BFNL

Thank you Steve Keating

AFL Barwon would like to thank Steve Keating for his many years of dedicated service to AFL Umpiring in our Region.

A message from Jock Hillgrove, AFL Barwon Regional Director of Umpiring:

Steve leaves us to take up an exciting Umpire opportunity with our neighbours at the WRFL, a role I know Steve will hit the ground running with and make a positive footprint to their competitions. Steve is a big loss to us at AFL Barwon and Geelong Umpiring; however, he is a true friend and won’t be a stranger to us I’m sure.

I have been lucky enough to have worked with Steve from 2009 through to today in different capacities. Steve was DOU at Geelong Umpires back in 2009 when I returned as an assistant field coach and has ever since been a confidant, mentor and friend. He is always someone I lean on for advice and with his positive and supporting outlook certainly bodes well for any coaching role he has had.

I was fortunate enough to start my full time umpiring career in Canberra 2010 and not long after Steve achieved the role as NSW State Umpiring talent Manager bringing us back together in a working relationship as he steered the NEAFL and AFL Umpires (NSW) on their pathways. When I returned to Geelong and the role of Regional Director of Umpiring for AFL Barwon, I was so pleased to have Steve available and return in 2016 to AFL Barwon as Head Field Umpire Coach (Geelong) which he has held till this season.

Steve has been an absolute champion of umpiring to many aspiring umpires and for those that have been around for a while, he has progressed many umpires in their umpiring development whether they be new or experienced. His open engaging style fits so well with our umpiring fraternity in what can be a very challenging environment from time to time. Steve has not only dedicated his time locally, but is still heavily involved at State League level and the various Talent programs.

Thank you Steve, as well as your wife Andrea and the girls to allow us to be part of your journey so far. From all of us at AFL Barwon, Geelong Umpires and our clubs, it has been a job well done and we wish you the best of luck in the future!

Vale Michael Kinrade

Michael Kinrade

A passionate, hardworking pioneer of the Bellarine Football League who served as League Secretary from 1983 to 1993.

He was rewarded for his service with Life Membership of the BFL in 1988.

AFL Barwon Chairman, Commission, Staff and all member clubs, Bellarine FNL President, Board, and all members extend their deepest sympathy to Michael's family.

Ward Secures 10 Votes | BFNL Geelong Advertiser Vote

The Geelong Advertiser Coaches Player of the Year is an award voted by each Senior coach on a 5,4,3,2,1 basis after each home and away game, acknowledging outstanding effort by an individual player in a season.

There are individual awards for the Bellarine FNL Seniors, Geelong FNL Seniors, and the Division 1 Senior Female Football competitions.

Barwon Head's Cooper Ward has received 5 votes from both coaches last weekend in their first win of the season against Newcomb. These were Ward's first set of votes in this year's Geelong Advertiser Coaches Player of the Year Award.

Geelong Amateurs midfielder continues to lead the award with 3 votes on the weekend, with his teammate Paddy Dowling now 2 votes behind him following a 9 vote game in the win over Portarlington.

Check out all the coaches votes from Round 3 the Bellarine Football Netball League.

Drysdale vs Anglesea

7 Nicholas Egan (Drysdale)

5 Luke Preece (Drysdale)

4 Christopher Tainton (Drysdale)

4 James Breust (Drysdale)

3 Lachlan Smith (Anglesea)

3 Jack Jenkins (Drysdale)

2 Cameron Delaney (Drysdale)

1 Will Batson (Anglesea)

1 Matt Piggott (Drysdale)

Modewarre vs Queenscliff

8 Nat Matthews (Modewarre)

8 Josh Finch (Modewarre)

6 Matt McKim (Modewarre)

4 Caleb Whitley (Queenscliff)

2 Zac May (Modewarre)

1 Will Thrum (Modewarre)

1 Jonty Rush (Queenscliff)

Geelong Amateur vs Portarlington

9 Paddy Dowling (Geelong Amateur)

7 Blake Sutterby (Geelong Amateur)

5 Tom Zeitz (Geelong Amateur)

3 Brayden Poole (Portarlington)

3 Riley Ferguson (Geelong Amateur)

2 Cameron Lewis (Geelong Amateur)

1 Kelly Pickard (Portarlington)

Torquay vs Ocean Grove

9 Ben McNamara (Torquay)

6 Patrick Hughes (Torquay)

5 Jacob Talarico (Ocean Grove)

4 Matt Boag (Torquay)

3 Baxter Mensch (Torquay)

2 Max Hurley (Torquay)

1 Billy Henderson (Torquay)

Barwon Heads vs Newcomb

10 Cooper Ward (Barwon Heads)

7 Mason Andrews (Newcomb)

6 Riley Stuhldrier (Barwon Heads)

5 Luke Davis (Barwon Heads)

1 Charlie Harvey (Newcomb)

1 Michael Philp (Barwon Heads)

Round 3 Leaderboard

19 Riley Ferguson (Geelong Amateur)

17 Patrick Dowling (Geelong Amateur)

14 Edward Dayman (Ocean Grove)

13 Blake Sutterby (Geelong Amateur)

13 Luke Davis (Barwon Heads)

12 Teia Miles (Portarlington)

12 Patrick Hughes (Torquay)

Latest News

White Card Policy | AFL Barwon

AFL Barwon has announced the introduction of an innovative White Card Policy aimed at enhancing the match day experience for all stakeholders. This comprehensive policy, developed in alignment with Rule 8 "Coaches" and 17.3 "Officials" of the AFL Barwon Handbook, is poised to play a pivotal role in fostering a safer, more inclusive, and positive environment within the sport.

View White Card Policy Here

What is the White Card Policy?

The primary objective of the AFL Barwon White Card Policy is to ensure the well-being and safety of everyone involved in the game through the implementation of a structured approach to address unacceptable behaviour directed at umpires from the coaching box area.

At the heart of the policy lies a three-phase system designed to address instances of unacceptable behaviour promptly and effectively. This system provides field umpires with the necessary tools to intervene in real-time, with warnings (white cards) issued to offending coaches during the first two phases and escalating penalties for repeated infractions. The ultimate sanction, a red card resulting in ejection from the match, underscores the seriousness of any breaches of conduct.

Field umpires are empowered to implement the appropriate phase of the policy upon observing or hearing unacceptable behaviour from the coaching box area. Importantly, the process is characterised by clarity and decisiveness, with umpires instructed not to engage in conversation or debate during card issuance. By adhering to these procedures, AFL Barwon aims to maintain order and always uphold the integrity of the game.

Instances of white and red card issuance are recorded by timekeepers and documented in umpire match reports for further review if necessary. Cases involving breaches of the policy are subject to scrutiny by the Match Review Panel (MRP), ensuring that any disciplinary action taken is fair and consistent with the values of the organisation.

Community-First Focus

The AFL Barwon White Card Policy represents a significant step forward in promoting a culture of respect toward players, coaches, umpires, volunteers, and spectators of community football. In addition to addressing behaviour within the coaching box area, the policy also emphasises the responsibility of clubs to address spectator conduct. By holding clubs accountable for the actions of their supporters, AFL Barwon seeks to create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all attendees.

As AFL Barwon prepares to roll out the policy for the 2024 season and beyond, stakeholders can anticipate a renewed focus on ensuring that every match is conducted in a manner that reflects the values of fairness, integrity, and camaraderie that define the sport.