General Updates
Key Updates
From Friday 1 to Sunday 3 August, football and netball clubs across the Bellarine, Geelong, Geelong and District, and Colac and District Football Netball Leagues will come together to take part in Read the Play Round—a powerful weekend dedicated to raising awareness about youth mental health and building supportive club environments.
More than 50 clubs will participate in this annual initiative, recognising the vital role community sport plays in supporting the mental wellbeing of young people. Each 15/U netball and U16 football match will highlight the values of Respect, Courage, and Teamwork, with a Read the Play MVP awarded to the player who best demonstrates these qualities. MVPs will be honoured with a special medallion and game ball following each game.
Read the Play Round is proudly supported by partners Hamlan Homes and Beyond Bank, whose commitment to youth mental health is helping to drive positive cultural change across local clubs and communities.
Mental Health Round: July 28 – August 3
The AFL Barwon region will celebrate Mental Health Round next week, from July 28 to August 3.
AFL Barwon’s Community Partner, Read the Play, plays a vital role in supporting our clubs by providing education around mental health.
The Hamlan Homes Read the Play Round is about raising awareness, breaking down stigma, and encouraging everyone to support their mates.
All 15 & Under Netball and Under 16 Football competitions will play with Read the Play branded footballs and netballs as part of the round.
Game Balls & Medals
Game footballs, netballs, and medals will be available for pickup by home clubs on the following dates:
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AFL Barwon HQ (Club pigeonholes) – from Tuesday 29 July 2025
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Colac & District FNL Clubs (Colac RSL) – from Wednesday 23 July 2025
Please see the link below for the Mental Health Round Guide for next weekend.
AFL Barwon is excited to confirm that the 2025 Blood Toyota Geelong Football Netball League (GFNL) Grand Finals will once again be held at GMHBA Stadium.
This decision reinforces a shared commitment to providing a high-quality experience for participants, supporters, and the wider Barwon community, and comes off the back of strong collaboration between AFL Barwon, the Geelong Cats, and the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust (KPST). Together, the three organisations have worked through key operational and financial considerations, to ensure the return of the Grand Final to GMHBA Stadium is both achievable and sustainable.
The 2024 Blood Toyota GFNL Grand Final Day attracted more than 10,000 attendees to GMHBA Stadium, with an additional 10,000-plus viewers tuning in via live stream. This strong community engagement highlighted the broad appeal of the region’s premier football and netball competitions and reinforced the need for a venue capable of accommodating a crowd of this scale, both in terms of capacity and supporting infrastructure such as parking and event operations.
This year’s event will once again take place on the AFL Grand Final Eve public holiday Friday, 26 September giving families, friends, and fans an opportunity to attend this marquee community event.
AFL Barwon is pleased to confirm the venues for the 2025 Finals Series across all affiliated football and netball competitions.
The venue selection process was overseen by AFL Barwon Commission taking into consideration a range of factors from the club submissions that were provided. All clubs were invited to submit an expression of interest, allowing for an open, inclusive, and transparent process. Hosting finals provides clubs with a unique opportunity to showcase their facilities, celebrate the hard work of volunteers, and bring the broader football and netball community together.
Grinter Reserve has been announced as the host venue for both the Preliminary Finals and Grand Final of the 2025 Dow Bellarine Football Netball League (BFNL) Finals Series. Portarlington Recreation Reserve will once again host the first two weeks of the BFNL Finals, continuing its strong support of finals football and netball in the region.
Lara Recreation Reserve will continue its role as a key final’s venue, hosting the 2025 Epworth Female Football Grand Finals. Meanwhile, St Joseph’s Football & Netball Club will again host the Junior Grand Finals, utilising both the Drew and Walker Ovals. Junior boys’ finals competitions will be played across both Saturdays and Sundays, consistent with previous seasons.
BFNL
Senior Football
2/8/25 - Modewarre vs Anglesea - 2:10pm
A Grade Netball
2/8/25 - Geelong Amateur vs Torquay - 1:50pm
GFNL
Senior Football
2/8/25 - Newtown & Chilwell vs South Barwon - 2:10pm
CDFNL
Senior Football
2/8/25 - Alvie vs Lorne - 2:15pm
Reminders
We are seeking a creative, enthusiastic and motivated person to manage all operational and strategic facets of Football in the AFL Barwon Region.
The Football Operations Lead is responsible for the delivery, management and oversight of all football competitions and football operations across the AFL Barwon region. This role is a key driver of competition integrity, planning, stakeholder relationships and the successful coordination of regular season and finals competitions.
The Netball Competition Coordinator is primarily responsible for managing and coordinating all onsite venue requirements for the AFL Barwon Junior Netball midweek competitions. The AFL Barwon Junior Netball competitions are run across Tuesday and Friday evenings at multiple venues.
The successful applicant will be responsible for liaising with key stakeholders, clubs, netball umpires, AFL Barwon staff and other valuable groups present at our midweek competitions.
AFL Barwon is excited to seek nominations for the 2025 AFL Barwon Community Awards.
The event has incorporated the historic AFL Barwon Coaches Awards with the additions of Community Netball Coaching, Club Administrator Awards, and both Football and Netball umpiring awards.
To nominate a Club Administrator, Football or Netball Coach, Personality of the Year or Club Trainer, simply answer the questions below associated with the specific award.
Nominations can be made by any member of the community and is open to all AFL Barwon Affiliated Clubs, Associations and Leagues (GFNL, BFNL, CDFNL, GDFNL, Female Football, Junior Football & Netball, and All Abilities FNL).
AFL Barwon is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced media, broadcast, or production companies to deliver filming, live streaming, highlights, and digital content distribution services for football and netball matches across our competitions.
Our current broadcast footprint includes the live streaming of one senior football match per week in both the Geelong Football League (GFNL) and Bellarine Football League (BFNL). All senior football matches are filmed weekly, while netball coverage is provided using VEO technology.
This tender process aims to formalise and potentially expand AFL Barwon’s filming and broadcast arrangements from the 2026 season onwards.
The Expression of Interest details can be found below.
We are currently following up on a few outstanding submissions to for this year’s award across all Senior Male and Female Football, and A Grade Netball competitions.
To maintain the integrity of the results and ensure players across all clubs are recognised appropriately, we kindly remind all coaches to submit their votes if they haven't already.
These votes provide a valuable opportunity for coaches to acknowledge standout performances, both from within their own teams and from the opposition.
At this stage, we are holding off on publicly releasing the leaderboards to ensure all data is complete and accurate.
If you have any questions or require assistance with submitting your votes, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Tackle Your Feelings, Read the Play and Leisure Networks are coming together to help support the mental health of the football and netball communities in the Geelong, Barwon and Surf Coast regions. The organisations will be holding a special mental-health themed event at the Geelong and District Football Netball League clash between Winchelsea and Thomson at Eastern Reserve (Winchelsea) on Saturday August 9 starting at 12.30pm. The luncheon will include a panel discussion with Geelong footballers Mark O’Connor and Zach Guthrie, as well as some other activations and prize giveaways. For those looking to support or requiring further information, please get in contact with TYF’s Ben Guthrie (
Commercial Partnerships
The Real MVP – Marathon Foods Volunteer Program recognises and rewards the unsung heroes who make community football and netball possible.
This initiative honours the volunteers who represent the heart and soul of their clubs — the ones who go above and beyond to keep things running behind the scenes.
Club Nominations
Each club is invited to nominate one standout volunteer who embodies commitment, community spirit, and passion.
Clubs must submit a short video showcasing the volunteer’s impact, dedication, and contributions, as well as any creative elements that help tell their unique story. Each Nomination must be submitted on Instagram or TikTok by tagging AFL Barwon & Marathon Foods.
Social Media Sharing
All video submissions will be featured across Marathon Foods and AFL Barwon’s social media platforms, amplifying the inspiring stories of volunteers and highlighting their role in local sport.
Judging Criteria
A judging panel made up of representatives from Marathon Foods and AFL Barwon will assess each nomination based on:
- Impact on the club and broader community
- Dedication and level of service
- Creativity and originality of the video
- Social media engagement (likes, shares, and comments)
Prizes
1st Place: $10,000 for the club
All other nominees will receive 6 cartons of Marathon Classic Dim Sims.
Competition closes 5pm July 31st, 2025.
For any further questions, please contact
The Lee Kum Kee Community Initiative is designed to support and empower local football and netball clubs across the AFL Barwon region.
This initiative focuses on helping AFL Barwon-affiliated clubs deliver impactful projects that improve club environments and strengthen community engagement. With an emphasis on long-term benefits, it aims to inject meaningful support into grassroots sport, where even small investments can make a big difference.
As part of the initiative, each AFL Barwon club is invited to take part in a creative and engaging challenge:
Create a short-form video or reel (maximum 90 seconds) that respectfully showcases Lee Kum Kee products, using creativity, entertainment, and a strong sense of community spirit.
How to Enter:
- Post the video to your club’s Instagram page
- Tag @AFLBarwon
- Use the hashtag #LeeKumKee
The most entertaining and brand-associated entry will win a $4,000 prize, to be used for a club improvement project of the winner’s choice.
This initiative not only promotes creativity and fun across our community but also encourages clubs to reflect on how they can grow and better support their players, members, and fans.
Prizes
1st Place: $4,000 for the club
Entries close: July 30, 2025
For further information or assistance, please contact
The 2025 AFLW season is right around the corner and the Geelong Cats are excited to kick it off on August 7 with the Season Launch!
Join the team for the jumper presentation and hear from some of the players and staff ahead of Round 1.
Get your tickets now at bit.ly/CatsSeasonLaunch
We’ll supply all the gear — you just turn up in your club colours, serve up some snags, and take home the profits.
Be one of the lucky 6 clubs selected to take part in this year’s AFLW Sausage Sizzle.
Club Development
As we approach finals the AFL Vic Coaching and Umpiring teams will collaborate on an online webinar for Junior Coaches across Victoria who are competing in finals competitions at the end of this season. The webinar will take place on Tonight from 7pm – 8pm.
The workshop will be named “Your Actions, Their Game” with the aim to help “Shape Finals Football Environments”.
- We would love to see all Junior Head Coaches online, however a minimum of 1 per club competing in finals + a member of the clubs Executive Committee.
- Junior Coordinators, Assistant Coaches and Team Managers are also encouraged to join where possible
Please register HERE
Some of the key outcomes your club will be achieve from this webinar are below:
- Walk away with a ‘charter’ of what they as a team and club are going to do in the final part of the season.
- Ensuring that coaches provide a positive experience forALL players who participate in finals regardless of scoreboard outcome.
- Provide an Umpires perspective on the field and how that differs from a coaches/parent’s position
- Ensuring we as Coaches are supporting an Umpires finals experience
- This workshop will be aiming to help aid retention of both playersand umpires following the conclusion of the season, heading towards 2026.
These are the key points; however, there will be other important elements that will be covered beyond this throughout the workshop.
Enquires can be directed to Tim Secombe
The Geelong Cats Academy is excited to offer a number of coaching opportunities across our 2025 Emerging Talent and Development Squad programs for 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.
Please see the list of available positions below:
- U16 Boys Development Squad Coaching Team
- U15 Boys Development Squad Coaching Team
- U14 Boys Emerging Talent Squad Coaching Team
- U13 Boys Emerging Talent Squad Coaching Team
- U16 Girls Development Squad Coaching Team
- U14 Girls Emerging Talent Squad Coaching Team
The 2025 Academies will involve a 4-week training program commencing in August, with coaches expected to attend training one night per week. Training may then increase to two nights per week throughout September, leading into the Academy matches.
Coaches will also be expected to attend a coach development session led by Geelong Cats staff and be encouraged to attend AFL Barwon matches to observe nominated players and assist in the talent identification process.
Applications for these positions are now open, and close on Friday 8 August.
To apply for one or more of these roles, please click here.
More information can also be found here – Geelong Cats Academy Coaching opportunities
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 families, Academy staff and other stakeholders.
Requirements
- 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 Coates Talent League and player pathway expectations.
- Current VIT or Working with Children Check.
Enquires regarding the above can be directed to Chris Lynch Academy & Pathways Manager – Geelong Cats - 0400 071 680 -
Junior club coordinators have been contacted to provide feedback on eligible Geelong Cats Next Generation Academy (NGA) Boys and Girls born 2009-2012 tied to their club. This information will support Talent ID for the Cats Academy U13 & U14 Emerging Talent Squads and U15 & U16 Development Squads.
If your club has not received the email, please contact Chris Lynch, Academy & Pathways Manager at the Geelong Cats, via
On behalf of AFL Barwon, thank you to all clubs who promoted and submitted nominations for the 2025 Toyota AFL National Volunteer of the Year Awards.
AFL Victoria saw a 70% increase in nominations with AFL Barwon receiving 33 nominations which is a fantastic recognition and demonstrates the respect and value we have for the volunteers in our region.
HELP MAKE YOUR CLUB A LEADER IN SUSTSAINABLE SPORT
The AFL and Footy for Climate are teaming up to survey local footy clubs about solar energy use and broader sustainability efforts and we need just 5 minutes of your time.
Your input will help shape future support for local clubs and highlight the teams already driving change in our game.
Complete the survey by Thursday 31 July to make sure your club’s voice is heard.
Designed to elevate your coaching skills and knowledge. Whether you're an experienced coach or just starting out, this forum is the perfect chance to hear from some of the best in the industry.
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Officially opening on the 03/06/25 closing on the 25/08/25.
Clubs can now register to participate in the mission to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on our roads and share in the chance to earn up to $10k.
Football
General Football
Now is a good time to check player eligibility for finals. Players must have played a minimum number of games in a particular age group to qualify. Those who’ve played in higher grades/divisions may have additional requirements to be eligible for lower division finals. If there are any questions about eligibility, please reach out, and we can assist you.
Please note: Even if a player qualifies for multiple teams, they are only permitted to play in one finals match per weekend.
The below link will provide clubs with a tool to check players games played this season.
AFL Barwon is currently seeking updated information from all clubs regarding their home venues. This information will play a vital role in helping us better understand the current landscape and assist with planning and decision-making for future facility development and support.
We kindly ask each club to complete the form linked below to ensure we have the most accurate and up-to-date details.
Resource Links
Football Umpiring
Reminder
As we head towards end of the season and finals we want to give a timely reminder to levels of football of the roles of officials on the ground, this week we look at the role and duties of the “runner”.
Runners are reminded that they are not engage with opposition players or umpires and are subject to the laws of the game and all reportable offences.
They must always follow the direction of an umpire and must leave the ground if directed to do so immediately. Free kicks can and will be paid for any disrespectful, back chat or disputing umpires’ decisions. Runners are not to be “coaching” players on the ground – message and message only, Runners are not permitted to run around the ground or standing on the ground spectating, runners are delivering messages from their coaching staff only and not simply doing their own thing!
Runners must avoid being between the play and umpire and obstructing view and need to be well away in a passive position, if they obstruct the view of an umpire or get caught up in play a free kick can be awarded.
Runners are reminded that they are not engage with opposition players or umpires and are subject to the laws of the game and all reportable offences.
Free kicks can and will be paid for any disrespectful, back chat or disputing umpires’ decisions.
For the most part this is being executed very well and will be monitored closely by umpires/officials for in the lead up and during the 2025 football finals. Please ensure your runners at each age level understand their duties and role clearly to avoid any match day issues.
See below extract form the 2025 AFL Barwon handbook page 90 (refer to your own League By-laws for GDFNL and CDFNL for further clarification)
- Runners
9.1 No. of Runners
All grades are only permitted to have 1 (one) runner.
9.2 9.2.1 Eligibility to act as runner
No person who is a registered player or an official of any club, other than their home club
whether affiliated or not, nor who is under disqualification or suspension by their home
club or League, shall act as an official runner in any competition match, or any other match
in which an AFL Victoria affiliated Club or League is participating.
9.2.2 No coach or assistant coach of an AFL Victoria open age team shall act as a runner in a
match in which a team of their club is participating.
9.2.3 No coach or assistant coach of an AFL Victoria team shall act as a runner in a match in
which the team that they coach is participating.
9.3 Duties of Runners
9.3.1 The Team runner shall not have affixed to their person any communication device which
includes but is not limited to headsets, microphones or earpieces or water bottles.
9.3.2 9.3.3 Runners may enter and exit the playing arena from any point of the ground.
The sole duty of the runner shall be to confer with the player or players of their club and to
immediately leave the playing arena.
9.4 Runners uniforms
All runners are to wear uniforms as approved by AFL Barwon at the commencement of
each season. Runner tops must carry the club name and the word “Runner”.
Penalty $100
Netball
Netball Victoria
Umpire tester meeting – Monday 11 August
Interested in learning more about becoming an umpire tester? A new umpire tester meeting has been confirmed for 2025.
Great for new testers, current testers, umpire mentors and umpire coordinators.
Intermediate coach course – Sunday 31 August
Another date has been locked in for an Intermediate coach course, full day, face-to-face workshop at State Netball Centre - the perfect way for coaches to consolidate their learnings across the season and increase their knowledge and accreditation.
Places are limited and some prerequisites apply. Please share with your coaches.
Umpires in the Field – Mentor Workshop
Friday 1st August – presented by Ann Castles
Ballarat Netball Association
6-8pm
2025 Woolworths Netball Grants Program
The Woolworths Netball Grants Program supports grassroots netball clubs and associations running Woolworths NetSetGo.
This year, grants of $2,000 will be awarded to up to 40 clubs across Australia, as well as there being a massive $20,000 grant for the winner of the 2025 People’s Choice Award.
Bring a Friend for FREE to Woolworths NetSetGo in August
This August, Woolworths NetSetGo centres across Victoria are celebrating friendship and fun by inviting participants to 'Bring a Friend' to their sessions.
The initiative is to help encourage people within your communities to come and try netball at the introductory level and see what it’s all about!
If you are a Woolworths NetSetGo centre wanting to be a part of this initiative, you can register here.
Green Wristbands & Scrunchies Now Available via Netball Connect Shop
We’re pleased to announce that Green Wristbands and Scrunchies are now available for purchase via the Netball Connect Shop.
These items form part of Netball Victoria’s Green Band Initiative, supporting the development and recognition of our junior umpires and junior coaches.
This purchase option is designed for affiliates who have already received their free wristbands and/or scrunchies during phase 1 of the initiative and would like to purchase additional items - Green Bands - Netball Connect Shop
Thank you for continuing to support our young umpires and coaches and their development in a safe and encouraging environment.
To learn more about the Green Band Initiative, visit: vic.netball.com.au/green-bands
2025 Netball Victoria Community Awards
Nominations for this year’s awards are now open, and we’re encouraging all affiliates to nominate coaches, umpires, teachers and officials in their community who deserve to be recognised and celebrated. Winners receive $500 and a trophy, and leagues/associations/clubs can receive up to $2000 thanks to WorkSafe.
Netball Victoria’s pathway raffle
One lucky Victorian will drive away in a brand new car, thanks to PEUGEOT and Netball Victoria’s pathway raffle.
All proceeds raised from the raffle will go directly into Netball Victoria’s pathway programs, supporting the next generation of athletes, umpires, coaches and officials across the state.
BFNL & GFNL Netball
In an attempt to reduce the amount of paper used through finals, as well as reduce the number of tasks required by clubs on match day, there have been some changes to the processes for finals, which will be included with other finals information when distributed, but I wanted to highlight here.
A spreadsheet will be sent to all clubs to complete, nominating who their team bench officials will be for the finals series. We understand many teams will have a stable bench, so needing to provide this each week is not always necessary.
However, if there is a change to your submitted list – then no worries, please pop to the competition office, or email the AFL Barwon team through the week, and we can update this for you. Only those named on our lists will be permitted to sit on the bench.
While team selections will still be required by Wednesday of each week to enable us to type up position tracking sheets with qualified players, starting positions/line ups will be required to be selected in PlayHQ by 6pm the day before match day.
Again – if there are changes to this post this time, this can be communicated at the competition office.
All teams will still be required to ‘check in’ at the competition office, to run their names over their lists, and ensure all players are listed. From there, umpires will bring the paperwork to the score bench, for the independent scorer and check scorers.
Junior Netball
- 11&U and 17&U will play on Tuesdays
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Tuesday 11&U and 17&U |
Round |
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14-Oct |
Round 1 |
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21-Oct |
Round 2 |
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28-Oct |
Round 3 |
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4-Nov |
BYE- MELB CUP |
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11-Nov |
Round 4 |
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18-Nov |
Round 5 |
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25-Nov |
Round 6 |
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2-Dec |
Round 7 |
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9-Dec |
Round 8 |
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16-Dec |
Round 9 |
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SCHOOL HOLIDAYS |
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3-Feb |
Round 10 |
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10-Feb |
Round 11 |
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17-Feb |
Round 12 |
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24-Feb |
SF |
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3-Mar |
GF |
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Friday 13&U and 15&U |
Round |
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10-Oct |
Round 1 |
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17-Oct |
Round 2 |
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24-Oct |
Round 3 |
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31-Oct |
BYE |
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7-Nov |
Round 4 |
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14-Nov |
Round 5 |
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21-Nov |
Round 6 |
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28-Nov |
Round 7 |
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5-Dec |
Round 8 |
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12-Dec |
Round 9 |
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19-Dec |
BYE |
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SCHOOL HOLIDAYS |
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30-Jan |
Round 10 |
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6-Feb |
Round 11 |
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13-Feb |
Round 12 |
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20-Feb |
SF |
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27-Feb |
GF |
Just a reminded that due to the Geelong Cats home game on Friday August 8, Kardinia Park is not available.
The fixture for August 8th has been released on PlayHQ. Please ensure you consult PlayHQ for your venue and time.
Alternate venues for the night include:
- Banyul-Warri Fields
- Grinter Reserve
- Herne Hill Reserve
- Lara Recreation Reserve
- Queens Park Reserve
- Shell Road Reserve
11&U Party Round is scheduled for 24th August at Kardinia Park.
An email has been sent out to clubs with a link to submit their application to be involved. Please have this submitted no later than 15th August.
The theme this year is crazy socks and posters!
Coaching applications are now live AFL Barwon’s 2026 Representative Netball program. Please see the link below to submit your interest.
AFL Barwon are looking for a team of selectors to assist in the rep trials.
For more information, please contact Caitlyn at
BFNL and GFNL Junior Netball Award nominations are now open! Below is a summary of all awards available to vote on.
DOW Primary Education Award (BFNL Only)
The purpose of this award is to encourage and support the further education, and development in the sport of netball, of a Primary age player within an affiliated Club.
Criteria:
· Age and status i.e. must have completed year 6 at Primary School and entering year 7 the following year
· Club orientation i.e. Contribution to the ideals / practices of the Club
· Self-motivation e.g. Attitude to training, participation in available courses
· Evidence of good sportsmanship
· Talent, and the likelihood of a significant future in netball
· The need for assistance toward the costs of secondary education.
DOW Tertiary Scholarship (BFNL Only)
Dow Australia Pty Ltd has been a valued sponsor of the Bellarine Football Netball League since 1987.
The purpose of this award is to encourage and support the further education, and development in the field of science of a junior age player towards their chosen professional career.
Criteria:
- Age and status i.e. must be a year 12 student entering University in the following year
· Evidence of good leadership
· Self-motivation e.g. Attitude to training, participation in available courses
· The need for assistance toward the costs of higher education
· Must have ambitions of a future in one of the following careers: Science / Engineering OR Business / Commerce
Junior Coach Encouragement Award (BFNL & GFNL)
The Purpose of this award is to encourage, develop and support a young, aspiring coach.
Criteria:
▪ Hold a current Coaching Accreditation
▪ Hold a current pass in the Rules of Netball theory exam
▪ Needs to be the nominated Coach for a team, not an Assistant.
▪ Be of Junior age: Up to and including 19/Under.
▪ Be a financial member of a club affiliated with AFL Barwon.
▪ Be a financial member of Netball Victoria.
▪ Display the qualities of a good Coach (Arrives early to meet and greet players, Dresses appropriately, Keeps players interested and active during training and warm-up sessions, Can demonstrate and encourage correct skills and apply appropriate fault correction, Gives constructive feedback during training and matches.
Junior Umpire Encouragement Award (BFNL & GFNL)
The purpose of the award is to encourage, develop and support young trainee / badged umpires who are members of a Club affiliated with the Bellarine Football Netball League.
Criteria:
- Completion Foundation umpire course and the rules of netball theory exam prior to or during the year of the award.
- The ability to umpire matches completely unsupervised.
- Willingness to umpire as and when requested by their Club, to dress appropriately, and to act responsibly as an umpire.
Please see the below links for to submit your nominations.
BFNL:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1D7rusd1loBRu52rm0haevqdHVMRk5HOCjKIijz4AQ1Y/edit
GFNL:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1dlGhI3dq1M7byrwTJsOJU2Bjio_JWkdcSwOCYf-WS78/edit
CDFNL Netball
Mental Health Round: July 28 – August 3
The AFL Barwon region will celebrate Mental Health Round next week, from July 28 to August 3.
AFL Barwon’s Community Partner, Read the Play, plays a vital role in supporting our clubs by providing education around mental health.
The Hamlan Homes Read the Play Round is about raising awareness, breaking down stigma, and encouraging everyone to support their mates.
All 15 & Under Netball and Under 16 Football competitions will play with Read the Play branded footballs and netballs as part of the round.
Game Balls & Medals
Game footballs, netballs, and medals will be available for pickup by home clubs on the following dates:
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Colac & District FNL Clubs (Colac RSL) – from Wednesday 23 July 2025
Please see the link below for the Mental Health Round Guide for next weekend.
Please be reminded of the following rules pertaining to umpiring in the CDFNL.
8.4 Umpires are to wear a white top with a white/black or navy skirt or shorts (bike shorts are not considered appropriate and shall not be worn)
8.4.1 Leggings/exercise tights (full length or 3/4 length only) shall only be worn during junior games 13U-17Us.
8.4.2 Umpire’s must wear skirt or shorts in white/black or navy when officiating senior games.
8.4.3 Umpiring officiating finals must wear full whites.
8.4.1 Umpires are to wear white or cream attire, inclusive of shorts/skirt/bottoms, when officiating finals.
8.5 No umpire shall umpire more than two (2) games, within our League, on any given day.
As we approach finals, please ensure you have the correct uniform available in the case of being allocated a finals match.
The CDFNL Board have determined that for the final rounds of the season, we are going to be introducing a ‘Match Management’ log, which will be a requirement to be completed should any form of Warning, Suspension or Send Off occur.
The Match Management log can be kept underneath the scoresheet, but when time is held for a warning (or other) to be issued, the scorer should note the position, club and quarter for which the incident has occurred. This is for OFFICIAL warnings and so on, not proactive advice or advancements, so time should be held for these to be issued, so should not impact scoring.
At the end of the game, when signing off on votes and paperwork, the umpires should write down a note as to the reason for the warning (i.e. persistent infringing), and fill in any blanks (i.e. player name), as scorers may only note down the position, quarter and action at the time.
If this paperwork needs to be completed, it must be sent with the scoresheets to AFL Barwon. If no issues occur, the paper can be re-used another time.
The form can be found under ‘Netball Resources’ on the AFL Barwon website – or linked HERE for convenience
It’s the time of year where we ask clubs to please provide the names of their 7 nominated scorers and timekeepers for finals.
These can be submitted via the following form: https://forms.gle/zhtrDadfkny3v45M8
Please do so by August 18th
As the final 5 begin to become clearer, we are also in a position to start collecting your bench officials for finals.
These can be submitted via the following form: https://forms.gle/ZDuGiVNJGCDUqz7j9
Skip any teams for which you do not need to submit officials for. If your team is a possibility of making finals, please complete the form.
Please complete this form by August 24th.
