AFL Victoria, in collaboration with WorkSafe Victoria, are proud to announce that all AFL Victoria affiliated country football and netball clubs are once again eligible to benefit from the WorkSafe Club Safety Fund in 2025.  

Country football clubs in Victoria can apply for financial assistance of up to $5,000 per application to assist with making essential safety upgrades and repairs to club facilities, to enhance safety for players, volunteers and spectators. 
 
WorkSafe has been proudly supporting country footy in Victoria since 2002, with the WorkSafe Club Safety Fund being a major component of that support and investment in rural and regional communities.  
 
Since 2002, more than 339 community clubs have received funding through the program to make necessary safety upgrades to club facilities, such as the installation of netting behind the goals, a portable marquee, building an enclosed timekeeper box, and upgrading the kitchen flooring in the clubhouse.  
 
All clubs applying for funding from the WorkSafe Club Safety Fund must provide evidence that a financial grant is needed to improve the safety of their grounds and surrounding buildings. 
 
Click here for full eligibility criteria.

Click here to apply for 2025.
 
Applications open on Monday, June 2 and will close on Wednesday, June 30, 2025. 
 
Quotes attributable to WorkSafe Ashley West, Chief Executive:

“Football and netball clubs play a vital role in bringing communities together, offering a space where people can connect, belong, and share their love for sport,” Mr West said.

“Through the WorkSafe Club Safety Fund, we’re proud to continue supporting the hard work of Victoria’s local sporting clubs, helping them create safer, more welcoming environments that feel like a second home for players, staff, volunteers, and supporters.”
 
Quotes attributable to Greg Madigan, Head of AFL Victoria: 
 
“Community football clubs are often the heartbeat of rural and regional towns, and it is so important that we continue to support clubs in upgrading their facilities to improve not only the safety but enjoyment of the loyal members, volunteers and players that keep country footy alive,” Madigan said. 
 
“WorkSafe has been a long-standing partner of AFL Victoria for over 20 years, and I thank them for continuing to provide vital funding through programs such as the Club Safety Fund. These funding initiatives help footy clubs in often very remote areas continue to provide a safe and comfortable place for their community to unite over our great game.  

 “I encourage all country footy clubs in need of funding to make the most of this opportunity and to apply for a grant in 2025. Even a small safety improvement can make a significant difference.” 

AFL Barwon is proud to announce that the Best on Ground medal for the Under 18 Division 1 Male Football Grand Final will be named in honour of John Bligh OAM — a legendary figure in Geelong’s junior football landscape whose remarkable contribution to the game has spanned more than 35 years.

John Bligh’s coaching journey began in 1965 and continued through to 2001, spending time at St Peter’s, North Shore, and Drysdale Football Clubs. Over that period, he missed just three seasons which is a testament to his enduring commitment and passion for developing young athletes. His coaching record is unparalleled in the region and unlikely to ever be repeated.

His legacy is defined by far more than results on the scoreboard. A dedicated volunteer throughout his life, John Bligh has helped shape thousands of junior footballers not just into better athletes, but into respected, disciplined, and community-minded individuals. He instilled values of hard work, perseverance, and integrity lessons that have stayed with many long after their playing days ended.

His impact off the field is just as extraordinary. John personally raised funds to ensure that every player had the opportunity to participate, regardless of financial circumstances. From covering equipment costs to funding end-of-season trips, John went above and beyond to remove barriers to inclusion, often out of his own pocket. He even chaperoned entire teams of young men on trips to places like Warrnambool and Echuca an experience remembered fondly by many.

John’s influence was widely recognised by those around him. He was awarded numerous “Best Clubman” accolades and is a Life Member and Legend of North Shore Football Club one of only seven to receive the club’s highest honour. In 2012, he was presented with a unique 40+ Years of Service Award by Football Geelong (now AFL Barwon) a distinction awarded to no one else.

John also represented the region with distinction, coaching the Geelong Under 18 representative team on multiple occasions. His reputation as the area’s most respected junior coach was built not just on his football knowledge, but on the way, he inspired young people to become responsible, respectful adults. John Bligh has quietly and selflessly helped shape the lives of countless young people across generations and his legacy will continue through this newly named Grand Final honour.

AFL Barwon is proud to recognise and celebrate the incredible contribution of John Bligh by naming the Under 18 Division 1 Male Football Grand Final Best on Ground Medal in his honour.

AFL Victoria is calling on grassroots football and netball clubs to promote road safety in their communities for a share of $700,000 thanks to the Transport Accident Commission’s (TAC) Club Rewards Program.

This year’s program aims to empower clubs to develop a culture where all players and members consider road safety before getting behind the wheel.

The Wellman family from Lucknow FNC attended today’s launch, after tragically losing their brother and son Koby in a road accident in 2022.

Now in its sixth year, the TAC Club Rewards Program allows AFL Victoria-affiliated football and netball clubs to apply for rewards of up to $10,000 to spend on club initiatives like club transport, new equipment and uniforms or facility upgrades. 

A further $100,000 has been added to this year’s funding pool to support more clubs in spreading the message.

More than 230 clubs earned a share of last year’s pool, with many motivated to take part after being affected by road tragedy.

As part of this year’s program, clubs will be asked to start conversations and be part of the campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of speeding, with the tagline – “Be the difference”. 

Gippsland’s Lucknow Football Netball Club and Barwon’s Western Eagles Football Netball Club were last year’s top recipients, and were rewarded for their impressive social media campaigns and road safety themed initiatives like ‘Deso Discounts’ and peer-to-peer videos.

Today’s launch in Gippsland comes as 133 people have lost their lives on Victorian roads, with more than 60 per cent of deaths happening on the same regional roads that footballers and netballers travel on for games every week.

More information on the TAC Club Rewards Program can be found at play.afl/victoria/tacclubrewards 

AFL Barwon is proud to announce a new three-year partnership with Town & Country Pizza, naming the beloved local business the Official Pizza and Pasta Partner of AFL Barwon for the next three years.

As part of the partnership, AFL Barwon clubs and members will enjoy exclusive specials and promotions at participating Town & Country Pizza stores throughout the season, bringing even more value to being part of the local football and netball community.

This exciting partnership will also see Town & Country Pizza secure naming rights to the Geelong FNL and Bellarine FNL Netball C Grade Competitions, and the Division 5 Mixed Under 14 Football Competition.

AFL Barwon Regional General Manager Lisa Patterson expressed her gratitude for the partnership.

“We’re incredibly thankful to Town & Country Pizza for their support of community football and netball. Their investment will have a direct impact on the development and enjoyment of hundreds of players across our region. To have a trusted local business like Town & Country Pizza backing our competitions and offering added value to our members is something we’re truly excited about.”

With locations spread across the region, Town & Country Pizza has been serving quality, fresh pizza and pasta for over 30 years. Renowned for their generous toppings, family-friendly service and community-minded ethos, they’re a trusted part of many local family’s weekly routine, including post-game meals and club functions.

Joe Rossi from Town & Country Pizza said they were proud to support local community sport.

“At Town & Country, taking care of people is at the heart of everything we do. It’s how we’ve built our business, and it’s why this partnership with AFL Barwon means a lot to us. Local sport brings families, friends, and communities together, and we’re proud to support an organisation that shares our commitment to taking care of people both on and off the field.”

The 2025 season will mark the beginning of this new partnership, with more details to be released soon on how clubs can access Town & Country Pizza specials and offers.

For more on Town & Country Pizza, go to https://www.townandcountrypizza.com.au