Together For Inclusion.

Next week is AFL Barwon's Inclusion Round supported by our Inclusion Partner, Leisure Networks, and our Competition Partner, Kardinia Park Stadium Trust. 

The major event for Inclusion Round will be the All-Abilities football games held at GMHBA Stadium on Friday the 13th June, with gates opening at 4:30pm. Details can be found in the flyer below. 

There is also an Inclusion Round Toolkit for Clubs to use to promote the round (linked below).

Clubs are required to collect yellow armbands within the next week from AFL Barwon's office at Highton Reserve. We ask that players & umpires wear armbands during their games on the 13-15th June to show their support for Inclusion and raise awareness in the Barwon Region.

AFL Barwon is proud to support a community where everyone feels welcome, valued, and able to thrive. Thanks to our Inclusion Round Naming Rights Partner, Leisure Networks, we’re growing our All-Abilities competitions and creating more opportunities for people of all abilities to get involved.

This Inclusion Round (10–15 June 2025), we celebrate the people who make our clubs strong — because everyone deserves to feel part of the game, no matter their ability, culture, gender, or identity.

In 2025, Pride celebrations will also be a key part of the round, promoting visibility, acceptance, and safety for all.

Together with Leisure Networks, we’re breaking down barriers and building a sporting community where everyone belongs.

AFL Barwon is proud to announce that the Best on Ground medal for the Under 18 Division 1 Male Football Grand Final will be named in honour of John Bligh OAM — a legendary figure in Geelong’s junior football landscape whose remarkable contribution to the game has spanned more than 35 years.

AFL Barwon announces that Head of Football, Michael Limb, will conclude his tenure at the end of the 2025 season, bringing to a close an extraordinary 23-year contribution to football in the region.

Michael began his journey with the organisation under Football Geelong and has since played a pivotal role in shaping the game locally through his time as Junior Football Manager, Senior Football Manager, Head of Operations, and most recently, Head of Football at AFL Barwon.

Across more than two decades, Michael’s contribution to the growth and governance of community football in the Barwon region has been immense. His guidance and football intellect have underpinned a period of substantial development, ensuring clubs and competitions have continued to thrive.

Michael has been a guiding figure for clubs, players, coaches, and volunteers across all levels of community football. His deep understanding of the game and its governance needs, coupled with his ability to influence, has supported the region through significant growth, challenges, and transformation.

From managing competitions and player registrations, to overseeing disciplinary matters and implementing governance reforms, Michael’s fingerprints are on nearly every operational aspect of the game in the Barwon region. His work behind the scenes has ensured that thousands of participants have had the opportunity to enjoy safe, well-run, and inclusive competitions year after year.

Michael’s knowledge and experience have been integral to many aspects of the game’s operations, particularly in overseeing the Match Review Panel, Tribunal processes, Player Points System and Allowable Player Payments. His commitment to fairness, integrity, and supporting clubs has helped create a robust football framework that will continue to benefit the region long after his departure.

As part of Female Festival of Sport week AFL Barwon and AFL VIC be running NetSetGO and Auskick clinics on Monday 30th June. 

Event Details:
Leopold Memorial Reserve
Auskick: 4:30pm - 5:15pm
NetSetGo: 5:30pm - 6:15pm 

Age Groups
Auskick: ages 5 - 12 years
NetSetGo: ages 7 - 11 years

For more information, please contact
Maddie Okely - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (NetSetGO)
Hannah Quinn - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Auskick)

Register here - https://forms.office.com/r/AHuuy7q0bG

AFL Barwon wishes to advise that Chloe Prout will be finishing up in her role on Friday, 20 June, after three years with the organisation.

Chloe has made a valuable and lasting impact on the netball community, particularly her commitment to junior netball through the midweek competition where she has played a key role in rebuilding the structure and standards of the competition to support its continued growth. Chloe has also contributed to the representative program, reigniting its professionalism and reinforcing its importance as a genuine pathway in our region.

Her passion for creating opportunities for young players, supporting clubs and volunteers, and helping grow the game across the Barwon region has been deeply appreciated.

We sincerely thank Chloe for her outstanding contribution and dedication over the past three years, and we wish her all the best in her new role.

BFNL

Senior Football

7/6/25 - Portarlington vs Ocean Grove - 2:10pm

A Grade Netball

7/6/25 - Modewarre vs Drysdale - 1:50pm

GFNL

Senior Football

8/6/25 - St Joseph's vs Newtown & Chilwell - 2:10pm

A Grade Netball

7/6/25 - Geelong West vs Colac - 1:40pm

CDFNL

Senior Football

7/6/25 - South Colac vs Simpson - 2:15pm

9/6/25 - Colac & District FNL vs Geelong & District FNL - 1:30pm

VIEW FULL SCHEDULE

VISIT AFLB TV

Mid season entries to Auskick and Super Kick for all new participants is now only $55!!

It's not too late to join the fun.

AFL Barwon Clubs – Rising Star Nominations.

Do you have a rising star lighting up the field or the court? 

AFL Barwon, in partnership with the Geelong Times, is now calling for club nominations for the Football and Netball Rising Star Award – recognising the brightest young talent in our region. 

This prestigious award celebrates standout players under the age of 21 (as of January 1) from the Bellarine and Geelong Football Netball Leagues and Female Football Competitions, who show exceptional promise and performance on the field or court. 

Each month, a Rising Star nominee will be featured in the Geelong Times, with all monthly nominees remaining eligible for the overall Rising Star Award, to be presented at the end of the season. Therefore, you only need to submit the application once for the season. 

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Must be under 21 years of age as of January 1 

• Must have played no more than 10 Senior Football and A Grade games prior to the start of the current season 

Clubs are invited to submit a nomination that includes a short write-up outlining the player’s achievements and why they deserve recognition. 

Nominate Here: https://forms.gle/38tcL8rEhRawV41B6 

The 2025 Female Festival of Sport Week will be held from the June 30th - July 6th, with the annual Breakfast event held on the 4th of July. 

Details of breakfast:

• Date - Friday July 4th
• Location - Geelong West Town Hall
• Time - 6:45am Arrival, 7:00am Start
• Host - Madi Browne
• Panellists - Coming soon

Tickets will be released on June 2. 

AFL Barwon has teamed up with global sauce and condiments brand Lee Kum Kee to launch the Lee Kum Kee Community Initiative for the 2025 season!

This exciting new program invites clubs to take part in a fun and creative video challenge using Lee Kum Kee products, with a $4,000 prize up for grabs to support a club improvement project.

The initiative is all about celebrating community spirit, creativity, and supporting long-term growth for local football and netball clubs.

Find out more and get involved:
Read the full article here

AFL Barwon is proud to announce a new three-year partnership with Town & Country Pizza, naming the beloved local business the Official Pizza and Pasta Partner of AFL Barwon for the next three years.

As part of the partnership, AFL Barwon clubs and members will enjoy exclusive specials and promotions at participating Town & Country Pizza stores throughout the season, bringing even more value to being part of the local football and netball community.

A reminder to clubs to RSVP if they would like to take up the offer as per the email earlier this week.  

Please complete the RSVP link by 5pm Friday June 13th.