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Twenty Rounds of action for version 2 of the 2026 Blood Toyota Geelong FNL Fixture

AFL Barwon is pleased to release an updated version of the 2026 Blood Toyota Geelong Football Netball League fixture, following recent developments regarding Lara FNC’s position for the upcoming season. 

Since being formally advised, the AFL Barwon Operations Team and Commission have been in constant dialogue and collaboration with GFNL clubs to carefully assess the implications for the competition structure. The priority throughout this process has been to maintain the integrity, equity and competitive balance of the 2026 season.

Following extensive consultation with clubs, and reflecting the preferred option of the majority, it has been confirmed that the 2026 GFNL season will feature a 20-round home-and-away fixture. This structure ensures all senior football and netball grades play an even number of matches across the season.

Senior & Reserves Football, A Grade Netball and E Grade Netball will each play 18 matches, with two fixtured byes incorporated into the season. Adjustments have been made to ensure equity in home games and a balanced distribution of matches across the B, C and D Grade netball competitions.

There are four versions of the 2026 fixture being released:

  • Senior & Reserves Football
  • A Grade Netball
  • B, C & D Grade Netball
  • E Grade Netball.

The Junior Netball fixture will be finalised following confirmation of team entries. Should not all clubs field teams in each competition, further consultation will occur with impacted clubs to ensure an equitable and balanced structure is implemented.

The season start date has been brought forward by one week, with Round 1 now commencing on Saturday, 11 April. St Joseph’s and Leopold will still start their season on Saturday, 4 April. Finals dates and the previously communicated final’s structure remain unchanged.

Kate Patterson, AFL Barwon CEO, said: " It has been incredibly heartening to see the community rally around Lara, while also addressing the immediate need to deliver a revised fixture for the upcoming Blood Toyota GFNL season.

We greatly appreciate the understanding and cooperation shown by all clubs throughout this process. I’m proud of the way our team — particularly Sophie Allison (Head of Netball) and Sarah Naylor (Head of Football) — worked through multiple options with the league and clubs to reach the best possible outcome.

With the fixture now confirmed, we can now look ahead to the 2026 season with confidence."

GFNL President Todd Devine added: "First and foremost, we want to acknowledge the challenges facing Lara. We remain committed to supporting the club and look forward to seeing their netball and junior programs thrive this season.

I also want to recognise the collaborative approach taken by the GFNL clubs throughout this process. Everyone appreciated that, given the circumstances, there was no perfect solution, yet all clubs acted with goodwill and in the best interests of the competition. The spirit of cooperation has been truly commendable.

This process has further reinforced the strength of our relationship with AFL Barwon. I would particularly like to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of the operations staff, who acted decisively and with the best interests of everyone in mind"

AFL Barwon looks forward to delivering a strong, balanced, and competitive 2026 season across the GFNL.

The full version of the fixture can be found below or click here for the pdf version.

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AFL Barwon Annual General Meeting

AFL Barwon advises that the following documents are now available in preparation for the upcoming AFL Barwon Annual General Meeting (AGM):

Stakeholders are encouraged to review the above documents ahead of the meeting.

 

AFL Barwon AGM Details

  • Date: Wednesday, 25 February 2026

  • Time: 6:00pm (adjusted time)

  • Venue: Buckleys Entertainment Centre 

AFL Barwon looks forward to the attendance and involvement of its members and stakeholders at the 2026 Annual General Meeting.

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The Game Plan 2026 | Club Education Event

AFL Barwon invites all clubs and officials to attend the Game Plan: Club Education Event, a key information session designed to prepare clubs for the upcoming 2026 football and netball season.

Eastern Hub, Geelong
285A McKillop Street, East Geelong VIC 3219
Sunday 1 March
9:30am – 2:00pm

This essential club education day will bring together administrators, coaches, coordinators and volunteers for a series of practical and informative sessions aimed at supporting strong, compliant and sustainable clubs.

Sessions will include:

  • Social Media Masterclass
  • Concussion Management
  • Player Points & Salary Cap (Football)
  • Football Rule Changes Explained
  • Bellarine FNL & Geelong FNL Presidents Meeting
  • Football & Netball Tribunal Advocacy Framework
  • Commercial Opportunities for Clubs
  • Introduction to Netball Operations - New Administrators Session
  • Junior Football Coordinators – 2026 Season Information Session

Whether you’re new to a role or preparing for another season, this event provides vital updates, clarity on key policies, and opportunities to connect with AFL Barwon staff and fellow clubs.

Clubs are strongly encouraged to attend to ensure they are well-prepared heading into the 2026 season.

Register Here

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Lucy Cammiss joins the AFL Barwon Commission

AFL Barwon is pleased to announce the appointment of Lucy Cammiss to the AFL Barwon Commission. Lucy was appointed to fill a casual vacancy on a one-year term at last Tuesday evening’s Commission meeting.

Lucy brings extensive experience across elite sport, commercial partnerships and media, with a highly regarded career spanning more than two decades in the AFL and broader sports and entertainment industries.

As Founder and Director of boutique talent management agency The Lighthaus, Lucy has worked with some of Australia’s most recognisable sporting and media identities, securing and managing long-term commercial partnerships with leading national brands. 

Lucy is recognised as the first woman in Australia to be accredited as an AFL player agent, highlighting her leadership and influence within the football industry. She also brings strong experience in stakeholder engagement, negotiation and media strategy through previous senior roles in player management and major sporting events.

Reflecting on her appointment, Lucy said she is “delighted to be joining the AFL Barwon Commission” and highlighted the personal connection she has to the region.

“Growing up in the Barwon region, this is where my passion for sport was sparked, and I know what an integral role AFL and netball play in bringing the communities here together. I am delighted to be joining the AFL Barwon Commission and playing my role to advance AFL and Netball in this great region.” 

Lucy’s appointment to the AFL Barwon Commission follows advertising for casual vacancies late last year after the resignations of Diana Murase and Mark Wilkin. The appointment of Megan Love filled one of those vacancies, with the remaining position now filled by Lucy. In accordance with the current AFL Barwon Constitution, casual vacancies may be filled by the AFL Barwon Commission.

There are currently three vacancies on the AFL Barwon Commission, with appointments to be determined at the AFL Barwon Annual General Meeting on 25 February. Subject to proposed changes to the AFL Barwon Constitution, two of these vacancies will be filled by nominees from the Bellarine Football Netball League and Geelong Football Netball League Boards, leaving one vacancy to be filled. 

The AFL Barwon Chair and Commissioners welcome Lucy’s appointment and look forward to the expertise and industry insight she will bring to the region. Lucy has commenced her role on the Commission immediately.

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AFL Barwon welcomes Ayden Gras

AFL Barwon is pleased to announce the appointment of Ayden Gras to the role of Operations Coordinator in the Football Department.

Ayden brings a strong connection to community football across the Barwon region, complemented by valuable experience working within both the AFL system and the broader sports and commercial sectors.

A product of the local football pathway, Ayden played his junior football at St Joseph’s Football Netball Club before continuing his senior career with Anglesea Football Club, where he currently plays. He was also a participant in Barwon-region junior football pathways programs, providing him with a deep understanding of player development and the grassroots football landscape.

Professionally, Ayden has gained experience with AFL Victoria, where he worked across football operations and administration, contributing to the delivery of programs and competitions at a state level. He also brings strong organisational and customer-focused skills from his time with Cotton On.

In his role at AFL Barwon, Ayden will support key football operations functions including competition administration and management across the region. His appointment further strengthens AFL Barwon’s capacity to support clubs, volunteers and participants ahead of the upcoming season.

AFL Barwon Head of Football, Sarah Naylor said, “We’re delighted to welcome Ayden to the team. His combination of local football experience, time within AFL Victoria and a strong professional background makes him a great fit for this role. He understands community football and the importance of supporting clubs at every level.”

Ayden said he was excited to return to the region in a professional capacity.

“Having come through the Barwon pathways and played locally, this role is something I’m really passionate about. I’m looking forward to working closely with clubs and contributing to the continued growth and success of football across the region.”

AFL Barwon welcomes Ayden Gras to the Football Department and looks forward to the positive contribution he will make to community football across the Barwon region.

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