Skip to main content

THE BARWON BULLETIN

The official noticeboard for AFL Barwon Club Officials & Volunteers.
To receive email notifications of the Barwon Bulletin, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

EDITION 62
November 19, 2025
(LAST UPDATED - November 19, 2025)
2025 Handbook
Bulletin Archive
Contact Us

General Updates

Barwon Bulletin Moving Fortnightly until February

The Barwon Bulletin will transition to a fortnightly schedule starting from the next edition.

It will return to a weekly content cycle in early February.

If you would like to be added to the distribution list, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

2026 Club Contacts List

AFL Barwon is seeking the 2026 Club contacts from all Bellarine FNL, Geelong FNL, Geelong & District FNL, Colac & District FNL, and Female and Junior Only clubs.

We are keen to ensure that we are correctly communicating with the right people at club’s so that any important information is getting through, including the Barwon Bulletin. 

It is noted that some positions may not be filled yet however, clubs can resubmit the form multiple times for any specific position and do not have to enter all club positions each time. 

We would appreciate if all information relevant to your club, was submitted by COB February 1st. 

The form link can be found below.

If you have any issues with this form, please don't hesitate to contact Sean Atkinson (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) directly.

Complete Form Here
Notice of Bellarine FNL, Geelong FNL and AFL Barwon AGM's

AFL Barwon advises all affiliated clubs and stakeholders of the confirmed dates and meeting details for the upcoming Annual General Meetings.

Bellarine Football Netball League (BFNL) & Geelong Football Netball League (GFNL) AGM's

AGM Date: Wednesday, 26 November 2025

Venue: Virtual Only and can be accessed via the below links. 

AFL Barwon AGM

Date: Wednesday, 25 February 2026

Venue: Buckleys Entertainment Centre

2025 Additional Premiership Medal Order - CLOSING TODAY

We have received a few queries from clubs wishing to order additional premiership medals for their teams.

We are able to coordinate this for you should you wish. Clubs will be invoiced for the cost of the medals.

Please respond via return email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by COB Wednesday 19th November with the grade and quantity you require.

AFL Victoria

AFL Youth 9s – Fast, Fun, and for Everyone!

Are you aged Under 16 or Under 18 and love footy? AFL 9s is your chance to play the game you enjoy — with a twist!

AFL 9s is a non-contact, social version of Aussie Rules that’s all about speed, skills, and fun. It’s open to both male and female players, whether you’re already playing club footy or just keen to give it a go.

You can register as a team with your friends, schoolmates, or club teammates — or sign up individually and we’ll help find a team for you.

It’s the perfect way to stay active, sharpen your skills, and enjoy footy in a relaxed, inclusive environment.

👉 Get involved in AFL Youth 9s this season — fast, fun, and footy for everyone!

Netball Victoria

Statewide Facilities Strategy Launch

We're thrilled to be launching the 2026 - 2028 Statewide Facilities Strategy.

The strategy responds to the record growth in netball participation and rising demand for quality netball spaces, ensuring our facilities keep up with the pace of demand, supporting all levels of our game.

If you have further questions, our facilities team is available (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

View here
Monthly Online Education Sessions

Last night we held our final Monthly Online Education Session for the year. Thank you to those who have been able to attend and contribute to the conversations. We hope you can find value in the recordings, which you can access anytime here.

Grants

SRV Regional All Abilities Participation Grants - CLOSES TODAY

Supports grassroots sport and active recreation clubs and community-based not-for-profit organisations, to enable ongoing, sustainable, and meaningful participation for people with disability in regional Victoria.

Grant amount: up to $25,000 / category. Open: October 1 2025 / Close: 19 November 2025.

For more information - All Abilities funding

SRV Aboriginal Sport Participation Grants

The Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program provides grants to assist Aboriginal Victorians to participate in Aboriginal sporting carnivals, buy sports uniforms and equipment, as well as funding for travel and accommodation expenses for athletes to compete in state and national competitions.

Open: 14 November 2025

Close: 12 December 2025

Apply here
2025 Junior and Youth Girls Uniform Grant

The AFL, thanks to Fanatics, has launched the 2025 Junior and Youth Girls Uniform Grants Program – with a share in $250,000 available to support uniforms for junior and youth girls. Clubs and Umpires

Clubs can apply for up to $3,000, while Leagues can apply for up to $10,000 to provide specially cut uniforms helping girls feel comfortable, confident, and included on the field.

Applications open 27/10/25 and close at 11.59pm on the 24/11/25

Apply now at  https://afl.smartygrants.com.au/junioryouthgirlsuniformgrant2025 

Video here - https://play.afl/clubhelp/women-girls/grants

Local Sports infrastructure Fund

The Victorian State Government has recently announced the opening of their Local Sports Infrastructure Fund for 2025/26.

This program has 3 funding streams available for funding each with a different maximum grant amounts available.

  • Community Facilities
  • Lighting
  • Planning

    As per any Sport and Recreation Victoria Facilities grant, only LGA's are eligible to apply, with applications closing at 5pm, 2 December, 2025.

    Can I encourage you to reach out to their Local council contact to discuss any projects that fit the criteria.

    Our recommendation is that these discussions should occur sooner rather than later, as most LGA's will formalise a list to present to Sport and Recreation Victoria prior to starting any applications.

    SRV 2026-27 Country Football Netball Program

    The current round of SRV Country Football Netball Program is open and will close at 5pm Thursday February 26, 2026

    See the Link for more information on this State Government program (up to $250k per LGA).

    This program is available to AFL Victoria Country affiliated clubs with only LGA's are eligible to apply. Clubs are encouraged to speak to their local council contact to discuss potential projects that may be eligible for submission in either of the two available SRV funding programs.

    Sporting Club Grants Program

    The Sporting Club Grants Program provides access to funding to address barriers in participation, develop safe and sustainable practices and build social and active local communities. There are a range of program outcomes including the ability to implement good governance practices or purchase uniforms.

    Open: 23 October 2025. Close: 26 November 2025.

    For more information and to apply refer here

    Coaching

    Coach Developer Applications Open

    Applications for the role of a Coach Developer are now open for 2026. A number of country regions are looking to add to their existing pool of coach developers or replace departing staff.

    Please share this link within your local community and please reach out if you have any questions.

    Please contact Nathan Harris if you have any questions

    Apply here

    Netball

    General Netball

    Pre Season Senior Netball Tournament

    AFL Barwon can confirm that there will be pre-season Senior Netball Tournament scheduled for Sunday March 22nd, 2026 at Kardinia Park.

    Further details, including the confirmed fixture and costs for team registrations will be shared in the coming months. 

    Thank you for the clubs who submited your EOI earlier this year. If additional clubs are interested we are still accepting responses on the below link.

    Submit an EOI
    Woolworths NetSetGo 2026 centre registration and expression of interest form

    Woolworths NetSetGo is the official introductory netball program where a lifelong love of netball begins! Complete the expression of interest form to begin the process of running an approved Woolworths NetSetGo Centre at your club, association or league in 2026, to help your netball community grow and thrive.

    2026 Association Championships dates and venues announced

    We have announced the host associations and venues of the 2026 Association Championships.
    The tournament is an opportunity for athletes and umpires to be talent identified and progress through Netball Victoria's official pathway.
    You would have received information on registration and team list timelines yesterday from our competitions team, and we encourage you to begin the team entry process as soon as you can through Netball Connect.
    Please note, coaches taking part in the Association Championships require a Development coaching accreditation.

    Netball Connect & PlayHQ Links now available for Set up

    Clubs are now able to set up their 2026 season Netball Connect forms for players to purchase their Netball Victoria Membership (insurance). Clubs will need to log into Netball Connect, and visit the registration module, to create their club specific link. Clubs who are commencing training should ensure players purchase their NVM to ensure coverage for any injuries should they occur.

    All Clubs have also been invited to ‘Winter 2026’ on PlayHQ. You should see an invitations tab at the top of your competition management screen for you to accept.

    Once this is accepted, you are welcome to set up your registration form and begin taking registrations.

    Transfers

    Due to the change in set up, transfers will now ONLY trigger between Winter seasons, reducing some of the confusion we have previously seen. Players are able to play at different clubs across Summer without the need for transfer, but are a requirement and enforceable by-law between Winter seasons.

    With registrations opening, please ensure you have email notifications on to monitor out-going clearances. Only one transfer is permitted per player, per season, as per AFL Barwon by-laws.

    Junior Netball

    Jewellery

    Please be reminded that earrings are not permitted to be worn or taped within AFL Barwon Competitions.

    Please see the relevant competition rule included below:

    Umpires shall ensure that players:

    • Are wearing no jewellery, earrings, or piercings. No taping of piercings allowed

    NOTE – medical alert bracelet may be taped.*

    Umpires should ensure that players are checked pre-game, and any player with taping or earrings in will not be permitted to take the court.

    Please ensure all jewellery is removed prior to umpires conducting their checks, and be kind to our umpires and mentors who are enforcing this.

    Playing Uniform

    Please be reminded that all clubs must be in their registered uniform. Teams not wearing their registered club uniform must seek approval from AFL Barwon for this to occur.

    Please ensure your teams are in correct uniform including:

    • Dress and undershorts as per the uniform register - (please ensure your undershorts are the correct colour as registered).
    • This also means shorts for those in APPROVED alternate uniform.
      • Bike shorts are permitted, but must approach mid thigh in length (per the Summer Competition booklet).
    Umpires

    A reminder that our midweek competitions are a learning environment. With the grading period concluding, it is a timely reminder that our umpires are people, and that comments from benches and spectators are not required. Please continue to be supportive of our up and coming umpires, who are such a vital part of our game.

    Resource Links

    Netball Resources
    Match Day Operations Manual
    BACK TO TOP