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Written by Sean Atkinson on . Posted in News.

Climbing the mountain: Grovedale’s trek back to the top

One of the founding members of the GFNL is making a strong push up the ladder this season.

By Ben Andonoudis

Grovedale’s resurgence is gathering momentum as the club eyes a return towards the top of the ladder.

For Grovedale Co-President Simon Hose, it’s a club that’s been home for 25 years.

Despite never playing a game for Grovedale, Hose became a part of the club after coaching his son in juniors and “just loved the community” that Grovedale is known for.

“It’s a working man’s club,” he says. “People enjoy coming here, not just for footy and netball, but to relax and see people that they see every weekend”.

With upwards of 570 junior netballers and footballers, Grovedale has become one of the competition’s strongest participation clubs, with numbers that underline its importance to the local community.

“The club is certainly progressing on the courts and on the footy ground, we’re moving in the right direction,” Hose said.

But that growth has presented new challenges.

Despite having great facilities at Burdoo Reserve, the rapid rise in participation has meant that what was once ample space is now being stretched.

Having access to a back oval is helpful for the club, but it requires a tight schedule.

“Everyone’s got to abide by their times and get off at their required training time, so other groups can use it,” Hose outlined.

“(The club) has been here a long time and we're just getting bigger every year, and (we’re) running out of room.”

2026 so far has been a successful one for the Tigers, with football and netball producing strong results across multiple senior grades already.

This doesn’t mean that the club is resting on its laurels though as the hunger for success continues.

“(We need) to move up the ladder, especially in senior footy,” Hose says.

(We’ve) had guys here for three or four solid pre-season’s now.”

Hose described the 67-point win against St Albans in round two as a performance that, “boosted a bit of confidence and a bit of morale around the place.”

The senior netball program has also surged this season, with a host of new recruits reinvigorating the club across multiple grades.

Coach Rachel Randall is a source of praise.

“She has been fantastic for our girls over the last three, four years,” Hose said of the coach. "(She) really switched on with the whole club environment.”

As for his future vision of the club, Hose has a simple aim.

“(A place) where people want to come and play and be happy to provide something for young people to do on a Saturday”.

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Written by Sean Atkinson on . Posted in News.

Vale Damien Christensen

AFL Barwon extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Damien Christensen, a highly respected figure in our football community.

Damien’s impact across the region and beyond was significant. At GFL senior level, he coached Lara FNC (1992–93), St Joseph’s FNC (1997) and Newtown & Chilwell FNC (2016), earning widespread respect for his leadership and commitment to his clubs.

He was also the head coach of the Geelong Falcons 2000 premiership side, where he played a vital role in developing young footballers and guiding many along the elite pathway.

Damien’s involvement in the game extended to the VFL, where he represented Geelong as a player across 17 games, before continuing his coaching career with Williamstown and Box Hill.

He will be remembered as a valued contributor to the Geelong region as a coach, player and mentor who gave so much to football and the wider community.

On behalf of AFL Barwon, we acknowledge Damien’s outstanding contribution to the game and honour his memory. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.

(Image: Geelong Broadcasters)

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Written by Sean Atkinson on . Posted in News.

More Than a Game: Local Sport Honours Anzac Day

On a day where the nation remembers the sacrifices made for us, Anzac Day football and netball across the region carries meaning far beyond the scoreboard.

By Ben Andonoudis

The silence before the start of the game says everything.

As the Last Post rings out, football fades into the background.

Around grounds across the region, April 25 will represent not just a day for football, but a day where players become custodians of a tradition that stretches far beyond the game.

In the marquee game of the round for the GFNL, a 17-year tradition will again take centre stage as St Joseph’s and South Barwon meet in their annual ANZAC Day clash.

Last year’s contest was an 11-point tussle, adding another thrilling chapter to a fiercely contested history.

St Joseph’s president Sue Cormack knows the significance of playing on a special day for all Australians, describing it as “a privilege for both clubs”.

Cormack went on to note how Anzac Day meant a lot to people as a “day filled with gratitude to those who have served our country, for the peace that Australians enjoy, and for the opportunity to belong to a community club”.

While the two powerhouse clubs of the GFNL “enjoy a great rivalry on the field”, they also “relish the collaboration between our clubs which has kept this tradition alive”, according to Cormack.

For all the commemorations and ceremony, South Barwon will be determined to end 11 straight Anzac Day defeats to their fierce rivals St Joseph’s.

For South Barwon president Tim Sherman, the match is “always one of our most anticipated games for the season and we are very much looking forward to it again in 2026”.

While being “thrilled to continue the privilege of competing in the annual GFNL Anzac Day clash”, the game means so much more to the club.

South Barwon uses the game to “further educate our players and supporters on the importance of honouring those who have served our country” in a telling nod to the significance of the day.

The other game on Anzac Day in the GFNL sees Geelong West take on St Albans in a clash that was a 7-point thriller in ANZAC round 2025.

The BFNL sees Newcomb take on Ocean Grove with both clubs keen to honour the Anzac spirit.

Greg Mervin, president of Ocean Grove FNC, is mindful of “playing community sport on Anzac Day as it is a tremendous privilege”.

A special day on the calendar for the club, Mervin said “for the club it is a day of reflection and remembrance where we honour the sacrifice of all who have served and acknowledge values such as courage and mateship that define the ANZAC spirit”.

Drysdale will face Portarlington in the other BFNL Anzac Day match as Drysdale look to build on last year’s comprehensive 63-point win.

More than 416,000 Australians served in World War I, with close to a million following in World War II, figures that continue to give weight to the moments of silence observed before each game.

On a day where the nation pauses and reflects, local football does its part to ensure that the Anzac spirit lives on in every contest, every handshake, and every moment of silence.

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South Barwon, St Josephs, Drysdale, Newcomb, Ocean Grove, Portarlington

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Written by Sean Atkinson on . Posted in News.

Anzac Day Information & FAQ's

AFL Barwon and its affiliated clubs will once again come together this Anzac Day weekend to honour and recognise those who have served our country, while continuing the long-standing tradition of community football and netball.

Across the Bellarine and Geelong Football Netball Leagues, a number of matches will be complemented by dedicated Anzac services, providing a meaningful opportunity for players, volunteers and supporters to reflect, connect and pay their respects as part of a significant day on the Australian sporting calendar. 

A full rundown of the Anzac fixtures and a list of FAQ's can be found below:

North Shore vs Newtown & Chilwell - Friday 24th April

6:00pm Reserves game commences

6:25pm B grade and E grade first centre pass

7:50pm Anzac service commences 

8.20pm Senior football game commences

8.25pm D grade and C grade games first centre pass

St Joseph's vs South Barwon - Saturday 25th April

10:20am C grade netball first centre pass

10:30am Reserves football game commences

11:10am D grade netball first centre pass

11:30am B grade netball first centre pass

12:50pm Anzac service commences

1:40pm Senior football game commences

1:45pm E grade netball game first centre pass

2:00pm A grade netball game first centre pass

5:00pm Senior female football game commences

Geelong West vs St Albans - Saturday 25th April

10:05am D grade netball first centre pass

11:10am C grade netball first centre pass

12:00pm Reserves football game commences

12:15pm B grade and E grade netball first centre pass

1:45pm Anzac ceremony commences

2:00pm A grade netball game first centre pass

2:10pm Senior football game commences

Portarlington vs Drysdale  - Saturday 25th April

11:00am Reserves football game commences

11:15am D grade netball first centre pass

12:15pm B grade netball first centre pass

1:00pm Anzac service commences

1:45pm Senior football game commences

2:45pm A grade and E grade netball first centre pass

Newcomb vs Ocean Grove - Saturday 25th April

2:00pm C grade first centre pass

2:15pm Reserves football game commences

3:00pm B grade and D grade netball first centre pass

4:40pm Anzac service commences

5:10pm Senior football, A grade and E grade netball games commence

Anglesea vs Torquay Sunday 26th April

1:30pm Anzac service commences

 A grade netball first centre pass

2:10pm Senior football game commences

Anzac Day Fixtures – Frequently Asked Questions

Why are games being played on Anzac Day?

Anzac Day is a significant and deeply respected occasion for all Australians. Community football and netball have a long-standing tradition of playing on Anzac Day when it falls on a weekend, providing an opportunity for clubs and communities to come together, reflect and honour those who have served.

Across AFL Barwon competitions, this is supported through ceremonies held prior to senior matches played on ANZAC Day.

Why are junior matches scheduled on Anzac Day in 2026?

Junior fixtures form part of the broader season structure. In 2026, the timing of the school holidays created challenges in determining appropriate start dates, resulting in some junior matches being scheduled on Anzac Day.

Are clubs still able to attend Anzac Day services?

Yes. Where possible, matches have been scheduled later in the morning to allow players, families and volunteers to attend local commemorative services.

Any matches commencing prior to 10:00am have only been scheduled following consultation with, and at the request of, the participating clubs.

Is it permitted to play sport on Anzac Day?

Yes, community sport can be played on Anzac Day in Victoria, subject to specific conditions under the Anzac Day Act.

  • Sporting events that do not charge an entry fee or seek donations can proceed without Ministerial approval
  • Events that do charge admission or seek donations require Ministerial approval and must not start before 1:00pm

AFL Barwon fixtures comply with these requirements in line with Victorian Government guidance.

Are there any entry fees being charged on ANZAC Day?

No. There will be no entry fees charged across the Bellarine FNL, Geelong FNL or Senior Female Football competitions on Anzac Day.

This ensures all matches align with Victorian Government guidelines and can proceed without the need for Ministerial approval.

What are the liquor licensing rules on Anzac Day?

Licensed venues, including sporting club facilities, must comply with Anzac Day trading restrictions in Victoria.

  • Liquor cannot be served before 12:00pm (midday) unless specific licence conditions or exemptions apply
  • From 12:00pm onwards, licensed venues may trade in accordance with their normal licence conditions
  • Clubs should ensure they understand their individual licence requirements and any restrictions that apply to their venue

These requirements are set by the Victorian Government and apply to all licensed venues operating on ANZAC Day.

The Victorian Government licensed trading venues I formation can be found here | https://www.vic.gov.au/public-holiday-trading-for-licensed-venues#anzac-day 

Do Anzac Day guidelines apply to all sports?

Yes. The Victorian Government works with sporting organisations to ensure sport can take place while still respecting the significance of Anzac Day.

Clubs are encouraged to incorporate appropriate commemorative elements and, where possible, engage with their local RSL sub-branch when planning Anzac Day activities.

The Sport and Recreation Victoria guidelines can be found here | https://sport.vic.gov.au/news/2026/january/sports-make-sure-you-do-the-right-thing-by-anzac-day

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Written by Josh Conway on . Posted in News.

2026 Anzac Day in the AFL Barwon Region

Anzac Day is a significant and deeply respected occasion for all Australians, providing an opportunity to reflect on and honour those who have served our country. AFL Barwon, along with our clubs, is committed to upholding the importance of this day, which is reflected through Anzac Day ceremonies held prior to senior matches in both the Bellarine FNL and Geelong FNL.

The playing of football and netball on Anzac Day has long been a tradition in community sport when the date falls on a weekend. It represents a meaningful opportunity for our football and netball community to come together, honour and reflect on those who have served and sacrificed.

This year, junior fixtures have been scheduled on Anzac Day as part of the broader season structure. The timing of the school holidays presented challenges in determining appropriate start dates for junior competitions.

Where possible, matches have been scheduled later in the morning to allow players, families and volunteers to attend local commemorative services. Any matches commencing prior to 10am have been arranged in consultation with, and at the request of, the participating clubs.

All fixtures align with Sport and Recreation Victoria guidelines, with no entry fees or donations required. As such, these matches are permitted to proceed without the need for Ministerial approval, including those scheduled before 1pm.

No entry fees will be charged across the BFNL, GFNL or senior female competitions on ANZAC Day.

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