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Mathieson Medalist lines up for match 250

Three-time Mathieson Medallist, Club Captain, Geelong Football Netball League Interleague Representative, Club Best and Fairest winner, the list of accolades could go on when you discuss the career of Newtown & Chilwell star Matt McMahon.

This weekend Matt clocks up the outstanding achievement of playing his 250 Senior match after starting his career as a 17 years ago.

AFL Barwon spoke to Matt earlier this week about this weekend’s milestone with Newtown & Chilwell hosting Lara.

 

AFL Barwon: 250 games is an incredible effort. Congratulations! How have you been able to get to this milestone and stayed playing at such a high level? How is the body feeling?

Matt McMahon: Looking back now it feels like a long time ago when I was making my debut as a 17-year-old, but I guess the desire to compete and my love for the club, coaches, teammates, past and present, has been the main factor in continually showing up and has now got me to this milestone.

No doubt the body has seen better days, and it takes longer to recovery from games, even training at times, but that doesn’t outweigh the enjoyment I get from being around the club and running out with the boys each week.

 

AFL Barwon: You have remained a one club player throughout your senior career, what has kept you at Newtown & Chilwell? What is so special about the club?

Matt McMahon:It’s something I am proud of being is a one club player. It has been an easy decision for me along the way. I just feel fortunate for the support the club has shown me over the years, the relationships I’ve formed, best mates I’ve made, all those things make it such a special place for me and a reason why I feel I owe the club so much.

 

AFL Barwon: You are a three-time Mathieson Medallist which an incredible achievement in its own. Is there one of these seasons you credit as your best?

Matt McMahon:It’s hard to compare your individual years but my favourite years are those when you are competing at a high level against the best teams in the competition. As a player and teammate, I felt I had a big contribution to that standard which makes those years more memorable.

 

AFL Barwon: it must be tougher to keep playing and finding the time to train when you have younger kids. You must have a very supportive family.

Matt McMahon:Yes, obviously the combination of kids and footy has its challenges but if anything, it puts football into perspective. It made me look at it in a whole new way.

Seeing the enjoyment our kids get out of it, for me, is probably one of the best parts of playing. I know on reflection in years to come it will be something we all look back on with great memories. 

I’m proud watching my whole family embrace being a part of the club.

Mads (Wife Madaleine McMahon) and the kids and also my parents, have all been incredible and I feel extremely lucky to have their support over the years.

 

AFL Barwon: You’re giving back to the club by coaching junior teams, how are you as a coach and is coaching where you think you’ll end up post career? 

Matt McMahon:I get so much joy watching our kids play footy but also just growing up within the club. The coaching side of it is great fun and something that’s hard to stay away from as you feel like you have a fair bit to give, but to be honest I haven’t thought too much more about coaching post career. When the playing days are done, I look forward to helping out and giving back to the club wherever I can.

 

The AFL Barwon community congratulates Matt on wonderful achievement and all the best for the weekend’s celebration.

Latest News

MEDIA RELEASE - 2023 Blood Toyota Geelong Football Netball League Fixture Released

AFL Barwon is excited to announce the Blood Toyota Geelong Football Netball League fixture for the 2023 season.

Round 1 kicks off on April 15th with reigning 2022 Senior Football Premiers St Mary’s, hosting St Joseph’s in a night fixture at Anthony Costa Oval.

South Barwon and Grovedale start their season playing for the John Nankervis Shield at McDonald Reserve.

The remaining round 1 fixture has Newtown & Chilwell hosting Geelong West Giants, Colac travel to Windsor Park to take on North Shore, Bell Park host St Albans, and Lara play away against Leopold.

Other key fixture highlights include:

  • Round 2 – Traditional ANZAC Day fixture between South Barwon & St Joseph’s.
  • Round 2 – Spirit of ANZAC fixture between Lara & Grovedale on ANZAC Eve.
  • Round 3 – St Mary’s host Leopold at night in a replay of the 2022 Senior Football Grand Final.
  • Round 8 – St Joseph’s taking on Newtown & Chilwell in King’s Birthday Sunday clash.
  • Round 9 – 2022 A-grade Premiers Colac, host runner up Newtown & Chilwell.

The full 2023 Blood Toyota Geelong Football Netball League season fixture can be found here.

Netball Victoria Umpire Workshops and Development Opportunities

Please see below the list of upcoming umpire workshops and development opportunities that Netball Victoria are running in our region.

 

MENTOR WORKSHOP

Focuses on the mentor/mentee relationship and responsibilities, constructive feedback skills, the do’s and don’ts of mentoring, and expectations of beginner umpires.

Sunday 29 January

Kardinia Park, Geelong

5:00pm-7:00pm

Register here https://vic.netball.com.au/events#149

 

YOUR DECISION COUNTS

Covers topics such as Contact vs Contest, Obstruction and Advantage, bio-mechanics, and how positioning and vision effect decision making.

Friday 3 February

5:15pm-7:15pm

Kardinia Park, Geelong

Register here https://vic.netball.com.au/events#149

 

INTRODUCTION TO UMPIRING

Learn the basic characteristics of becoming an umpire, using your whistle and hand signals effectively, infringements and sanctions, and positioning on the court.

Wednesday 1 March

4:45pm-6:45pm

Kardinia Park, Geelong

Register here https://vic.netball.com.au/events#149

 

MENTOR WORKSHOP

Focuses on the mentor/mentee relationship and responsibilities, constructive feedback skills, the do’s and don’ts of mentoring, and expectations of beginner umpires.

Wednesday 8 March

6:00pm-8:00pm

Kardinia Park, Geelong

Register here https://vic.netball.com.au/events#149

 

MENTOR WORKSHOP

Focuses on the mentor/mentee relationship and responsibilities, constructive feedback skills, the do’s and don’ts of mentoring, and expectations of beginner umpires.

Friday 31 March

6:00pm-8:00pm

Kardinia Park, Geelong

Register here: https://vic.netball.com.au/events#149

 

INTRODUCTION TO UMPIRING

Learn the basic characteristics of becoming an umpire, using your whistle and hand signals effectively, infringements and sanctions, and positioning on the court.

Wednesday 5 April

4:45pm-6:45pm

Kardinia Park, Geelong

Register here https://vic.netball.com.au/events#149

 

Save the dates – confirmation and registration links available soon.

Game and Match Management - Geelong, Friday 5 May

Game and Match Management - Colac, Tuesday 9 May

Netball Victoria Upcoming Development Coaching Course

Please see below upcoming date for Development Coaching Course being ran in our region. 

DEVELOPMENT COACHING ACCREDITATION COURSE – Practical Component

Saturday 18 February

Wurdi Baierr Stadium, Torquay
12:30pm-5pm

Register here: https://vic.netball.com.au/events#148

 

This course has pre-requisites and more detail can be found https://vic.netball.com.au/how-become-coach-accreditation

Use this link to assist in finding the course to register: https://support.netball.com.au/hc/en-au/articles/4408375692825-Enrolling-in-a-Course-or-Accreditation

Newtown & Chilwell stars to take on Netball's biggest stage

Tonga Netball made an exciting announcement on June 14, revealing the composition of Tonga’s National Netball Team, Tala, for the World Cup 2023 in South Africa. This marks a historic moment for Tonga as they embark on their first ever World Cup Campaign. The team boasts a lineup of remarkable players, including renowned names like Mo’onia Gerrard (former Australian Diamond player), Catherine Tuivaiti (former Silver Fern player), and Jessyka Ngauamo (former Australian Olympian).

Among these exceptional athletes are Uneeq and Beyonce Palavi, hailing from Newtown and Chilwell Football Netball Club. Having secured their spots in the Tongan squad, Beyonce and Uneeq’s selection not only highlights the talent and dedication of these two players, but also emphasises the depth of sporting excellence found within the Barwon region. Their journey from the grassroots level to being selected to represent their country at a global level stands as a testament to their unwavering determination, perseverance, and exceptional abilities.

Newtown and Chilwell’s Coaching Mentor, Jason Woolley explains that everyone at the club is “excited and proud to see both Uneeq and Beyonce named as part of the Tongan National team.” Beyonce initially joined Newtown and Chilwell as a junior in the under 17 category and has since worked continuously hard to improve her game as part of the B grade. Uneeq has emerged as a dominant goal-shooter in the A grade team.

Beyonce and Uneeq both hold tremendous pride in representing Tonga, and Woolley describes this selection as a “great recognition of the work the girls have put into their netball.” Newtown and Chilwell Football Netball Club fully shares in their excitement and eagerly anticipates cheering them on as they compete on netball’s biggest stage.

The inclusion of Beyonce and Uneeq in the Tongan National team exemplifies the outstanding talent and commitment nurtured within the Barwon region. The AFL Barwon community stands behind these exceptional athletes, applauding their achievements and supporting their journey. Uneeq and Beyonce are poised to make a significant impact in the World Cup 2023, representing both Tonga and the Barwon region with pride. 

Perfect games by James and Sarcevic | GFNL Geelong Advertiser Vote

St Joseph's Max McLachlan has gone to the outright lead of Coaches Player of the Year awards polling 7 votes in the weekends win over North Shore.

South Barwon's Sam James and Bell Park's Jack Sarcevic polled the perfect games in their respective Round 2 matches.

Find out all the coaches votes from Opening Round the Geelong Football Netball League.

Colac v Newtown Chilwell

9 Zachery Zdybel (Colac)

5 Darcy Lang (Colac)

4 Chaise Murray (Colac)

3 Tom Rieniets (Colac)

3 Ned Harris (Newtown & Chilwell)

2 Will Parkhouse (Colac)

2 Charlie Byrne (Newtown & Chilwell)

1 Kody Spokes (Colac)

1 Jonathan Simpkin (Colac)

Geelong West v Grovedale

9 Tanner Lovell (Geelong West Giants)

8 Jake Smith (Geelong West Giants)

6 Brady Ferguson (Grovedale)

4 Lachie Horniblow (Geelong West Giants)

2 Billy Ford (Grovedale)

1 Titit Nyak (Geelong West Giants)

North Shore v St Joseph's

7 Oscar Morrison (St Josephs)

7 Max McLachlan (St Josephs)

5 Luke Webb (St Josephs)

4 James Gow (St Josephs)

3 Cameron Anderson (North Shore)

2 Liam Betson (St Josephs)

1 Mahli King (North Shore)

1 Bradlee Tregenza (North Shore)

South Barwon v Lara

10 Sam James (South Barwon)

6 Matt Caldow (South Barwon)

6 Aaron Stone (Lara)

5 Chris Hughes (South Barwon)

2 Connor Thar (Lara)

1 Doyle Madigan (South Barwon)

St Albans v Bell Park

10 Jack Sarcevic (Bell Park)

8 Issac Wareham (Bell Park)

5 Lachie Patten (Bell Park)

3 Eli Pearce (Bell Park)

2 Jacob Russell (St Albans)

1 Ollie Bridgewater (Bell Park)

1 Thomas Pearson (Bell Park)

St Mary's v Leopold

6 Damian McMahon (St Mary's)

5 Jarryd Garner (St Mary's)

5 Sam Bourke (St Marys)

4 Harvey Ryan (St Marys)

3 Harry Benson (St Mary's)

3 Oliver Tate (Leopold)

2 William Sheahan (Leopold)

1 Trent Thompson (Leopold)

1 Marcus Thompson (Leopold)

Round 2 Leaderboard

17 Max McLachlan (St Joseph's)

13 Harry Benson (St Mary's)

13 Oscar Morrison (St Joseph's)

12 James Gow (St Joseph's)

10 Damian McMahon (St Mary's)

10 Jack Sarcevic (Bell Park)

10 Sam James (South Barwon)

9 Sam Bourke (St Mary's)

9 Tanner Lovell (Geelong West Giants)

9 Zachery Zdybel (Colac)

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.

Photo: Bell Park v Lara Bell Park goal left 21 Willson Mack and 5 Jack Sarcevic Picture: Mark Wilson

Latest News

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.

Latest News

South Barwon's Grand Final Return

After an eight-year hiatus, The South Barwon senior football team is gearing up for their first Grand Final appearance this weekend since 2013, and for their devoted community, it's been a long-awaited return. The President of South Barwon, Tim Sherman, and Senior coach Mark Neeld have shared some insight about the club's transformation. 

"The club has had a strong Netball program for some time now, but our senior football program has had some highs and lows over recent years. This year, all the pieces seem to be falling into place,"Sherman said. Attributing the success to the club's fantastic volunteers, strong supporter base and the positive and healthy club environment built for both the seniors and juniors. 

When asked about how the club has adapted to stay competitive and reach the Grand Final once again, Sherman explained, "We have continued to invest in our junior programs and build from within. This has long been a mantra of SBFNC, along with attracting a select sprinkling of new players to the club to assist us in progressing and remaining competitive."

MarkNeeld, the Senior Coach, elaborated, "Our aim has been to be a group that looks for continual improvement."Neeld went on to praise the senior team's exceptional attitude saying, “The entire group has been terrific in their attitude to wanting to be better and enjoying each other's company while doing so."

Reflecting on the coaching journey with South Barwon, Neeld noted, "It is the Coaching Group’s first season at SBFNC, and we are very much guided by the players, committee, and the volunteers at the club,"he said, adding, "It is these groups that drive the culture, and we feel privileged to be an integral part of this remarkable club."

As the big day approaches, there is an undeniable sense of excitement felt within the club. Tim Sherman shared, "Our young senior playing group and the coaches are very close, and their excitement coming into this weekend has spread throughout the whole club from our juniors to our life members, past players, and sponsors! It has been an amazing journey."

South Barwon and Leopold are set to go head-to-head in the Grand Final this Saturday, at 2:10 PM at Leopold Memorial Park. 

Author: Madison Old (AFL Barwon Intern)

Photo: Great Ocean Photgraphy

Swans take out remarkable Mathieson Medal double

South Barwon big men, Fraser Fort and Matt Caldow have tied in a Mathieson Medal coup for the Grand Finalists. It is second time in Mathieson Medal history that two players had tied for the award, with the other being in 1995 with North Shore Jason McGowan and Glenn Keast sharing a 4-way tie.

Fort held a two-vote lead over his teammate coming into the last round, with Caldow polling the two votes he required to tie the award.

In the A Grade Netball, St Joseph's goaler, Emma Buwalda held off last year's winner Ellen Doyle to win her first medal. Buwalda stormed home in the count to win by 7 votes. The count was a role reversal to 2022 where Doyle took out the medal with Buwalda finishing runner up.

The Jim and Bill Allthorpe medal was also a tie with Newtown & Chilwell's Archie Lazzaro and Leopold's Kyle Bumpstead taking home the medal.

The full list of award winners and full leaderboards can be found below.

 

Football

Blood Toyota Senior Cup

Mathieson Medal - Fraser Fort (South Barwon)

Mathieson Medal - Matt Caldow (South Barwon)

Geelong Advertiser Player of the Year Award - Ryan Abbott (Grovedale)

Leading Goal Kicker - Sam Dobson (St Mary's)

Rookie of The Year - Hunter Lewis (St Josephs)

K rock Player of the year - Paddy De Grandi (St Josephs)

Full Leaderboards

 

Buckley's Reserves Cup

Allthorpe Medal - Archie Lazzaro (Newtown & Chilwell)

Allthorpe Medal - Kyle Bumpstead (Leopold)

Leading Goal Kicker - Sam Hosking (St Mary's)

Full Leaderboards

 

Club Awards

Football Club Champion - St Marys

Overall Club Champion - Newtown & Chilwell

 

K rock Team of the Year

Backs

Jack Driver (South Barwon)

Jack Melican (Colac)

Tevan Nofi (Leopold)

 

Half Backs

Daniel Weigl (Lara)

Jarryn McCormack (Colac)

Alex Hickey (St Joseph's)

 

Centre

Bailey Scott (Colac)

Marcus Thompson (Leopold)

Darcy Lang (Colac)

 

Half Forwards

Mitch Chafer (Grovedale)

Matt Caldow (South Barwon)

Phillip Moimoi (GWG)

 

Forwards

Adam Garner (Colac)

Sam Dobson (St Mary's)

Paddy De Grandi (St Joseph's)

 

Rucks

Zachary Zdybel (Colac)

Jarryd Garner (St Marys)

Lachlan Patten (Bell Park)

 

Interchange

Fraser Fort (South Barwon)

Tanner Lovell (GWG)

Logan Wagener (Leopold)

Ryan Abbott (Grovedale)

 

Netball

GFNL A Grade Cup

Best & Fairest - Emma Buwalda (St Joseph's)

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Ellen Doyle (South Barwon)

Hotshots - Ellen Doyle (South Barwon)

Full Leaderboards

 

Buckley's B Grade Cup

Best & Fairest - Ebony Coppock (Bell Park)

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Monika Hammond (Colac)

Hotshots - Yolande Miller (South Barwon)

Full Leaderboards

 

Blood Toyota C Grade Cup

Best & Fairest - Abbey Chapman (GWG)

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Candice Bull (Leopold)

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Cassidy Moore (Newtown & Chilwell)

Hotshots - Candice Bull (Leopold)

Full Leaderboards

 

Epworth D Grade Cup

Best & Fairest - Sophie King (St Joseph's)

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Jessica Geary (Newtown & Chilwell)

Hotshots - Tracey Hall (Lara)

Full Leaderboards

 

gforce E Grade Cup

Best & Fairest - Joanne Greagan (Lara)

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Elsa Rauter (St Mary’s)

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Peta Nicholls (Grovedale)

Hotshots - Peta Nicholls (Grovedale)

Full Leaderboards

 

Club Awards

Rookie of the Year - Chantelle Brundall (St Albans)

Netball Club Champion - South Barwon

 

Team of the Year

Goalers

Emma Buwalda (St Joseph's)

Ellen Doyle (South Barwon)

Uneeq Palavi (Newtown & Chilwell)

 

Mid Court

Elli Leydin (St Joseph's)

Zara Walters (Colac)

Alahria Smith (Geelong West Giants)

Kiahna Fallon (South Barwon)

 

Defenders

Brooke Allan (Colac)

Tori Honner (St Joseph's)

Indya Forde (Colac)

 

Coach

Courtney Cuolahan (Colac)