AFL Barwon wishes to advise that, following an agreement between the clubs, all football and netball matches for North Shore versus Newtown & Chilwell, originally scheduled for Sunday, 26 April, will now be played on Friday, 24 April at Windsor Park.
The Reserves match will kick off at 6:00pm, followed by the Senior Football game at 8:10pm, while Netball times are yet to be confirmed.
AFL Barwon has confirmed a number of on-field rule changes that will apply across all competitive age competitions for the 2026 season.
These updates reflect the AFL’s recently announced rule amendments, with AFL Barwon adopting four of the nine changes. A summary of the on-field rule adjustments to be implemented next season is outlined below.
Further detail on the applicable rule changes will be provided by the AFL Barwon Umpiring Department once official guidance is received from the AFL.
Clubs will also have the opportunity to receive additional information on these competition rule changes in person at the AFL Barwon Club Education Event on Sunday, March 1.
Last Disposal
Introduce a Free Kick for the last disposal Out of Bounds in between the 50m arcs. This rule interpretation will replace the last possession rule that is officiated across competitions.
Centre Ball Up Contests
At all centre ball-ups, a competing Ruck cannot cross the Centre Circle line and engage with the opposition Ruck, prior to contesting the football.
Shrugging in the Tackle
A shrug (in a tackle) will be deemed Prior Opportunity (i.e. an attempt to evade or fend an opponent).
Ruck Nominations
Around the ground, the umpire may restart play without a nominated Ruck present. The aim is to get play starting again as soon as possible once the area is clear.
AFL Barwon has confirmed changes to the structure of the Kardinia Park All-Abilities Football Netball League competitions for the 2026 season, introducing two distinct football divisions designed to better support participation, safety, and long-term growth.
From 2026, the All-Abilities football competition will be separated into:
A Contact Division, which will maintain the dynamic, competitive nature and rules of the current competition, and
A Non-Contact Division, designed to support non-tackle participants and provide an accessible entry point for players seeking a modified football experience.
The introduction of a non-contact division reflects AFL Barwon’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and participation, ensuring players of all abilities can engage in the game in an environment that best suits their needs.
The clubs participating in the All-Abilities Football Netball League will remain the same as in 2025 across both competitions, with one adjustment. Following a collaborative agreement between the two clubs, Newtown & Chilwell will fill the non-competitive position previously held by Bell Park in the non-contact football competition. This agreement supports continuity within the league while allowing both clubs to align their participation with their respective objectives.
AFL Barwon will continue to administer both competitions, working closely with clubs, participants, and stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition into the new structure.
These changes form part of AFL Barwon’s commitment to developing a long-term growth strategy for the Kardinia Park All-Abilities Football Netball League, focused on creating clear and inclusive participation pathways, supporting sustainable club involvement, and identifying strategic growth opportunities across the region.
Further information regarding competition governance and fixturing will be shared with clubs and the broader community ahead of the 2026 season.
AFL Barwon is excited to launch Court Clash 26 supported by The Athlete's Foot — the ultimate tune-up event to kick-start your 2026 netball season in style!
Set at Kardinia Park, this high-energy, tournament-style day is designed for A and B grade squads, delivering quality match play, strong competition, and a genuine finals-like feel before the season begins.
The event is open to clubs from across the entire Barwon Region, providing match ups of non-traditional opponents.
Court Clash 26 details are as follows:
Sunday 22 March 2026 Kardinia Park Netball Courts
Teams will compete in pool matches, playing a minimum of three games (subject to final team numbers) followed by finals to award the winners - raising the intensity and excitement as the day unfolds.
This format provides the perfect opportunity to:
Fine-tune combinations and rotations
Build match fitness and on-court cohesion
Test structures in a competitive, finals-style environment
Enjoy a fun, well-organised pre-season event
Entry Fee: $150 +GST per team (to cover umpire costs)
And the ultimate prize awaits… The tournament champions will take home a complimentary pair of The Athlete's Foot shoes of their choice for every participating player — a massive reward to kick off the season.
AFL Barwon are pleased to invite (Foundation - Level 1 coaches) to the AFL Victoria Elevate Coaching Practices Program (formerly the Level 2 Coaching Course), designed to support coaches at youth level and above wanting to further develop their coaching capability and deepen their understanding of modern coaching methods.
This workshop will provide practical learning opportunities, modern coaching methodology, and development aligned to the evolving needs of community football. Whether you’re continuing your coaching journey or stepping into a new age group or role, this is a valuable professional development opportunity.
To enrol in this wonderful free coach development opportunity please click thisLINKnoting that only those who are registered coaches in 2025 or 2026 are able to login and enrol to this elevate coaching course.
Please refer any queries to:
Tim Secombe This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.