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Geelong Football and Netball take centre stage

Excitement is building across the region as the 2025 Geelong Football Netball League (GFNL) Grand Final approaches at GMHBA Stadium, an event made possible by the support of AFL Barwon’s valued partners.

AFL Barwon extends its sincere thanks to Blood Toyota, Major Naming Rights Partner of the GFNL, for their ongoing commitment to the competition, and to the Geelong Cats, Kardinia Park Stadium Trust, and the City of Greater Geelong for providing a world-class venue, event support, and community backing. Their combined efforts ensure the Grand Final is delivered safely and professionally, offering a first-class experience for players, clubs, and fans alike.

AFL Barwon also thanks all Commercial and Community partners who have supported the league throughout the year, helping deliver programs, competitions, and opportunities for players, clubs, and the wider community. Additionally, AFL Barwon acknowledges the contributions of FRS Security, Miepol, Carlton & United Breweries as the official event beverage partner, and ride share partner DiDi, whose support helps make the Grand Final smooth, safe, and enjoyable for all attendees.

City of Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM said:

The City of Greater Geelong is proud to support the AFL Barwon Netball & Senior Football Grand Final, alongside the Cats and Kardinia Park Stadium Trust, at the Cattery. I would like to thank Barwon AFL for its continued commitment to championing football players and increasing sports participation in our region.

AFL Barwon RGM Lisa Patterson said:
We are extremely excited to be back at GMHBA, a premier class venue for our 2025 Blood Toyota BFNL Grand Final.  This opportunity would not be possible without the continued support of our major sponsor Blood Toyota and the ongoing partnerships held with Geelong Cats, Kardinia Park Stadium Trust and the City of Greater Geelong.”

“This is shaping up to be a fantastic day celebrating the best male and female athletes across football and netball in the Barwon region, which will once again be a showcase event on the community sporting calendar.  I wish all participating clubs, players and volunteers all the best in preparation for Friday's Grand Final and thank the wider Geelong Football and Netball communities for your ongoing support of local footy.”

AFL Barwon wishes the very best of luck to all participating clubs, players, and volunteers as they prepare for Friday’s Grand Final, and thanks the wider Geelong football and netball community for their ongoing support of local sport.

ENDS

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Blood Toyota Geelong Football Netball League Grand Final FAQs

Blood Toyota Geelong Football Netball League Grand Final 2025

Frequently Asked Questions
Friday 26 September 2025 – Kardinia Park Precinct

What time do gates open?

  • Netball Courts and Live Site: 7:00am
  • GMHBA Stadium & Football Gates: 8:15am
  • There will be two gates, one at the stadium entrance (Gate 13) and one on the east side of the Netball courts. Spectators can freely move between the netball courts and the football stadium, regardless of which gate they used to enter.


How do I purchase tickets?


Which changerooms will clubs use?

  • All participating clubs will use the Joel Selwood Stand changerooms with wristband access
  • Each club is permitted a total of 115 people which includes players, coaches and team staff in changerooms.
  • Access is strictly via Gate 15.

Wristband Requirements:

  • Players on the door list do not require wristbands.
  • All other game-day personnel, including non-playing players, must wear a wristband and be on the door list.
  • Wristbands for post-match guests will be supplied to clubs by AFL Barwon.

Guest Access:

  • Guests may enter the change rooms via the player races if Field of Play access is permitted.
  • If Field of Play access is not permitted, guests must exit the venue and re-enter via Gate 15.
  • All guests must wear a valid wristband, which will be checked by security at the entrance.
  • Please note, there will be no seating bowl access once public gates are closed after the Senior match. Guests for the Senior teams must take all their belongings with them to the change rooms.

Will there be a live site?

Yes. A live site will run in the Food Court area, featuring:

  • A big screen to watch the game
  • A licensed bar operated by St Mary’s SC
  • Canteen options thanks to St Albans
  • Vendors: Schnitzel Republic, Chubby Bao, Potato Works, OMG Donuts, and The Vintage Van

Where can I park?

  • Parking within the Kardinia Park precinct will be available via entry Park Crescent and Kilgour St with a $10 charge per car.
  • Additional parking is available in surrounding streets and designated event areas.
  • Arrive early and consider using public transport or rideshare to avoid delays.

Is public transport available?

  • South Geelong Station is the closest train station, just a short walk to Kardinia Park.
  • Check the V/Line timetable for the Geelong line to plan your trip.

Is there a rideshare/drop-off zone?

  • A designated Didi/rideshare drop-off and pick-up zone will operate near the stadium. Event signage will direct passengers.

Will there be an official function?

  • The Grand Final Official Function will be held at the St Mary’s Social Club Rooms at 11:45am.
  • This is an invite-only event.

Can spectators enter the ground after matches?

  • Post-match access for celebrations and kick-to-kick may be allowed depending on weather and ground conditions.
  • There is no on-field access during matches.

Are prams permitted?

  • Netball Courts: Prams are permitted.
  • Stadium: Small strollers that can be safely stored under your seat are welcome inside the stadium. For safety and crowd flow reasons, large prams are not permitted inside the stadium. They can block exits, pose trip hazards, and impact emergency access.
  • Please use the designated pram storage area near Gate 13 before entering the stadium.
  • Thank you for your support and understanding.

Will there be pass-outs?

  • Yes, there will be pass-out stamps available at all gates.

Where will presentations take place?

  • All Football presentations will be conducted on the ground immediately following each game.
  • All Netball presentations will be conducted in the designated area opposite Show Court 2 immediately following each game.

Will the matches be live streamed?

Live streamed matches:

  • A Grade Netball
  • B Grade Netball
  • Senior Football

Recorded only (not live streamed):

  • Reserves Football
  • Under 18’s Football

Links for the live stream will be available via the AFL Barwon’s website.


Will the Cats Shop be open?

The Cats Shop will open on Grand Final day.


Conditions of Entry

GMHBA Stadium Conditions of Entry - Conditions of Entry - Kardinia Park Stadium Trust

AFL Barwon Conditions of Entry

  • Everyone must pay the admission fee to enter the venue. 
  • Local council by–laws forbid taking alcohol into public reserves.
  • It is a condition of Entry that vehicles be inspected for illegal entry of alcohol.  
  • Failure to comply with this request will result in the vehicle not being permitted to enter the reserve.
  • Alcohol is not to be consumed before 12pm in line with liquor licensing requirements. 
  • No glass is permitted at the venue.
  • Any alcohol detected entering any venue will be confiscated and will not be returned to the patron.
  • Utilities or trucks with couches or lounge chairs on the back will not be permitted entry.
  • No Pets are allowed to enter the venue. Assistance or guide dogs are permitted.
  • Re-entry via pass-out stamp only.

Quick Tips for the Day

  • Arrive early – gates open 7:00am (netball) and 8:15am (stadium/football).
  • Pre-purchase tickets via Intix for the cheapest and smoothest entry.
  • Plan your travel – parking is limited, consider South Geelong Station or rideshare options.
  • Check out the live site in the Food Court for food, drinks, and atmosphere.
  • Stay for presentations – all awards and medals will be presented on the ground after each game.

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Olivia Cameron Medal to Honour Geelong FNL Star

AFL Barwon is proud to announce that the Geelong FNL A Grade Netball Grand Final Best on Court award will now be named the Olivia Cameron Medal, honouring one of the region’s most decorated and influential players.

Olivia Cameron’s record speaks for itself. A fierce competitor and a natural leader, Cameron has played more than 350 A Grade games at the highest level of local netball, a milestone few can match. Across a remarkable career, she has featured in 10 GFNL A Grade Grand Finals, winning six premierships, and consistently delivering when the stakes are at their highest.

Her individual honours are equally impressive. A six-time GFNL Team of the Year selection, including serving as captain of the 2024 Team of the Year, Cameron’s consistency and skill have made her one of the competition’s most respected and admired athletes.

Beyond her playing accolades, Cameron has contributed to the game as both a South Barwon A Grade coachand the club’s A Grade captain, continuing to set the standard for performance and leadership on court.

The introduction of the Olivia Cameron Medal ensures that her legacy of excellence, leadership, and commitment will be celebrated on the league’s biggest stage, recognising her as one of the GFNL’s most accomplished and respected netballers and etching her name into the competition’s history.

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Netball Star Julia Woolley Honoured with Medal

AFL Barwon is proud to announce the Julie Woolley Medal, awarded to the Geelong Football Netball League  A Grade Netball Best & Fairest, in honour of Julia Woolley, one of the most accomplished and influential players in GFNL history.

Woolley’s career in GFNL netball is nothing short of extraordinary. She has been a seven-time A Grade premiership player, leading her teams to success across multiple seasons, and has captained her side on five occasions, demonstrating consistent leadership both on and off the court. Twice recognised as Best on Court, her performances have often been decisive in critical matches, showcasing her ability to excel under pressure.

Her individual brilliance has been recognised with two GFNL League Best & Fairest awards, and she has earned selection in the GFNL Team of the Year seven times—a testament to her sustained excellence. Woolley has also captained GFNL to two Association Champs victories and represented the league in Interleague competition on two occasions, further cementing her status as one of the league’s elite players.

At her club, Newtown & Chilwell, Woolley’s achievements are equally remarkable. She captained the Team of the Decade, was awarded Life Membership, and was named in the Geelong Advertiser GFNL Team of the Decade. These honours reflect not only her dominance on the court but also her enduring influence as a leader and role model within the club.

Beyond her personal accolades, Woolley has given back to the game through mentoring and coaching junior netballers. Her guidance, knowledge, and passion for the sport are helping to shape the next generation of players, ensuring that GFNL netball continues to thrive.

By naming the A Grade Best & Fairest award the Julie Woolley Medal, AFL Barwon celebrates a player whose extraordinary career, leadership, and commitment to the development of young players have left an indelible mark on the league. Julia Woolley’s achievements set a benchmark for excellence and dedication, and this medal ensures her legacy will continue to inspire players for generations to come.

AFL Barwon congratulates Julia Woolley on this well-deserved honour and celebrates her ongoing contribution to the Geelong Football Netball League.

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South Barwon secures elite coach Jane Searle as A Grade Netball Coach

South Barwon Football and Netball Club has secured one of the country’s most respected netball figures, appointing Jane Searle as A Grade Coach for the next two seasons.

Jane said she was excited to join the Swans family:

“I’m thrilled to join South Barwon. The club’s junior success shows its depth and future strength. My aim is to bring success to the senior team, while fostering a positive environment where players thrive, work hard, and enjoy the game. I can’t wait to get started.”

Jane brings an extraordinary resume of international and elite-level netball experience as both a player and a coach. Her achievements include:

  • Representing Australia at the highest level, including winning a World Championship, and captaining the Victorian netball team

  • Serving as Assistant Coach of the Australian Diamonds for four years across multiple major tournaments

  • Coaching roles with the Australian Fast5 team, South African national team, Brunei national team, and state teams in Victoria and Western Australia

  • Current coach of the Wilson Storage Southern Saints in the Victorian Netball League

  • Inducted into the Victorian Netball Hall of Fame for her service to the sport

Most recently, Jane guided Queenscliff to back-to-back A Grade finals appearances and continues as Director of Netball at Geelong College.

The Club also acknowledges and thanks Jed Christian, who stepped into the A Grade coaching role in 2025, and is delighted he will continue as Assistant Coach in 2026.

About Jane Searle

Jane Searle is one of Australian netball’s most accomplished figures. A former World Champion, state captain and elite-level coach, she has held roles with national teams across Australia, South Africa and Brunei, as well as Suncorp Super Netball sides West Coast Fever and Adelaide Thunderbirds. In recognition of her contribution to the game, Jane was inducted into the Victorian Netball Hall of Fame.

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