Skip to main content

THE BARWON BULLETIN

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

EDITION 90
AUGUST 5, 2026
(LAST UPDATED - AUGUST 5, 2026)
Bulletin Archive
Contact Us

(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. 

Epworth Senior Female Football Finals Fixtures

The Week One fixture for the 2026 Epworth Senior Female Football Division 2 Finals Series has been confirmed, with two matches to be played on Sunday.

The Qualifying Final will see Lara host Grovedale at Lara Recreation Reserve, with the match commencing at 12.00pm. The winner will progress through to take on Torquay, while the loser will receive a second opportunity in the following week against the winner of the Elimination Final.

The Elimination Final will be played at St Joseph's, where St Joseph's will face St Albans/Thomson, also commencing at 12.00pm. 

AFL Barwon congratulates all clubs on qualifying for the 2026 Epworth Senior Female Football Division 2 Finals Series and looks forward to an exciting opening weekend of finals football.

2026 AFL Barwon Finals Hub

The AFL Barwon Finals Hub is your one-stop destination for everything you need throughout the 2026 Finals Series.

Stay up to date with the latest fixtures, venues, match times, ticketing information, live streaming details, finals policies and important event information. You'll also find key details on league presentation events and everything happening across the AFL Barwon finals season.

Finals Hub
Coach Award Nominations

A quick note to all Senior and A Grade coaches that we are seeking nominations for the foloowing end of season awards.

  • Coaches Team of the Year
  • Times News Group Rising Star

Nomination forms have been emailed to clubs and can also be foundf at the finals hub.

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.

Resource Links

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

General Netball

Important Update from Netball Victoria – Netball Connect

Dear Netball Community,

From 1 October 2026, there will be a change in how transaction (payment) fees are applied in Netball Connect.

Changes from the Reserve Bank to VISA, MasterCard and Eftpos payment rules mean card transaction fees can no longer be added as a separate surcharge at checkout. Instead, these costs must be included in the advertised price.

Fees Charged in Netball Connect (World Sport Action)

Currently, transaction fees are added at the end of a purchase.

From 1 October 2026, transaction fees will be built into all published fees and charges, including Netball Connect shopping carts. All clubs, associations, leagues and Netball Victoria will incorporate these when setting prices, meaning the total amount payable will be displayed upfront, with no additional transaction fee added at checkout.

What does this mean for clubs, associations and leagues?

From October 1, 2026, charges from Netball Connect (World Sport Action) will be charged to each club, association and league directly.  WSA will apply a 2.48% charge on all transactions including registrations, shop and ticketing.  This will be deducted from your Stripe Withdrawal account on a weekly basis when settlement occurs.

What do you need to do immediately?

Clubs, associations and leagues must review their pricing and decide whether to absorb transaction costs or incorporate a 2.48% increase into their advertised fees and charges from the 1 October 2026 onwards.

For more information, visit the 

ACCC card surcharge guidance

For more information visit Changes to Netball Connect Transaction Fees and FAQ's here.  

GFNL & BFNL Netball

League Awards & Presentation Nights

A reminder to all clubs that Team of the Year, Rising Star, and Junior Netball award nomination links will be distributed via email this week.

Please start thinking about your nominations if you haven’t already, and ensure these items are completed once the links are received.

A reminder for presentation evenings:

  • GFNL Mathieson Medal - Tuesday 22nd September 2026, Buckley's Entertainment Centre
  • BFNL Ash Medal - Wednesday 16th September 2026, Buckley's Entertainment Centre
  • Junior Netball Vote Counts (ONLINE) – Tuesday 15th September
  • Junior Sport Presentation Dinner - Wednesday 23rd September 2026, Buckley's Entertainment Centre

A reminder that this year’s netball vote count is to be conducted online, with a presentation evening for junior sport held in the weeks to follow. Clubs are encouraged to celebrate these online counts in anyway they wish.

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.

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 Finals

Our All Abilities Netball Prelim Finals begin on Tuesday 11 August at Kardinia Park

  • Geelong West v St Joseph’s at 5:35pm
  • Surf Cost Suns v Bell Park at 6:20pm

We hope to see lots of support for the teams!

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.

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.

Resource Links

Netball Resources
SRV - Regional All Abilities Participation Grant

The Regional All Abilities Participation Grants help deliver inclusive opportunities for people with a disability in regional Victoria to participate and thrive. Grants of up to $25,000 are available for equipment, travel, inclusion workforce, and programs and disability-led initiatives. Applications close 12 August.

Please click here for more information and for the application link.

Woolworths Netball Grants applications – CLOSING THURSDAY 6th AUGUST

Final chance to register for the Woolworths Netball Grants, applications closing Thursday 6 August 2026.

Apply Now
Coaching Your Actions

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

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
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.

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
TAC Club Rewards

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
TAC Survey

It was pleasing to see the strong number of Road Safety Round posts shared over the weekend. Thank you to everyone who contributed to raising awareness. For clubs applying for TAC Rewards, sharing the survey with club members and encouraging them to complete it is one of the most straightforward criteria to satisfy. The survey link is now available and can be found 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
Important Update from Netball Victoria – Netball Connect

Dear Netball Community,

From 1 October 2026, there will be a change in how transaction (payment) fees are applied in Netball Connect.

Changes from the Reserve Bank to VISA, MasterCard and Eftpos payment rules mean card transaction fees can no longer be added as a separate surcharge at checkout. Instead, these costs must be included in the advertised price.

Fees Charged in Netball Connect (World Sport Action)

Currently, transaction fees are added at the end of a purchase.

From 1 October 2026, transaction fees will be built into all published fees and charges, including Netball Connect shopping carts. All clubs, associations, leagues and Netball Victoria will incorporate these when setting prices, meaning the total amount payable will be displayed upfront, with no additional transaction fee added at checkout.

What does this mean for clubs, associations and leagues?

From October 1, 2026, charges from Netball Connect (World Sport Action) will be charged to each club, association and league directly.  WSA will apply a 2.48% charge on all transactions including registrations, shop and ticketing.  This will be deducted from your Stripe Withdrawal account on a weekly basis when settlement occurs.

What do you need to do immediately?

Clubs, associations and leagues must review their pricing and decide whether to absorb transaction costs or incorporate a 2.48% increase into their advertised fees and charges from the 1 October 2026 onwards.

For more information, visit the 

ACCC card surcharge guidance

 For more information visit Changes to Netball Connect Transaction Fees and FAQ's here.  

Woolworths Netball Grants applications – CLOSING THURSDAY 6th AUGUST

Final chance to register for the Woolworths Netball Grants, applications closing Thursday 6 August 2026.

APPLY NOW
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

BACK TO TOP