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THE BARWON BULLETIN

The official noticeboard for AFL Barwon Club Officials & Volunteers.
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EDITION 83
JUNE 17, 2026
(LAST UPDATED - JUNE 17, 2026)
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(Umpire appointments are updated Thursday 4pm)

AFL Barwon announces ‘Barwon Blueprint’ initiative to strengthen the future of community sport.

AFL Barwon has today announced the establishment of a Steering Committee to lead the development of the Barwon Blueprint - a long-term, region-wide strategy focused on strengthening the sustainability, competitiveness and future viability of community football and netball across the Barwon region. 

The Steering Committee will undertake a comprehensive review of competition structures, club sustainability, participation pathways and competitive balance levers across senior and junior netball and football leagues.

The key output of this work will be a recommendations report outlining a long-term competition roadmap, including structural options and transition plans. 

The initiative comes in response to ongoing concerns about widening competitive gaps, increasing pressure on volunteer-driven clubs, and the need to ensure local sport remains strong and sustainable for future generations.

Read More
About Read the Play Mental Health Round

This year, Read the Play celebrates 20 years of supporting young people across our football and netball community through free mental health and wellbeing education.

For two decades, Read the Play has helped young people better understand mental health, recognise when someone may be struggling and know where to seek support. Through the support of volunteers, partners and the community, including long-standing partner Kempe Engineering, this important work has reached thousands of young people across our region.

To help celebrate this milestone, AFL Barwon is encouraging all clubs to get behind Read the Play Round, taking place this weekend (19–21 June).

Resources have been provided to help clubs promote the round and raise awareness of the importance of youth mental health and wellbeing.

Link to Resources – Club Kit

Link to RTP Guide

We ask all clubs to:

  • Share Read the Play Round content on your club social media channels
  • Include Read the Play Round in club newsletters and communications
  • Encourage members and supporters to donate to Read the Play
  • Help celebrate 20 years of impact in our community

About Read the Play Mental Health Round

Read the Play Round is about raising awareness of mental health, breaking down stigma, and encouraging everyone to support their teammates, friends and family.

Mental health challenges are increasingly affecting young Australians:

  • 49% of young Australians report experiencing high or very high psychological distress.
  • 2 in 5 young people aged 16–24 experience a mental health disorder in any 12-month period.
  • Symptoms of depression, anxiety and psychological distress increase significantly throughout the high school years and are most prevalent among girls and gender-diverse young people.
  • Globally, mental health disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disability for young people aged 10–19.

Source: headspace National Youth Mental Health Survey 2025 and National Mental Health Commission 2023.

Read the Play Round Values

Throughout Read the Play Round, players are encouraged to embody the values that strengthen both sport and community.

RESPECT
Treat everyone with dignity, empathy and understanding.

COURAGE
Speak up, seek support and look out for those around you.

TEAMWORK
Work together, support your mates and create a positive environment for all.

The player who best demonstrates the Read the Play Round values will be awarded the Read the Play Medal and receive the match ball.

2026 Read the Play Round Game Balls and Medals

Read the Play Round will take place across this weekend (19 to 21 June), with clubs encouraged to get involved and help raise awareness of youth mental health and wellbeing across our football and netball community.

Under 16 male & Under 17 female Footballers, and 15&Under Netballers play with a dedicated RTP match ball.

Game footballs, netballs and medals will be available for Saturday and Sunday home clubs to collect from the following locations:

AFL Barwon Junior Football and Netball competitions
Available Now
AFL Barwon, Roslyn Road, Highton

Colac and District FNL clubs
Available Now
Colac RSL

AFL Barwon will organise balls and medals for all Friday night netball matches.

Home clubs are asked to please ensure balls and medals are collected ahead of their matches and used as part of their Read the Play Round recognition.

If your club has the bye during Read the Play Round and would like to host a Read the Play match later in the season, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

2026 Read The Play Round Guide
A special Cats jumper auction to celebrate 20 years of Read the Play

Read the Play is celebrating 20 years of empowering young people with proactive mental health education and we’re inviting your club to be part of this milestone.

The Geelong Cats have been a proud supporting partner of Read the Play since its inception, helping strengthen the program’s reach and impact across our region.

To mark the occasion, the Geelong Cats are donating 56 of the 2025 Regional Guernsey’s, each signed by the 2026 playing group, for clubs to auction in support of Read the Play. 

All funds raised go directly to Read the Play, helping deliver free mental health education across our region.

More information including social media assets will be sent directly to clubs in the coming days. 

2026 Geelong Cats Community Awards - Call for Nominations

Do you know someone making an outstanding impact in football or the Geelong community? Nominations are now open for Club Awards, recognising exceptional service, leadership and contribution on and off the field.

Help us recognise those who are the catalyst for good and reflect the values that make our Club and community stronger. Plus, all nominators go into the draw to win a 2026 AFL team-signed guernsey!

RJ Hickey Award

The RJ Hickey Award is named in the honour of one of our great past players, Premiership Coach and Captain Reg Hickey, whose contribution to the game of Australian Football and to the Geelong Football Club was profound over three decades, from 1926 to 1959.

The RJ Hickey Award is awarded annually by the Geelong Football Club to an individual in recognition of their “outstanding service to Australian Football”, particularly but not limited for their contribution to football in the Geelong region.

Nominate here

Carter/Costa Award

The Carter/Costa Award is awarded to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional service that strengthens the Geelong Football Club or contributes significantly to the wellbeing and vitality of the broader Geelong community.

This award recognises service beyond football, reflecting the community leadership and values embodied by Colin Carter and Frank Costa.

By demonstrating commitment to teamwork and for their outstanding personal values, this award seeks to recognise either an employee or volunteer at club or community level.

Nominate here

Find out more
COGG Census

City of Greater Geelong is inviting clubs to take part in the 2026 Sport and Recreation Census. Input will help shape future planning, investment, and support for community sport and recreation across the region.

The census focuses on understanding participation, infrastructure needs, and key challenges facing clubs. Insights gathered will help ensure facilities and services meet the needs of our growing community.

We encourage clubs to complete the census and share their perspective:

  • Highlight your club’s current priorities and challenges
  • Identify future facility and infrastructure needs
  • Provide feedback to help strengthen your club and community sport
Feedback is valuable and will contribute to better outcomes for clubs and the wider community.
2026 Female Festival of Sport Breakfast

AFL Barwon is proud to host a special breakfast conversation with two of Australia’s most influential sporting leaders — Laura Kane, AFL’s Executive General Manager of AFLW, Health and Football Operations, and Sharelle McMahon, one of Australia’s most iconic netballers and now General Manager of High Performance and Pathways at Netball Victoria.

Together, they’ll reflect on their journeys so far, and explore the future of women’s sport in Australia: the momentum, the possibilities, and the next era of opportunity for girls and women across football, netball and the broader sporting landscape.

From community pathways to elite performance, from leadership to visibility, this conversation will look ahead to what’s next — and what we must build now to ensure the next generation thrives.

Held at the newly opened Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, this is a rare chance to hear from two trailblazers shaping the national agenda, and to connect with others who are passionate about creating a stronger, more inclusive future for women and girls in sport.

Join us for an inspiring morning of insight, connection and possibility.

The full Female Fesitval of Sport events will be communicated shortly.

RSVP FORM
2026 Female Sport Education Session hosted by Epworth Geelong

Join Dr Alex Bonner, Dr Rekha Ganeshalingam and Emily Brown for an insightful panel discussion exploring the unique health and performance considerations of female athletes.

This engaging session will examine the relationship between menstrual health and athletic performance, effective load management strategies, and practical ways to support the participation, wellbeing and long-term development of women and girls in sport.

Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, health professional or passionate supporter of female sport, you'll gain valuable insights from industry experts and experienced practitioners working at the forefront of athlete health and performance.

Date: Tuesday 7 July
Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm
Venue: Epworth Geelong

Be part of the conversation and learn how we can better support female athletes to thrive both on and off the field.

Register here
2026 Female Festival of Sport Social Run with The Athlete’s Foot & AFL Barwon

oin The Athlete’s Foot & AFL Barwon to celebrate the Female Festival of Sport with a morning run and coffee!

Start your day celebrating movement, community, and the incredible women involved in sport at the Female Festival of Sport. Join The Athlete’s Foot and AFL Barwon for a relaxed social run, followed by coffee and a chance to connect with like-minded people.

Event Details
• Meeting Point: Front entrance of the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre (look out for The Athlete’s Foot flags and signage – you can’t miss us!)
• Meet: From 6:45am
• Run starts: 7:00am
• Post-run: Coffee and a casual catch-up on us

Bonus: The Athlete’s Foot team will have a range of wear-test shoes available to try during the run, plus Bounceback Cards for all participants.

Capacity: Limited to 100 participants. Bring your friends, teammates, or come along solo and meet new people as we celebrate women in sport and the power of community. Spaces are limited, so be sure to register early to secure your spot!

*Coffee limited to the first 100 participants.

2026 Female Festival of Sport Female Club Champion Nominations

As part of AFL Barwon’s Female Festival of Sport, we are inviting all clubs to nominate their Female Club Champion – an outstanding female who has made a significant contribution to your club and community.

This prestigious recognition forms part of a week-long celebration dedicated to honouring the achievements and impact of women and girls in sport across the Barwon region.

Whether through playing, coaching, officiating, volunteering, administration or leadership, the Female Club Champion Award acknowledges those who go above and beyond to make a positive difference within their club.

Clubs are asked to submit in 150 words or less their Female Club Champion nomination to AFL Barwon by Wednesday 24 June to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. From the club recipients, AFL Barwon will select several individuals to receive additional recognition, highlighting their exceptional contribution to community sport.

Social media templates will be provided to clubs in late June, with all Female Club Champions to be celebrated across club and AFL Barwon channels on Thursday 9 July.

We encourage every club to recognise and celebrate the women who help make our sporting communities stronger.

2026 Female Festival of Sport Junior Representative Netball Exhibition Match

Celebrate our Bellarine, Geelong and Colac & District Athletes on the big stage.

Alongside Geelong Cougars as they host their Victorian Netball League Home game, our 17U representative teams will take part in an exhibition match to kick off the day.

Come along and celebrate the calibre of netball from the Barwon region, as Geelong Cougars take on the Western Warriors in the Victorian Netball League at “The Arena”.

Date: Tuesday 7 July
Times:

  • 10:30am - Local Representative Exhibition Match
  • 12pm - VNL Development Match
  • 1:30pm - 23&U VNL Match
  • 3pm - Championship VNL Match  

Venue: The Arena

GFNL & BFNL Netball

BFNL/GFNL Netball – Coaches Votes

A gentle reminder for those who are yet to complete this form from the weekend.

BFNL - 2026 Bellarine FNL Netball Coaches Votes – Fill in form

GFNL - 2026 Geelong FNL Netball Coaches Votes – Fill in form

A reminder that we require this information be submitted by Tuesday morning of each week.

PlayHQ Best Players

A reminder that following each match, each team must select their best players for media reporting purposes. This refers to the 3 players that are listed upon the score entry screen, and that can be seen by the public who view the results.

Our position tracking template (linked here) has space for this to be recorded, to support with score entry. Please ensure all teams are completing this step.

E-scoring Requirements

A reminder that ALL BFNL & GFNL A GRADE MATCHES are required to be live-scored.

This can be done via the following url: na.score.playhq.com and can be completed by anyone with PlayHQ admin access, or e-scoring access can be granted via the admin portal to specific individuals via the admin portal.

For more details instructions on how to e-score, please review the Match Day Operations Manual.

To practice e-scoring, please feel free to utilise the following demo link:

https://score.uat.playhq.com/demo/netball-australia/2026-03-12/demo-court-id/games/demo-game-id_netball-australia

Junior / Midweek Netball

Fixture Update

Please be mindful of upcoming competition byes. No games will be played on the below dates:

  • Friday 3 July
  • Tuesday 7 July
Uniform

A reminder that long sleeve shirts are permitted to be worn under uniform, however, if multiple players wish to wear a long sleeve, they must be the same colour. 

i.e. If one wears white, others who opt to wear one must also wear white. Cannot be a mix of black and white

Netball Umpiring

Match Management Log

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.

Action required: missing information from clubs

As outlined in the Netball Umpire Coordinator meeting at the start of the year clubs are required to provide their umpire rosters each week to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. assist in providing mentoring opportunities for your club umpires.

Can the below clubs please send through their rosters for round listed.

Grovedale

Round 4, 8, 9, 10

Lara

Round 5, 6, 8, 9 ,10

Leopold

Round 10

North Shore

Round 9, 10

South Barwon

Round 8, 9, 10

Anglesea

Round 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

Drysdale

Round 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

Modewarre

Round 9, 10, 11

Queenscliff

Round 10, 11

Surf Coast Suns

Round 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

Resource Links

Netball Resources
2026 AFL Barwon Pre-season Handbook
Book a Read the Play session for Mental Health Round

Bookings are filling quickly, so clubs are encouraged to book as soon as possible to secure a session before RTP Round.

Clubs that book one or more Read the Play sessions and appoint a Player Wellbeing Officer will receive a Read the Play Mentally Healthy Club Badge. To be eligible, clubs will need to promote the Player Wellbeing Officer role within their club and provide the details to Read the Play.

The badge gives clubs a great opportunity to promote on their website, socials, newsletters and other club communications that they are a mentally healthy sporting club and are prioritising the mental health and wellbeing of their young players.

Book here
WIN: A Geelong Experience – Round 19

We are rewarding one AFL Barwon club with the opportunity to take 20 young players to an unforgettable Thursday night AFL match in Round 19, complete with a Junior Mascot opportunity at one of the game's most iconic venues.

The chosen club will receive:

  • 2 Entry tickets and 1 Junior mascot experience   
  • 20 Entry tickets and positions in the Guard of Honour 
  • An unforgettable experience that celebrates sport for the right reasons

Date: Round 19 – Thursday night (16 July)

How to enter 

Entries are open from 12th – 23rd June. 

Simply follow the link below and fill out the registration form answering one key question: 

"Tell us how your club loves the game, not the odds." 

Selection is based on their response - so make it count! 

ENTER HERE: https://lovethegame.vic.gov.au/join-love-game/ 

Take a stand against sports betting sponsorship and help juniors to love the game, not the odds.

View T&C's here

Mental Health Round

19th - 21st June

Read more

Female Festival of Sport

6th - 12th July

Read more
Woolworths Netball Grants

Since 2019, Woolworths has been a proud partner of grassroots netball as the naming rights sponsor of Woolworths NetSetGo. Our commitment goes beyond the court; over the last seven years, we have donated more than $1.1 million to over 320 clubs and associations across Australia.

The 2026 Woolworths Netball Grants Program is now open. We are offering $100,000 in cash grants to help local clubs and associations upgrade facilities, buy equipment, and support their players.

To be in the running, apply below and explain how your club or association would use a grant to help improve the health and wellbeing of Aussie kids, in one or more of the following ways:

  • Sporting equipment / uniforms / improvements to facilities
  • Access to Woolworths’ NetSetGo program; and/or
  • Nutrition

Applications for the 2026 Woolworths Netball Grant start are now open and close at 23:59 AEST on 06.08.26

More Information
SRV - Aboriginal Sport Participation Grants

The Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program is now open, helping First Peoples communities in Victoria play sport and compete at higher levels. Funding for (1) Aboriginal sporting carnivals and tournaments, (2) Uniforms and equipment, and (3) Athlete participation support will all be supported under the grant. Applications close: July 6 2026 

More information
Local Sports Infrastructure Fund - Now Open
he next round of Local Sports Infrastructure Fund is now open with funding up to $500,000 available. Clubs are encouraged to speak to their Council contact about any potential projects and its alignment to program guidelines. Program is only eligible to LGAs and will close on Tuesday 28 July 2026 at 5pm.
More information
Game On : Climate Action Grant opens 1st July

The program will provide support for up to 500 community sports clubs, helping them upgrade their facilities to be more climate resilient and energy efficient. Applications open on the 1st July. If this grant interests you, please contact our facilities team on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and also reach out to your local Council representative. 

More Information
New Netball Intermediate Coach Course Structure

Netball Australia have released the newly redesigned and update Intermediate Coach course. Moving to a blended learning model, with both online course and a face-to-face workshop, it is an amazing learning opportunity for Development accredited coaches to move to the next level. The practical workshop must be completed to have your accreditation awarded, but the online course is open to all that hold the prerequisites. Details about upcoming practical workshops will be confirmed soon, while we pilot and test with Netball Australia. 

Find out more
Development / A Grade Coaching Accreditation

We have been advised that due to being unable to secure a facilitator for the coaching course that was scheduled to be held in Geelong this month, the upcoming course will not proceed.

I understand that a few coaches were relying on this course, particularly following the cancellation of the course in Colac. Once a date is confirmed, this will be visible via the Netball Victoria website. – Coaching Calendar: https://vic.netball.com.au/events#148

In the meantime, all coaches who were waiting to attend this course must send through via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.proof that they have completed the online component of the accreditation.

Other course dates:

  • Knox Regional Netball Centre – Sunday July 12
Toyota AFL National Volunteer Awards

Do you know an amazing community club volunteer? Nominate them for the 2026 National Volunteer Awards and recognise them for their incredible contribution and dedication each season. Category prizes include a money-can’t-buy 2026 Toyota AFL Grand Final experience and keys to a brand new Toyota. 

Find out more information here - https://play.afl/toyota-afl-national-volunteer-awards 

Club promotion toolkit found here
AFL Victoria establishes Barwon Regional Council

AFL Victoria has today announced the formal implementation of the Barwon Regional Council, which will provide strategic leadership and advice to support community football in the Barwon region.

The formation of the Barwon Regional Council follows the announcement of governance reform made by AFLVictoria last November and represents an important milestone in the evolution of community football governance.

The Council has been established to provide strategic advice and regional leadership, ensuring decisions are informed by local knowledge while aligning with AFL Victoria's broader strategic direction.

Regional Administration Centres (RACs) were first introduced in response to the 2011 Peter Jackson Report, which recommended consolidating local league administration, umpiring, and game development into unified regional models.

It is a move which has allowed AFL Victoria and its regions to hone its efforts on participation growth, game development, and increased community engagement, as well as assist clubs and leagues in delivering increasingly complex football and netball operations and locally focused strategic initiatives.

Read More
Save the Date: Netball Victoria Community Awards

Netball Victoria will be hosting our annual community awards on Sunday 18th October 2026 from 2-5pm. A great opportunity for all our community to come together and celebrate an amazing year. Head to our page to learn more and nominate association/ league of the year, volunteer of the year, inclusive netball community of the year, NetSetGo centre of the year, umpire of the year, coach of the year and teacher of the year.

More Information
2026 Community Awards Nominations – NOW OPEN

The Netball Victoria Community Awards celebrate the significant achievements of individuals and groups who have contributed to the sport of netball in Victoria throughout the year.

The growth and development of netball within Victoria is at the heart of everything we do and we love to highlight the great work of our Victorian netball community.

Nominations for the 2026 Community Awards are now open!

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