By Ben Andonoudis

Saturday, August 15 will see the AFL Barwon All-Abilities Football season come to an end as both divisions play their final games.

Here is everything you need to know:

Who is playing?

The AFL Barwon All-Abilities competitions feature two divisions.

Contact division:

Bell Park

Geelong West

Newcomb

St Joseph's 

Non-contact division:

Geelong West

Newcomb

Newtown & Chilwell

St Joseph's

Where are they playing?

Games will be played at St Joseph's FNC, taking place at both Walker Oval and Plan Group Oval on Saturday.

What about the season to this point?

The season started in April, with players battling it out over 10 rounds.

ALL-ABILITIES VIDEO BY ABSstatistics

Who is playing who?

Contact Division:

The Grand final pits 2025 runners-up Bell Park, taking on 2025 consolation final winner Newcomb. The two sides have met once this season ,with Bell Park winning by 12-points.

The Consolation Final will see 2025 premiers Geelong West take on 2025 consolation final runners-up St Joseph's. The Joeys defeated Geelong West by 37 points in their only previous meeting this season.

Non-contact division:

The 2026 season saw the introduction of a non-contact division for the first time, allowing more players to take part in organised sport while having their abilities catered to.

The non-contact division is also non-competitive, allowing players to play for the love of the game.

In the non-contact division, the four teams have all performed at a high level and will be looking to end the season on a high.

Geelong West take on Newcomb in game one, while game two sees St Joseph's take on Newtown & Chilwell.

How can you support the players?

Get down to the games and cheer them on as they take to the field! They are free to attend.

Full Fixture (all on Saturday):

GAME 1 (NON-CONTACT) – Geelong West Giants vs Newcomb Power – WALKER OVAL

• 1:15pm – Game commences.
• 2:15pm – Game concludes (club medal presentations to follow).

GAME 2 (NON-CONTACT) – St Joseph's vs Newtown & Chilwell – WALKER OVAL

• 2:45pm – Game commences.
• 3:45pm – Games concludes (club medal presentations to follow).

GAME 3 (CONTACT) – Geelong West Giants vs St Joseph's - Consolation Final – WALKER OVAL

• 4:50pm – Teams run onto the ground.
• 5:00pm – Game commences.
• 6:25pm – Game concludes.
• 7:15pm – Presentation of medals in clubrooms.

GAME 4 (CONTACT) – Bell Park Dragons vs Newcomb Power - Grand Final – PLAN GROUP OVAL

• 5:35pm – Teams run onto the groud
• 5:40pm – Teams line up for national anthem and announcements 
• 5:45pm – Game commences.
• 7:10pm – Game concludes.
• 7:15pm – Presentation of medals in clubrooms.

The Week One fixture for the 2026 Epworth Senior Female Football Division 2 Finals Series has been confirmed, with two matches to be played on Sunday.

The Qualifying Final will see Lara host Grovedale at Lara Recreation Reserve, with the match commencing at 12.00pm. The winner will progress through to take on Torquay, while the loser will receive a second opportunity in the following week against the winner of the Elimination Final.

The Elimination Final will be played at St Joseph's, where St Joseph's will face St Albans/Thomson, also commencing at 12.00pm. 

AFL Barwon congratulates all clubs on qualifying for the 2026 Epworth Senior Female Football Division 2 Finals Series and looks forward to an exciting opening weekend of finals football.

Image: eel_pie_sports_media

The Geelong Cats Academy is excited to offer a number of coaching opportunities across our 2026 Futures Academy, Development Squad and Emerging Talent Squad programs for both Boys and Girls.

We are seeking passionate and committed coaches to join our Academy team in delivering high-quality football development experiences for talented young athletes across our Cats Academy zone.  

Each program will involve 3-weeks of training into a match in the September school holidays (exact dates TBC). The U18 & U15 squads will take on the Western Bulldogs Academy whilst the U14 Emerging Talent Squad will be a Cats Academy match.

Training hubs will be held in Geelong, Warrnambool and Horsham.

• U18 Boys Futures Academy Coaching Team
• U18 Girls Futures Academy Coaching Team
• U15 Boys Development Squad Coaching Team
• U15 Girls Development Talent Squad Coaching Team
• U14 Boys Emerging Talent Squad Coaching Team
• U14 Girls Emerging Talent Squad Coaching Team

Girls Training: Monday & Wednesday 4:30PM-6:30PM @ Deakin University (Geelong), Reid Oval (Warrnambool), Horsham City Oval (Horsham)
Boys Training: Tuesday & Thursday 4:30-6:30PM @ Deakin University & GMHBA Stadium (Geelong), Reid Oval (Warrnambool), Horsham City Oval (Horsham)

Applications for these positions are now open, and close on Sunday 16 August.

To apply for one or more of these roles, please click here.

* Please note coaches will need to have a valid WWCC and be accredited with Coach AFL to be considered for these roles.

All personal information will be treated in accordance with The Privacy Act 1988 and the Geelong Football Club Privacy Policy. A copy of the Privacy Policy can be found on the Club website: https://www.geelongcats.com.au/privacy

2026 Cats Academy Coaching Teams

Purpose

This honorarium position is to collaboratively lead the Geelong Cats Academy Boys and Girls talent programs by delivering a player-centred environment that supports development at all stages of the pathway. Coaching teams will provide high-performance experiences for players progressing toward elite junior football, while also fostering foundational skill development, confidence and connection for emerging talent. Together, coaches will plan and deliver training, mentor athletes, and contribute to the overall vision and values of the Geelong Cats Academy. 

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and select players through training, trials and game observations
• Plan and deliver structured, progressive training sessions
• Share coaching responsibilities across all aspects of preparation and match day execution
• Promote the values of connection, learning and resilience within the squad
• Provide individual player feedback and support player development plans
• Assist in preparing player evaluations and end-of-program reports
• Maintain strong communication with players, families, Academy staff and other stakeholders

Requirements

• Current VIT or Working With Children Check
• Coach AFL accreditation
• Demonstrated coaching experience with junior athletes
• Strong teamwork, communication and planning skills
• Knowledge and experience in the Geelong Cats Academy zone, including insights into clubs, schools and pathways
• Understanding of the Talent League and player pathway expectations
• Click here to learn more about the Geelong Cats Academy

By Ben Andonoudis

With the 2026 season racing towards the finals, many players have made a name for themselves, including some young guns who have lit up the GFNL and BFNL so far.

The criteria of this exercise was:

- players must have played a minimum of 10 games this season and be 25 year of age or under in the calendar, excluding anyone born before 2001.

So, in no particular order, here are ten players to watch:

Lachie Nelis (Drysdale) MID

The 2025 BFNL rising star has continued to ascend this season, averaging a shade under 30 disposals. He is elite by hand and likes to get involved in scoring opportunities as well.

2026 Average Statistics thanks to Premier Data.

Ranking points: 126.5

Disposals: 29.6

Kicks: 17.3

Goal Involvements: 2.9

Lachie Kidd (Queenscliff) MID

The classy midfielder has been vital to Queenscliff’s strong form this season after being runner up in their Best and Fairest in 2025. He is everywhere on the ground and has the stats to back it up.

2026 Average Statistics:

Ranking points: 126.7

Disposals: 28.2

Kicks: 14.9

Handballs: 13.4 (9^th in the league)

Goal Involvements: 3.3

Fletcher Hughes (St Mary’s) RUCK

Hard to believe one of the top rucks in the GFNL started his senior career as a key defender. A modern ruck, Hughes follows up his tap work at ground level.

2026 Average Statistics:

Ranking points: 124.9 (9^th in the league)

Disposals: 18

Hitouts: 30.1 (7^th in the league)

Hitouts to advantage: 7.4 (7^th in the league)

Clearances: 4.6

Oscar Cooke (Modawarre) DEF

One of the BFNL’s top defenders, Cooke has racked up the touches this season. Deadly by foot with an ability to stream out of defence, he has been a shining light for Modawarre.

2026 Average Statistics:

Ranking Points: 124.4

Disposals: 31.6 (5^th in the league)

Kicks: 21.9 (5^th in the league)

Handballs: 9.8

Rebound 50s: 6.9 (8^th in the league)

Harry Gravener (Surf Coast) MID

Appointed Vice-captain of the Suns in their inaugural season after crossing from South Barwon, Gravener has been one of Surf Coast's main ball winners averaging close to 25 disposals a match.

2026 Average Statistics:

Ranking points: 118.4

Disposals: 24.9

Kicks: 13.4

Handballs: 11.5

Goal Involvements: 2.4

Joe Cincotta (Queenscliff) RUCK

A young ruckman can sometimes find it hard at senior level, but that has not been the case for Cincotta who's helped Queenscliff to the top of the ladder. A big man who follows up at ground level, Cincotta has racked up over 560 hit-outs this season.

2026 Average Statistics:

Ranking points: 117.2

Disposals: 16.7

Hitouts: 37.5 (6^th in the league)

Hitouts to advantage: 9.9 (3^rd in the league)

Clearances: 4.3

Hamish Lucas (Bell Park) MID

A Bell Park junior who played for Geelong VFL last year, Lucas has returned to the Dragons full-time this season. A now experienced goal kicking midfielder, he fits the modern game with running power and foot skills.

2026 Average Statistics:

Ranking points: 107.5

Disposals: 21.8

Kicks: 14.1

Handballs: 7.7

Goal Involvements: 4.4

Archer Hanegraaf (Geelong Amatuer) MID

The 19-year-old midfielder has continued to impress this year with his consistent performances. A graduate of the Geelong Falcons program and listed at Werribee in the VFL, Hanegraaf has certainly shown he can match it with the best at BFNL level.

2026 Average Statistics:

Ranking points: 113.5

Disposals: 25.4

Kicks: 14.6

Handballs: 10.8

Clearances: 7.6 (9^th in the league)

Jett Bermingham (Bell Park) MID

The reigning Mathieson medallist in the GFNL, the Hampden league product has remained in strong form this season with his grunt work in the midfield, averaging over 24 disposals a game - many of those contested.

2026 Average Statistics:

Ranking points: 107.5

Disposals: 24.3

Kicks: 10

Handballs: 14.3

Clearances: 6.8 (10^th in the league)

Disposal Efficiency: 77%

Jack Jovanovic (St Joseph's) FWD

Only 19 years of age, the Geelong VFL listed sharp shooter has been a standout in his first season of GFNL footy. The GWS academy graduate has kicked 48 goals so far, only second in the league behind Tom Higgins.

2026 Average Statistics:

Ranking points: 69.5

Goals: 3.5 (4^th in the league)

Goal Accuracy: 73%

Marks: 4.9

Marks inside 50: 3.8 (5^th in the league)

Honourable mention: Tom Higgins (St Albans) FWD

The current leading goal kicker in the GFNL, Higgins has booted 55 goals in 12 games this season. A strong marking key position forward, Higgins compliments that with accuracy in front of goal.

2026 Average Statistics:

Ranking points: 107.3

Goals: 4.5 (2^nd in the league)

Goal Accuracy: 64%

Marks: 7.2

Marks inside 50: 5 (3^rd in the league)