
Further details can be found in the below link with Application's closing on the 30th of January 2026. Please consider or share this wonderful personal & professional development opportunity which can only benefit your club.
More Information: https://play.afl/victoria/news/apply-now-lead-your-way-2026
Netball Victoria
-
Introduction to Umpiring Workshops
Aimed at participants with some knowledge of rules but little or no umpiring experience, the Introduction to Umpiring workshop is great for new beginner umpires.
Topics include characteristics of a good umpires, using the whistle and hand signals to communicate, infringements and sanctions, and umpire positioning on court. All ages welcome to participate.
Tuesday 20 January 2026 - 12pm-3pm - State Netball Centre
Thursday 22 January 2026 - 12pm - 3pm - State Netball Centre
-
Train Like a Vixen January clinics now open for registrations
It’s time to Train Like a Vixen these school holidays!
Sessions commence from Tuesday 20 January 2026.
-
Netball Victoria’s Sport & Business Program powered by SEDA
We’re calling on students who love netball and are looking to get into the sport industry to be part of the inaugural Netball Victoria Sport & Business Program powered by SEDA, in 2026.
-Build your resume and network while you study and gain real-world experience alongside Netball Victoria and the Melbourne Vixens.
- Unlock further study pathways through SEDA Group ’s higher education partnerships.
- Enjoy the support of a single teacher throughout the program.
Ideal for someone who is completing year 12 and wants to work in sport.
Grants
Telstra Footy Grants
1ST Round opening 01/12/2025 - Local football clubs across Australia have the opportunity to share in an $8 million funding boost over 2024 – 2028 through Telstra Footy Grants. $4 million was granted by the AFL and Telstra in the first two years of the program to deserving clubs Australia-wide. With another pool of $2 million to be distributed in 2026, eligible regional and metro community football clubs can apply for grants up to $20,000 – helping strengthen, sustain and grow local footy.
As the foundation of our great game and the heartbeat of communities, investment in local clubs is vital to ensuring everyone has access to play Aussie Rules and experience the health, social and wellbeing benefits that come with belonging to a club.
Coaching
Football
-
Key Football Coaching Requirements
In the lead up to the 2026 season, we’d like to remind all new and returning coaches of the following key requirements:
✔ All coaches must be registered in CoachAFL for the 2026 season.
✔ Mandatory online modules must be completed before coaching begins (minimum accreditation requirements will be shown upon login).
Further information on registering, accessing modules, or updating accreditation can be found HERE we encourage you to ensure your CoachAFL profile is active and up to date. -
Football Coach Development Opportunity
AFL Barwon are pleased to invite (Foundation - Level 1 coaches) to the AFL Victoria Elevate Coaching Practices Program (formerly the Level 2 Coaching Course), designed to support coaches at youth level and above wanting to further develop their coaching capability and deepen their understanding of modern coaching methods.
The program will be held at:
📍 AFL Barwon Headquarters
204 Roslyn Road, Highton, Geelong.
🗓 Sunday 8 February 2026
⏰ 9:30am – 4:00pmThis workshop will provide practical learning opportunities, modern coaching methodology, and development aligned to the evolving needs of community football. Whether you’re continuing your coaching journey or stepping into a new age group or role, this is a valuable professional development opportunity.
To enrol in this wonderful free coach development opportunity please click thisLINKnoting that only those who are registered coaches in 2025 or 2026 are able to login and enrol to this elevate coaching course.
Please refer any queries to:
Tim Secombe
AFL Barwon
Club Development Lead
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. -
AFL Victoria Football Coaching Forum
Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 March
Designed to elevate your coaching skills and knowledge. Whether you're an experienced coach or just starting out, this forum is the perfect chance to hear from some of the best in the industry.
You will hear from AFL level coaches and industry experts in coaching related fields, such as Coaching Women and Girls, Skill Acquisition, Culture and Leadership as well as Game Plan and strategy among many other great opportunities for coaches, don’t miss it.
Further Information including the forum schedule and how to register found below
Football
-
Transfer Period Reopens on the 1st of February
The AFL Victoria Handbook stipulates that Player Transfer Requests may be lodged between 12:01am (AEST) on 1 November and 11:59pm (AEST) 30 November in the calendar year preceding the relevant season, or between 12:01am (AEST) on 1 February and 11:59pm (AEST) 30 June in the calendar year of the relevant season.
-
Football Registrations Open
Just a reminder that football registrations opened on the 01/11/2025. Just some reminders in relation to Play HQ registrations.
Clubs are asked to ensure that their registration forms are set up on Play HQ and to remind all players to complete their Play HQ registrations when the time is right.
In addition, please ensure that you are making your registration form visible, understanding some clubs will hide their registration form if you are, for example, at capacity or offering registration initially to previous participants before making it visible.
Rego fee set >$0.
Junior Female Football
2026 Under 9 Girls Competition
To support this dedicated competition and clubs in fielding a side, AFL Victoria are offering funding incentives tosupport the start up of these teams, please see attached flyer for more information.
We are seeking expressions of interest from clubs who may be interested in fielding an Under 9 Girls team in 2026.
To assist our planning, please provide complete the below form and submit accordingly.
Please submit your response by 12th December so we can finalise competition modelling and share further details with clubs.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss this opportunity further, feel free to reach out to
Football Umpiring
-
New Umpires
All new Umpires League and Club aligned will be required to create an OHQ Account and an AFL ID linked, simply follow the prompts and email verifications sent to you.
(If you already have an AFL ID (player or football coach), ensure you use the same email used for AFL ID when creating a new OHQ account and if creating a new AFL ID that you use the same email as your OHQ account)
All new umpires will need to complete the AFL Umpire Foundation Course before you can be formally appointed to any match. You can complete this via OHQ and “Connected Accounts” see the resource page and video How to Access Umpire Courses
For enquiries about becoming an umpire
Here are some 2026 Umpire induction videos for you to see
These are also available on the AFL Barwon Website where you will find more information about umpiring in the AFL Barwon Region.
-
Working with Childrens Check
All person’s aged 18 or over who umpire either as a league or club aligned umpire, will need to have a current and valid WWC (VIC) – Volunteer or legislated exemption in 2026.
Please update your WWC profile adding AFL Barwon as an Organisation, if not already done so.
-
Practice Match Umpire Requests 2026
Please use the AFL Barwon Practice Match Umpire Booking form to request umpires for any upcoming practice matches.
Visit here and select form under Umpire Forms
Request will be pending umpire availability
Resource Links
Netball
General Netball
-
Closure Period
The AFL Barwon Netball team will be taking a break from the 19th of December, returning on the 12th of January. We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday period, and look forward to welcoming you all back in the new year.
-
Summer Cup - Term 1 Senior Women’s Competition
Geelong United Basketball and AFL Barwon have teamed up for season 2 of the Geelong Barwon Netball Summer Cup!
This senior women’s competition will showcase the skill and athleticism of netballers from across our great region.
Competition Details:
- This competition will be played between – 19/01/2026 – 30/03/2026 (Including Finals)
- NEW – TWO DIVISIONS (pending entries)
- Games will be played at Grovedale College (19 Wingarra Drive, Grovedale, VIC, 3216)
- Games will be scheduled to start between 5:50 pm – 9:30 pm
Teams will need to provide:
- A scorer for each game
- Own uniforms and bibs (Clash bibs are available should the need arise)
Register now to be part of season 2.
-
Turning on Transfer Notifications
To ensure you can stay on top of transfers (as they will auto approve after 7 days), please ensure someone within your club is signed up to transfer notifications.
To assign an email address to transfer notifications:
- Click on ‘organisation’ on the menu on the left
- From the top menu, select ‘notifications’
- Enter the email address you wish to use, and ensure you toggle ‘transfers’ on.
-
Woolworths NetSetGo 2026 centre registration and expression of interest form
Woolworths NetSetGo 2026 centre registration and expression of interest form
Woolworths NetSetGo is the official introductory netball program where a lifelong love of netball begins.
Whether you are a current or new centre, please complete the form to express your interest or register as a Woolworths NetSetGo centre for 2026.
You will receive all the tools you need to help run a centre.
-
Netball Connect & PlayHQ Links now available for Set up
Clubs are now able to set up their 2026 season Netball Connect forms for players to purchase their Netball Victoria Membership (insurance). Clubs will need to log into Netball Connect, and visit the registration module, to create their club specific link. Clubs who are commencing training should ensure players purchase their NVM to ensure coverage for any injuries should they occur.
All Clubs have also been invited to ‘Winter 2026’ on PlayHQ. You should see an invitations tab at the top of your competition management screen for you to accept.
Once this is accepted, you are welcome to set up your registration form and begin taking registrations.
-
Transfers Information
Due to the change in set up, transfers will now ONLY trigger between Winter seasons, reducing some of the confusion we have previously seen. Players are able to play at different clubs across Summer without the need for transfer, but are a requirement and enforceable by-law between Winter seasons.
With registrations opening, please ensure you have email notifications on to monitor out-going clearances. Only one transfer is permitted per player, per season, as per AFL Barwon by-laws.
Turning on Transfer Notifications
To ensure you can stay on top of transfers (as they will auto approve after 7 days), please ensure someone within your club is signed up to transfer notifications.
To assign an email address to transfer notifications:
- Click on ‘organisation’ on the menu on the left
- From the top menu, select ‘notifications’
Enter the email address you wish to use, and ensure you toggle ‘transfers’ on.
-
Introduction of 9&Under Competition in 2026
AFL Barwon will be introducing a 9&Under Netball Competition for Tuesday evenings, commencing in Winter 2026. This new age group will run alongside the existing 11&U competition.
The 9&Under Competition is designed to bridge the gap between NetSetGo and 11&U, while also offering a more suitable competition for participants who may have transitioned into 11&U earlier than ideal.
An implementation plan will be developed and shared with clubs in due course. This will outline key details including ball size (Size 4), modified rules, and coaching and umpiring considerations.
Junior Netball
-
Playing Uniform
Please be reminded that all clubs must be in their registered uniform. Teams not wearing their registered club uniform must seek approval from AFL Barwon for this to occur.
Please ensure your teams are in correct uniform including:
- Dress and undershorts as per the uniform register - (please ensure your undershorts are the correct colour as registered).
- This also means shorts for those in APPROVED alternate uniform.
- Bike shorts are permitted, but must approach mid thigh in length (per the Summer Competition booklet).
-
Umpires
A reminder that our midweek competitions are a learning environment. With the grading period concluding, it is a timely reminder that our umpires are people, and that comments from benches and spectators are not required. Please continue to be supportive of our up and coming umpires, who are such a vital part of our game.
-
Jewellery
Jewellery is NOT permitted.
Taping of earrings is NOT permitted – please be kind to our umpires and mentors who are enforcing this.
-
Fixture Update
Our Mid-week Summer Competition has now concluded for the year. Please see below for competition return dates:
- 13&U and 17&U- Friday 30 January for 13&U
- 11&U and 17&U- Tuesday 3 February
Thank you to all teams, players, coaches, volunteers and officials for their efforts so far. We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe New Year.
Resource Links
Commercial Partnerships
-
Loco Ordering
As we prepare for the 2026 season, Loco would like to provide an update on timelines for ordering new playing jumpers, dresses, playing shorts, and other garments.
In 2026, Chinese New Year falls in mid-February, an occurrence that happens only once every ten years. During this period, our manufacturing partners will close for approximately two weeks, which will place added pressure on production and delivery schedules leading into the season.
To ensure all required apparel is delivered ahead of Round 1, we kindly ask that any retail or on-field orders for 2026are submitted before the end of this year, or no later than the end of January 2026.
This will help Loco guarantee timelines and have your items ready in plenty of time for the season start.
-
WIN a $500 Rebel Sport Voucher
Our Official Partner Beyond Bank are all about celebrating the community spirit of sport.
To kick off the summer, they’re giving you a chance to win a $500 Rebel Sport voucher.
To enter:
- complete the form at the link below
- book and attend a complimentary Banking Review with Beyond Bank by 6 March 2026.
Entrants must be 18 or over. Entries close 11:59pm 28 February 2026. For full competition T&Cs, bit.ly/4oZvHZz
What is a Banking Review?
A free, no-obligation chat with Beyond Bank’s friendly Geelong team, who can help you:
- review your current banking arrangements
- discuss your financial goals and future plans with trusted and expert guidance.
Book your Banking Review
Contact Beyond Bank’s Geelong Community Development Manager Cameron Murnane.
Email:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Mobile: 0413 938 268
Meet the bank backing your club.
Beyond Bank are one of Australia’s largest, 100% member-owned mutual banks. They do all the classic bank stuff — like savings accounts, home loans, and car loans — but invest their profits in things that matter to you, like competitive rates, local customer service, and support for community groups.
When you choose Beyond Bank for your everyday banking or lending, you’re choosing a bank that genuinely cares about AFL and Netball in Geelong.
