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THE BARWON BULLETIN

The official noticeboard for AFL Barwon Club Officials & Volunteers.
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EDITION 91
AUGUST 12, 2026
(LAST UPDATED - AUGUST 12, 2026)
Bulletin Archive
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(Umpire appointments are updated Thursday 4pm)

2026 AFL Barwon Community Awards Nominations

AFL Barwon is proud to open nominations for the 2026 AFL Barwon Community Awards, celebrating the outstanding people who make our football and netball communities thrive.

The Community Awards recognise excellence across coaching, administration, officiating and volunteer service, incorporating the long-standing AFL Barwon Coaches Awards alongside honours for Community Netball Coaches, Club Administrators, Football and Netball Umpires, Club Trainers and Personality of the Year.

If you know someone who has made an exceptional contribution to their club or the wider football and netball community, we encourage you to nominate them by completing the relevant award category below.

Nominations are open to all AFL Barwon affiliated clubs, associations and leagues, including the Geelong Football Netball League, Bellarine Football Netball League, Colac & District Football Netball League, Geelong & District Football Netball League, Female Football, Junior Football & Netball competitions, and the All Abilities Football Netball League. Anyone within the community is welcome to submit a nomination.

Nominate Here
AFLW Community Sausage Sizzles Fundraising Opportunity

Fire up the BBQ and support your club’s female football program by running a sausage sizzle at one of our 2026 AFLW home games!

The AFLW Sausage Sizzle is a grassroots initiative bringing local football spirit to life, designed to support and empower female football programs across the Barwon region.

Aligned with the AFLW home games, six local football clubs are selected each season to host a sausage sizzle at GMHBA Stadium.

Everything is provided – all the equipment, ingredients and support – and every dollar raised goes straight back into the clubs’ female football programs helping them invest in new equipment, uniforms, support staff, and more.

In 2024, Armstrong Creek Sharks were among those chosen.

Their goal was simple but urgent: to provide proper mouthguards for their female players. Many girls had none, some were using hand-me-downs from their brothers, and shockingly, a few were resorting to cardboard as makeshift protection.

But that all changed thanks to their hard work and the backing of this initiative. The Sharks raised enough money to buy bright pink mouthguards for every single girl at their club. And to celebrate this incredible achievement, Geelong Cats AFLW players joined the Sharks at training to hand-deliver both the mouthguards and guernseys, a moment filled with pride, joy, and unity. 

The initiative launches on Monday July 6, follow the link here to express your interest for the program. 

Local Clubs, This One’s for You!

Our partners at Grill’d are looking to support more local community groups through their Local Matters initiative — and they’d love to see football and netball clubs across the Barwon region get involved.

Through Local Matters, community groups have the opportunity to receive support from their local Grill’d restaurant, helping clubs and community organisations raise awareness and funds for the work they do in their communities.

Grill’d is currently looking for community groups to participate from September onwards at its Waurn Ponds and Pakington Street restaurants, making this a great opportunity for local football and netball clubs to put their hand up.

If your club has a project, initiative or community program that could benefit from some extra support, find out more and register your interest through the Grill’d Local Matters program.

Find out more about Grill’d Local Matters

Get involved, support your community and make your club matter locally.

Make it theirs - Gilbert Personalised Netball Builder!

Introducing Gilberts new Personalised Netball Builder! 
 
Add a name. Add a message. Make it truly theirs!
 
Perfect for birthdays, end of season awards, farewells and every moment in between, you can now personalise Gilbert Netballs on our website in seconds.
 
Head to thier website to create your own.

Create your own
Epworth Senior Female Football Semi Finals Fixtures

The road to premiership glory continues this weekend, with the Epworth Female Football Semi Finals set to deliver a huge day of football across the region.

Leopold Memorial Park 1

A big afternoon of Senior Female Football awaits at Leopold Memorial Park 1, with three finals matches scheduled across the day.

10:00am – Senior Female Football Division 2 Epworth Cup | St Joseph's 2 v Grovedale 2

12:00pm – Senior Female Football Division 1 Epworth Cup | St Joseph's 1 v St Mary's 1

2:00pm – Senior Female Football Division 1 Epworth Cup | Geelong Amateur v Grovedale 1

Leopold Memorial Park 2

The action continues next door at Leopold Memorial Park 2, with three Semi Finals across the Under 14 competitions.

10:30am – Under 14 Division 3 Kings Cup | Peninsula Sharks Bulls v St Joseph's

12:00pm – Under 14 Division 3 Kings Cup | Newtown & Chilwell Lappin v North Geelong

1:30pm – Under 14 Division 2 Kings Cup | Bannockburn Grinter v South Barwon Laherty

McCartney Oval, Torquay

McCartney Oval will host four finals throughout the day, including a Division 2 Senior clash at 2:00pm.

9:00am – Under 14 Division 2 Kings Cup | East Geelong Larkins v Bell Park

10:30am – Under 14 Division 1 Epworth Cup | Torquay Bennett v Barwon Heads Leen

12:00pm – Under 17 Division 1 Epworth Cup | Torquay Scott v St Mary's Flynn

2:00pm – Senior Female Football Division 2 Epworth Cup | Torquay v Lara

Ray Menzies Oval, Ocean Grove

Ray Menzies Oval will also be buzzing with finals action, with four matches scheduled from 9:00am through to the afternoon.

9:00am – Under 14 Division 1 Epworth Cup | Ocean Grove Tisdale v Inverleigh Platt

10:30am – Under 17 Division 1 Epworth Cup | Ocean Grove Beaton v South Barwon Matthewson

12:30pm – Under 17 Division 2 Kings Cup | Grovedale Adams v Inverleigh/Bannockburn/East Geelong

2:30pm – Under 17 Division 2 Kings Cup | Ocean Grove Martin v St Mary's Hoare

Kardinia Park All Abilities Football Grand Final Day

A huge day of All Abilities football is set to take centre stage at St Joseph’s Football Netball Club this weekend, with Grand Final Day fixtures celebrating another fantastic season of AFL Barwon All Abilities football.

Proudly supported by naming rights partner Kardinia Park Stadium Trust, the day will showcase both Non-Contact and Contact competitions.

Game 1 – Kardinia Park Stadium Trust Non-Contact Competition

Geelong West Giants v Newcomb Power
Walker Oval, St Joseph’s FNC

Grand Final Day gets underway at 1:15pm, with Geelong West Giants and Newcomb Power opening proceedings on Walker Oval.

Game 2 – Kardinia Park Stadium Trust Non-Contact Competition

St Joseph's v Newtown & Chilwell
Walker Oval, St Joseph’s FNC

The second Non-Contact fixture will follow at 2:45pm, with St Joseph's taking on Newtown & Chilwell.

Game 3 – Kardinia Park Stadium Trust Contact Consolation Final

Geelong West Giants v St Joseph's
Walker Oval, St Joseph’s FNC

The afternoon action continues with the Contact Consolation Final, with Geelong West Giants and St Joseph's going head-to-head from 5:00pm.

5:00pm – Game commences
6:25pm – Game concludes
7:15pm – Medal presentations in the clubrooms

Game 4 – Kardinia Park Stadium Trust Contact Grand Final

Bell Park v Newcomb
Plan Group Oval, St Joseph’s FNC

The highlight of the day arrives at 5:45pm, with Bell Park and Newcomb meeting in the Contact Grand Final.

With the premiership on the line, both teams will be looking to produce their best football and finish their season as AFL Barwon All Abilities premiers.

5:45pm – Game commences
7:10pm – Game concludes
7:15pm – Medal presentations in the clubrooms

Grand Final Day is about more than the final scores. It is a celebration of inclusion, participation, teamwork and community, recognising the incredible contribution players, coaches, volunteers, families and clubs make to All Abilities football across the region.

AFL Barwon thanks Kardinia Park Stadium Trust for its continued support as the naming rights partner of the All Abilities competition, and St Joseph’s Football Netball Club for hosting what promises to be a fantastic Grand Final Day.

We encourage families, friends, teammates and supporters to get along to St Joseph’s FNC and help create a memorable atmosphere for everyone involved.

Good luck to all teams competing, and congratulations to every player who has contributed to another fantastic season of All Abilities football!

Coaches Team of the Year – Nominations Now Open
AFL Barwon is now calling on coaches across our competitions to submit their 2026 Coaches Team of the Year nominations.
 
This year, the process provides coaches with a greater opportunity to have their say in recognising the standout players across the competition. Coaches are asked to select the players they believe have performed at the highest level throughout the 2026 home and away season, recognising the best performers in each position.
 
The Coaches Team of the Year is an important opportunity to acknowledge the players who have consistently performed throughout the season and celebrates the quality and depth of talent across our leagues. Your nominations play a key role in determining the final Team of the Year, giving coaches a direct voice in who receives this recognition.
 
It is therefore crucial that all coaches complete their nominations so that their selections can be collected and included in the overall process. We encourage coaches to consider players from across the competition and select those they believe are most deserving based on their performances throughout the season.
Coaches can submit their nominations using the link provided via email.
 
Please take the time to complete your nomination and have your say in the 2026 Coaches Team of the Year.
 
Clubs – Action Required:
If you have not received the Team of the Year nomination email or are having any issues accessing the form, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for assistance.
Football Rising Star Award – Club Nominations Open
AFL Barwon, in partnership with the Times News Group, is proud to recognise the next generation of football talent through the Football Rising Star Award.
 
The award shines a light on the young players making their mark across the Bellarine and Geelong Football Netball Leagues — players who are showing that the future of football in our region is in very good hands.
With so many talented young footballers progressing through our competitions, it is important that their performances are recognised and celebrated. The Rising Star Award provides an opportunity to showcase players who may be at the beginning of their senior football journey but are already making a significant impact at senior level.
 
Coaches play a key role in this process. Each coach is asked to select one young player they believe has stood out throughout the season, helping AFL Barwon identify the emerging talent making an impact at senior level. Coaches can select a player from their own club, but are encouraged to consider young talent from across the competition and recognise those who have performed strongly each week, particularly players stepping up against senior opposition and showing the potential to become the stars of our competitions in the years ahead.
 
Eligibility
Clubs are also invited to submit a nomination, including a short write-up outlining the player’s achievements and why they deserve to be recognised as one of the region’s emerging stars.
 
Clubs – Action Required:
Club nominations are required for the Football Rising Star Award and must come directly from clubs. If you have any questions or experience any issues with the nomination process, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for assistance.
Epworth Female Football Finals Series Information Pack

Club are encouraged to read the below information pack for the upcoming finals series.

Dates & Venues

Sunday 16th August – Leopold, Ocean Grove, Torquay

Sunday 23rd August – Leopold, Anglesea

Sunday 30th August – Lara

*Venue Locations will be displayed on PlayHQ

Online Team Selection
Selected teams for all grades are to be entered into PlayHQ by 6:00 pm Thursday.

Please ensure all team sheets are correct prior to being provided to the umpires.

Timekeeping
Participating clubs are responsible for providing timekeepers for their game.

The timekeeper must record the starting and finishing times of quarters on the scorecards. They must also record the times of players being sent off the ground (on departure and re-entry to the ground).

Time clocks should only be stopped when the stretcher enters the playing arena, a head count is taking place, the blood rule, or a player has been sent off. Scorecards must also correspond.

Results
The host club will collect all match-day paperwork, take photos and upload them, where they will be entered into PlayHQ.

The host club will also be responsible for dropping off the match-day paperwork at the AFL Barwon office before Monday at 10:30 am.

First aid
Clubs will be responsible for their first aid, taping, etc., during finals as per a normal match day.

Game ball
Match Day footballs will be supplied by AFL Barwon for all matches during finals.

Club uniform clashes
Away clubs are responsible for obtaining alternative playing strips if there is a clash of playing uniform strips for all home and away games and finals.

For finals, the lower-positioned team is deemed to be the away team.

Presentations
Presentations will be completed after each Grand Final game.
Please ask your teams to move quickly to the presentation area after the game.

Extra Time in Finals

  1. There will be no drawn games in any finals. In the case of equal scores at the end of scheduled time, the teams will play two (2) five (5) minute periods. The match will recommence with the team kicking to the same end as they were in the last scheduled quarter, with an immediate change of ends at the conclusion of the first extra time period.
  2. Coaches are permitted to address players at the conclusion of the fourth quarter. Players must be in position to recommence the game prior to the goal umpires returning to their position.
  3. In the event of scores still being tied at the conclusion of these periods of extra time once confirmed by the goal umpires, play will recommence (without change of ends) and the team to score first will be the winner.

Juniors - Eligibility for Finals

  1. A player must play at least three AFL Barwon Junior Football games in a particular age group with his or her club to play in a finals game in that age group.
  2. For the purpose of eligibility to play with a particular team in AFL Barwon Junior Football Finals, a player who has played in a higher grade/division must play at least six (6) games in lower grades/age groups to be eligible to play in finals with a lower graded team.
  3. Furthermore, any player who has played more than half the season with a higher grade or division is ineligible to play in the lesser grade of AFL Barwon Junior Football finals.
  4. Should a player qualify to represent more than one team, AFL Barwon Junior Football has clarified that players may only play in one final on the same weekend, regardless of division, gender of competition and/or age group.
  5. To be eligible to play in a particular team during the finals series a player must meet the requirements of 26.1, 26.2 and 26.3. Regardless of the participation in finals of any other teams from their club on that weekend.
  6. For further clarification, eligibility for finals is determined by the number of games played during the home & away season, inclusive of grading games.

Higher grade/division definition: Any match played in a higher-grade division or older age group, or a representative competition will be deemed as a higher grade/division match and the player will need to meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the above Eligibility for Season/Finals to be eligible for the lower grade/division during finals.

Fine $100.00 and loss of match points.

Other Reminders

  • Team Officials and Coaching Area

Team officials should consist of coaches, team manager, runner, trainers, boundary umpire, goal umpire, timekeeper, interchange steward and water persons. All team officials shall be clearly marked on the team sheet. It is compulsory that the home club provides an interchange steward and the interchange sheet. Only personnel named on the team sheet are able to be on the playing side of the fence whilst the game is in progress. The officiating umpires have the jurisdiction to police this and can pause the game until the non-permitted personnel move.

Note: All authorised persons, apart from Runners, Trainers and Water Carriers, are to remain in the Coaches Box at all times during play, or within the confines of the perimeter lines surrounding the 12-metre Interchange Box. This should not total more than 4 people + Interchange players. Other match day staff must be stationed outside the perimeter fence or fence line.

  • Parents and Spectators

We strongly encourage all clubs with participating teams to re-circulate the Code of Conduct below to as many parents/spectators that may be attending Junior finals:

https://www.aflbarwon.com.au/images/documents/Policies/Parents-Spectators-CoD.pdf

 

  • Yellow/Red Cards

A player ordered from the ground shall not be replaced in all age groups.

Depending on the severity of the offence, the field umpire can order a player off for the following:

  1. 15 minutes of playing time and not be reported. (Yellow card).
  2. 15 minutes of playing time and be reported. (Yellow card).
  3. (Red card) Ordered off the ground for the remainder of the match. This player may be replaced after 20 minutes of playing time.
Female Football Presentations Set for a Fresh New Format

AFL Barwon is excited to bring the region’s female football community together for a refreshed Female Football Presentations event on Monday, 24 August at Buckley’s Entertainment Centre.

This year’s celebration will take on a new format, with Senior Women’s, Under 17 and Under 14 competitions coming together for one special evening recognising the outstanding achievements of female footballers, coaches, volunteers and clubs across the region.

Rather than a traditional sit-down dinner, the evening will feature a theatre-style awards presentation, delivered across two parts to create a more engaging and enjoyable experience for everyone in attendance.

Guests will be welcomed with canapé-style food on arrival, with further refreshments served during the break as the celebrations continue.

The refreshed format has been shaped by feedback from previous presentations, with a focus on creating a contemporary, inclusive and well-paced evening that puts the achievements of our female football community front and centre.

It promises to be a fantastic night of celebration, recognition and connection as we acknowledge another outstanding season of female football across the Barwon region.

Invitations will be circulated to clubs this week.

Make sure your club’s players, coaches, volunteers and officials are aware of the new format and keep an eye out for your invitation!

General Football

Section 10 Vilification and Discrimination – Process

AFL Barwon reminds clubs that vilification and discrimination complaints are managed in accordance with Sections 10 and 23 of the National Community Football Policy Handbook.

Section 10 prohibits any person from threatening, disparaging, vilifying or insulting another person or group on any basis, including race, religion, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.

How can a matter be reported?

A potential breach may be reported through:

On the Handbook Templates page, scroll to E2302 Notice of Complaint – Vilification to download the required form.

Complaints must be submitted in accordance with the reporting requirements and timeframes set out in Section 23.1 of the Policy Handbook.

What happens after a complaint is received?

AFL Barwon will undertake a preliminary assessment to confirm that the complaint meets the reporting requirements, falls within the scope of the Policy Handbook and contains sufficient information to determine the appropriate next steps.

Where the matter proceeds, AFL Barwon will:

  1. inform the person alleged to have breached Section 10 of the complaint;
  2. provide that person with an opportunity to respond; and
  3. take reasonable steps to establish the facts, including obtaining witness statements, match footage, matchday paperwork or other relevant evidence.

Following the investigation, AFL Barwon will determine whether it is reasonably satisfied that a breach of Section 10 may have occurred. This is an initial threshold and is not a final finding that the complaint has been substantiated.

How can a matter be resolved?

Where considered appropriate by the AFL, a complaint may proceed to conciliation. Conciliation requires the participation of the relevant parties and may result in agreed outcomes such as a suspension, education, community service or an apology.

If the matter does not proceed to conciliation, or is not resolved through conciliation, AFL Barwon must generally issue a Notice of Breach. This may include an Early Guilty Plea Offer. If the offer is not accepted, the matter will proceed to a Tribunal hearing.

The details of a complaint and any conciliation process must remain confidential. Participants must not publicly comment on or distribute information concerning the complaint or conciliation.

Clubs are encouraged to ensure their players, coaches, officials, volunteers and families understand that vilification and discrimination will not be tolerated and that any concerns must be reported promptly through the appropriate process.

Junior Female Football

Confirmation of Female Football Age Groups for 2027

AFL Barwon can confirm that the junior female football age-group structure will remain unchanged for the 2027 season, comprising Under 10, Under 12, Under 14 and Under 17 competitions, alongside Senior Women’s football.

We also intend to introduce an Under 9 Girls competition as part of next season’s structure.

We hope this early confirmation enables clubs to begin planning for 2027 and discussing senior football pathways with players who will move beyond the Under 17 competition.

Football Umpiring

Role of Runners, Trainers, Medical and Water Carriers

It has been observed and noted in umpire match reports that runners are engaging with opposition players and not following the direction of umpires – particularly on Junior grades.

Runners, water-carriers must not be “coaching” whilst on the ground, this may result in a free kick paid against the offending person – umpires do not have to give a warning, these rules have not changed and all clubs must inform their people of their roles and responsibilities.

Runners are not to debate, dispute or comment on umpiring decisions – this may result in a free kick and/or runner sent from the ground with a yellow card report.

Interfering with the role of an umpire is a serious offence.

Observation of water carriers is that there are some clubs using water-carriers under the prescribed age permitted as below, we understand that volunteers are hard to fine, but these are not the right “volunteers” to use. A duty of safe care must be the primary considerations when asking for roles to be filled.

Water carriers MUST NOT STAND ON THE GROUND WHEN NOT DELIVERING WATER – NO SPECTATING

Refer from Page 88 AFL Barwon Handbook

  1. Runners

9.1 No. of Runners

All grades are only permitted to have 1 (one) runner. (Refer GDFNL competition rules for their matches)

9.2 Eligibility to act as runner

9.2.1 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.

9.3.3 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

  1. Trainers and Medical Staff

10.1 Club trainers may enter the arena at any time during the match or intervals, but only to

attend to an injured player or to replace a damaged uniform and for no other purpose whatsoever. Trainers may also carry water as part of their duties.

10.2 Club trainers will wear uniform dress consisting of a white top and whiteGU14.1], navy blue or black pants or shorts. Any club seeking to wear any other colours must seek approval from AFL Barwon. A club found to be wearing any other colour without approval

from AFL Barwon may face penalties. The top must bear the Club name, the word ‘trainer’, the approved signage on the back, and a number (trainers to be numbered 1 – 4).

10.3 Medical staff are to wear a clear and identifying armband. Medical staff means a qualified medical practitioner, physiotherapist, or similar qualified person.

10.4 No coach or assistant coach of an AFL Victoria open age team shall act as a trainer or medical staff in a match in which a team of their club is participating.

10.5 No coach or assistant coach of an AFL Victoria team shall act as a trainer or medical staff in a match in which the team that they coach is participating.

Penalty: $100

  1. Water-Carriers

11.1 Eligibility to act as water carrier

11.1.1 A maximum of three (3) water-carriers is permitted in any game

11.1.2 Water carriers must be aged over twelve years. (Refer CDFNL Handbook for age in their competitions - 10yo or older)

11.1.3 No coach or assistant coach of an AFL Victoria open age team shall act as a water carrier in any AFL Barwon match.

11.2 Water carrier uniforms (or as approved for CDFNL & GDFNL competitions)

11.2.1 Water carriers are to wear a light blue AFL Barwon branded ‘water carrier’ vest with a white shirt underneath and the word ‘water carrier’ and be correctly numbered with 5, 6 and 7 or 8 respectively for all football competitions where water carriers are permitted.

Water carriers’ names must appear on the official team sheet. Penalty: $50

11.3 Water carrier duties

11.3.1 Water-carriers may enter the arena at any time during the match but only to provide water to players and for no other purpose whatsoever and to immediately leave the playing arena once the drink has been delivered, and before play recommences (Refer AFL Victoria Rule 15.2.)

11.3.2  Water carriers are not permitted to operate constantly from the Coaches 12 metre

interchange box area but must be around the boundary area against the fence while not delivering water.

For GDFNL and CDFNL, refer to respective competition rules.

Points of difference

  • GDFNL – 2 runners permitted – numbered 1 & 2
  • CDFNL – water carriers – must be 10yo or older

All other duties and roles are the same

**Please also note that only those named on the match team sheet are permitted in the interchange/bench area, all other persons must be behind the fence line – NO SPECTATORS

These will be monitored and managed across all finals at all levels in all leagues.

ON-FIELD VESTS & APPAREL (LOCO)

Resource Links

On-Field Vests & Apparel (loco)
Football Order Form

General Netball

Working with Children Checks & Child Safety

As we approach finals, and many volunteers put up their hands to ensure clubs are able to run smoothly through this busy period, please be reminded of your child safety requirements. Below is a snippet from Netball Victoria’s Working With Children Safety Fact Sheet.

Victorian affiliates must know:

  • That the regulation applies to every adult (18 years and older) who hold a position of responsibility or authority with children.
  • That positions of responsibility or authority cover a wide range of positions including directors, committee members, coaches, umpires, officials, team managers and other senior positions. • That positions can be paid or unpaid, accredited or not accredited.
  • Affiliates must keep a register of all members or persons within the club, association or league who hold a WWCC. Netball Victoria has developed a sample register template for use by affiliates or:
  • You can use the WWCC Victoria Status Checker. The Status Checker can check and record the status of multiple applications or cards. Download the WWC Status Checker here
  • That details regarding the regulation are referenced and detailed in the Netball Australia Safeguarding Children & Young People Policy

For more information, please refer to the Netball Australia Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy.

GFNL & BFNL Netball

League Awards

All clubs will have received communication to nominate participants for league awards. This includes:

  • Rising Star
  • Team of the Year
  • Junior Coach Encouragement Award
  • Junior Umpire Encouragement Award

Please review and submit these nominations by the deadlines outlined in the email.

Finals Information

The Netball Finals Information document will be sent to all clubs later this week. This includes all information and action items that you need to know ahead of finals, including operational and ticketing information.

Bench officials for competing teams do need to be submitted ahead of time. Please complete this if your team has the potential to make finals.

Bench officials for each team to be submitted before finals via the provided template by the Saturday 22nd August (BFNL) and Saturday 29 August (GFNL) - Spreadsheet Download here

Only the listed Team Officials are allowed on the bench with the five substitutions.

Bench officials consist of Coach, Assistant/Co-Coach, Team Manager, Primary Carer and Other (i.e. additional medical professional). Any changes to the bench officials list must be communicated to an AFL Barwon official prior to the commencement of each game.

Junior / Midweek Netball

Uniform Reminder

Please ensure players are wearing the correct colour netball briefs under their playing dresses.

As per AFL Barwon’s bylaws, the penalty for not wearing the correct uniform, the offending player may not take the court until rectified.

Pants and slacks are not permitted to be worn.

9&U and 11&U players may also wear matching-coloured leggings. Club uniform

must be visible.

Midweek Finals Information

Please see below a breakdown of the midweek finals: 

  • Semi-final – Friday 28th August:
    • 1v2 and 3v4
  • Preliminary final – Friday 4 September
    • L1 v W2
  • Grand final – Friday 11 September
    • W1 v W3
11&U Competition Information

Please note that the last date of competition for 11&U will be Tuesday 18th August

Party Round will be held on Sunday 23 August will information and a fixture to be communicated to club coordinators.

Representative Netball

Representative Netball

Coaching applications are now open for AFL Barwon’s 2027 Representative Program!

To learn more, please click the link:

2027 Representative Coaching Applications

All Abilities Netball

Kardinia Park All Abilities Netball Grand Final

Our Kardinia Park Stadium Trust All-Abilities Netball Grand Final’s will be played against Geelong West Giants and Surf Coast Suns on Tuesday 18th August.

The game will begin at 6:20pm with presentations to follow. 

We hope to see lots of support for the team!

CDFNL Netball

CDFNL Netball Update

Please ensure that the current Match Management Log Form (download below) is available courtside for scorers and umpires to complete whenever Game Management is used during a match.

When completing the log, please record all Game Management actions taken, including relevant details.

Example 1:

GA received a proactive and an advance in Q1 for repeated obstruction.
In Q2 player continued to obstruct so issued a warning.
In Q3 player continued to infringe and was suspended.

Example 2:

Warning delivered to GK for umpire dissent. 

This form needs to be submitted with the match day paperwork for C grade and below or via OfficialsHQ for A & B grade through panel appointments

Working with Children Checks & Child Safety

As we approach finals, and many volunteers put up their hands to ensure clubs are able to run smoothly through this busy period, please be reminded of your child safety requirements. Below is a snippet from Netball Victoria’s Working With Children Safety Fact Sheet.

Victorian affiliates must know:

  • That the regulation applies to every adult (18 years and older) who hold a position of responsibility or authority with children.
  • That positions of responsibility or authority cover a wide range of positions including directors, committee members, coaches, umpires, officials, team managers and other senior positions. • That positions can be paid or unpaid, accredited or not accredited.
  • Affiliates must keep a register of all members or persons within the club, association or league who hold a WWCC. Netball Victoria has developed a sample register template for use by affiliates or:
  • You can use the WWCC Victoria Status Checker. The Status Checker can check and record the status of multiple applications or cards. Download the WWC Status Checker here
  • That details regarding the regulation are referenced and detailed in the Netball Australia Safeguarding Children & Young People Policy

For more information, please refer to the Netball Australia Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy.

Netball Umpiring

NV - NEW! Beginner Umpire Resource

Netball Victoria has created a great new resource for beginner umpires! This resource includes a whole range of information for beginner umpires - what they need to know to start the game, how to penalise infringements, explanation of common rules, where to position, what hand signals they need to know and loads more!

Share this resource with your umpire mentors and beginner umpires.

2027 Talent Academy Umpire Coach applications open!

NV are inviting umpire coaches to apply for a role in the 2027 Talent Academy Umpire Program. The Talent Academy Umpire Program provides professional development opportunities for talent identified umpires across the six Netball Victoria regions, with the aim of increasing the opportunity for umpires to progress to the next level of accreditation. Umpire Coaches will support the umpires in the program as well as receive training and mentoring to further develop their own umpire coaching skills. Applications close 31st August. TALENT ACADEMY UMPIRE PROGRAM - Netball VIC

Endorsed Tester List

2026 Endorsed Umpire Tester List - August update.

Please check the list ahead of arranging testing panels to ensure testers are eligible.

Resource Links

Netball Resources
Netball Victoria Community Support Grants – Hardship & Disaster Relief funding

Netball Victoria has established the 2026 Disaster Relief Program under its Community Support Program to provide targeted financial assistance to affiliated clubs, associations, leagues and families impacted by natural disaster events during 2026. The hardship grant can also be accessed and applied for through this link. Community Support Program - Netball VIC

Geelong Cats Academy Coaching Opportunities

The Geelong Cats Academy is excited to offer a number of coaching opportunities across our 2026 Futures Academy, Development Squad and Emerging Talent Squad programs for both 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.  

Each program will involve 3-weeks of training into a match in the September school holidays (exact dates TBC). The U18 & U15 squads will take on the Western Bulldogs Academy whilst the U14 Emerging Talent Squad will be a Cats Academy match.

Training hubs will be held in Geelong, Warrnambool and Horsham.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.
2026 Geelong Cats Academy Coaching Opportunities – Fill in form
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Coaching Your Actions - Last chance to register

In the lead-up to Junior Finals, the AFL Victoria Coaching and Umpiring teams will deliver an online webinar designed for Junior coaches across Victoria competing in finals.

Finals can be a more intense and challenging environment for all involved. This session aims to support coaches and club staff in creating a positive, well-managed experience that benefits players, umpires, and the wider football community.

While the session is designed with finals teams in mind, it is a valuable learning opportunity for all coaches regardless of participation in finals.

The workshop title, “Your Actions, Their Game”, reflects our shared responsibility to help shape positive finals football environments.

The webinar will take place on Wednesday 12 August at 8pm. The registration link is found here

NEW! Beginner Coach Resource

Netball Victoria has created a great new resource for beginner coaches! This resource includes foundational understanding of the game, its rules and common terminology, Introductory coach principles & models including CHANGE-IT, Planning and delivering simple and effective training sessions, expected skill execution dependent on age level, standardised guidelines around importance of equal playing time and positional rotations in junior netball and Ready to use templates. 

Share this resource with your clubs and coaching community.

2026 BHP AFLW Community Coach of the Year

We are excited to share the launch of the 2026 BHP AFLW Community Coach of the Year Award. Behind every thriving women’s and girl’s footy team is a coach who goes above and beyond. With great prizes on offer for the winner. 

Click Here for more information.

TAC Club Rewards - 2 weeks remaining

The TAC and AFL Victoria have partnered together for 34 years, working to achieve the vision of no deaths or serious injuries on our roads. As part of the program, all AFL Victoria-aligned clubs across regional Victoria and in the metropolitan leagues can take part and earn up to $10,000 in funding by promoting road safety in their community. This year we're tackling speeding driving. Applications close Monday 24 August

Click here for more information
Bunnings Legend of the Tongs - closing soon

Bunnings are still on the search for local community legends who fire up the BBQ every weekend, serving up snags in bread to raise much-needed funds for their club. Clubs can still nominate until the program closes on August 18.

Click here for more information.

Womens & Girls Umpiring opportunity

Give Umpiring a Go – Women & Girls Umpire 4 Fun Program!

Ever thought about seeing the game from a different perspective? Whether you're a current Women & Girls player or a family member or friend keen to get involved, the Women & Girls Umpire 4 Fun Program is the perfect opportunity to learn the basics, build confidence and experience a new side of football.

Over three fun, practical sessions you'll develop umpiring skills, learn how to register as an umpire, receive your own whistle, and even have the chance to officiate AFLW Auskick Grid Games.

📍 Kardinia Park
📅 Mondays: 3, 10 & 17 September
🕠 5:30pm – 6:15pm

No experience required – just bring your enthusiasm and give it a go! Scan the QR code on the flyer to register and find out more.

RSVP FORM
Toyota Good for Footy Raffle
The Toyota Good for Footy Raffle gives 100% of funds raised helping invest in the things that matter most to your players, volunteers and community. Tickets are just $5. Plus, you could win one of three brand new Toyota vehicles, exclusive AFL experiences, coaching clinics and more. When your club raises funds, it builds a stronger season ahead. That's Good for Footy! Ticket sales close 21 September 2026 at 12.00pm.
Start promoting ticket sales for your club here
Latrobe University knee injury study

The Australian Knee Injury Study aims to include all Australians with a knee injury in the previous 6 months. It has received ethics approval from La Trobe University, and we have >800 individuals already enrolled. We are specifically looking to increase the number of children and adolescents. Involvement in the study is very minimal. It only involves 5-10mins of online questions about their knee injury, treatment and recovery.

More information: www.kneeinjurystudy.com.au

More information
Transaction Fee Charge Changes in Netball Connect effective 1st October 2026

We would like to advise of a change to how transaction (payment) fees are applied in Netball Connect from 1 October 2026. Due to the Reserve Bank changes to Visa, Mastercard and eftpos payment rules, card transaction fees can no longer be added as a separate surcharge at checkout. Instead, these costs must be included in the advertised price. To learn more about what you have to do please click here

Netball Community Awards:

Save the date (Sunday 18th October) and get your nominations in for: Association of the Year, Teacher of Year, NetSetGo Centre of the Year, Inclusive Netball Community of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Contributions to umpiring and coaching, and Work Safe Safety Initiative of the Year. Nominations close Monday 31 August. Access the nomination form and criteria here.

Free Anti-Racism Club Training

Set the Standard – anti racism training. Free training provided by VicHealth

Set The Standard supports coaches and club leaders across Victoria to build culturally safer, more welcoming sporting spaces. Access simple tools, tips and resources to create more inclusive clubs, where everyone can enjoy the physical, social and mental health benefits of sport. Learn more here

VNL Finals are here!

The next two Wednesdays will decide our 2026 VNL champions. Get behind your club and be part of the final’s atmosphere.

Tickets: Available now at vnl.com.au

Livestream: Watch every game live and free online. All details, fixtures and links: vnl.com.au

Netball Australia: Volunteer Action Plan

As part of Netball Australia's Volunteer Action Plan, a new suite of resources is now available across a broad ranch of areas. These are designed to assist and support volunteers, making things easier, more rewarding and successful.

Netball Australia: Survey – Associations and Clubs

Netball Australia have released a survey to gather information about how netball affiliates are managed, particularly those that have a combination of volunteer and paid staff and administration. The results will help inform the future of the sport to best support participation growth and demands, governance requirements and long-term sustainability of associations, leagues and clubs. You can access the survey here

Front Runners - Carpool Grant

With petrol and diesel prices set to rise again, FrontRunners, a non-profit founded by David Pocock, is looking for clubs interested in being part of a carpooling pilot program to help reduce environmental impact and save money.

Grants of up to $2500 are available for individual community clubs. Interested in hearing more? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with 'carpool pilot' in your subject line. More information here ​pdf icon FrontRunners carpool invitation (1).pdf

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