AFL Barwon is excited to announce a new 2-year partnership with Big Screen Video, with the leading digital display solutions company becoming preferred scoreboard provider for the AFL Barwon region.

Big Screen Video is a trusted industry leader in LED technology, providing high-quality digital scoreboards and display solutions for sporting venues, stadiums, and commercial applications across Australia and beyond. With over 15 years of experience, Big Screen Video has a strong reputation for delivering innovative and engaging digital experiences, enhancing the way fans and clubs interact with live sports.

Through this partnership, AFL Barwon clubs will have access to Big Screen Video’s state-of-the-art scoreboard technology, offering improved game-day engagement, enhanced sponsorship opportunities, and an elevated spectator experience. The integration of LED scoreboards into local football and netball venues will bring professional-grade digital solutions to grassroots sport, ensuring clubs can modernise their facilities with, easy to use, cutting-edge technology.

AFL Barwon Regional General Manager, Edward Wilson, welcomed the partnership, stating, “We’re extremely grateful for the eager and committed support from Big Screen Video, to invest into our community and provide opportunities for our Clubs, that wouldn’t be possible without a partnership of this kind”.

Big Screen Video’s CEO, Paul Ellery, also expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Big Screen Video is thrilled to announce our exclusive partnership with AFL Barwon as their official scoreboard supplier. This collaboration underscores our commitment to supporting communities throughout Victoria and Australia.

For 15 years, our top-notch scoreboard solutions have revitalised clubs and grounds across Victoria. We're excited to continue helping clubs explore the advantages of digital scoreboards, offering a variety of scoring options tailored to their unique needs.

We eagerly anticipate working with and supporting AFL Barwon and their affiliated clubs in this multi-year partnership.”

As the preferred scoreboard provider, Big Screen Video will work closely with AFL Barwon-affiliated clubs to deliver tailored solutions that suit their unique venue needs. Clubs interested in exploring digital scoreboard options are encouraged to reach out to AFL Barwon Communications and Commercial Partnerships Manager, Sean Atkinson.

About Big Screen Video
Big Screen Video is a leading provider of LED digital display solutions, specialising in large-format screens, scoreboards, and signage for sporting venues, stadiums, commercial properties, and retail spaces. With a mission to create engaging and impactful visual experiences, Big Screen Video has worked with some of Australia’s most iconic sporting organizations, including , but not limited too; AFL, the Melbourne Cricket Club, Adelaide Oval, and Cricket Australia.

Click here to find out more about Big Screen Video

AFL Barwon is proud to celebrate our current VFL-listed umpires, who have progressed through our local pathways to officiate at the state level. Their dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence are a testament to the strength of our umpiring program. We congratulate them on their achievements and look forward to seeing their continued success!

Umpires play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity of the game, and reaching the VFL level is a significant milestone in an umpire’s career. The progression of these officials highlights the strong development pathways available within the region for aspiring umpires.

These umpires have demonstrated exceptional skill, decision-making, and resilience, earning their place in the VFL ranks. AFL Barwon extends our congratulations to these talented officials and wishes them all the best for the 2025 season and beyond. We look forward to following their progress and seeing them continue to excel in their umpiring careers.

The AFL Barwon Commission wishes to provide the following update regarding North Shore Football Netball Club and the Geelong Football Netball League.

AFL Barwon, AFL Victoria, and North Shore FNC have maintained regular communication over the past 12 days in a collaborative effort to resolve concerns about North Shore’s ability to field Senior and Reserve Football teams in 2025.

In response, North Shore has been working to meet key registration requirements as outlined by the AFL Barwon Commission. As of today, the total number of eligible senior player registrations on the PlayHQ database exceeds 50 members. North Shore has assured AFL Barwon that all listed registrations represent active players who will be participating in the upcoming season and that additional registrations are expected in coming days once clearances are finalised. Although just shy of the initial request of 60, AFL Barwon has agreed that this has met the intent of criteria outlined in February.

Last night, North Shore discussed two options with their committee to deliberate and agree a way forward.:

1. Proceed with fielding teams for the 2025 season, with assurances that they will field senior and reserve teams in all 18 home and away matches in 2025 at an acceptable level of competitiveness.   
2. Undertake the process to place the football section of the club into recess for the 2025 season, providing adequate time to assess the current situation and take the necessary steps to re-enter at a level that best supports the entire club.

The North Shore FNC Executive has reviewed these options and provided AFL Barwon with their decision to proceed with playing in the Geelong FNL in 2025.

Attention now turns to the successful commencement of the season, which kicks off for North Shore at Australian Lamb Company Stadium in Colac on April 12th.

There is still much work to be done by North Shore, AFL Barwon and AFL Victoria to ensure a sustainable program into the future. This work has already commenced with a clear focus on the development of junior programs across the Northern Suburbs.

Quote from AFL Barwon Chair, Michelle Gerdtz

“The North Shore committee has carefully considered their options and made the decision to proceed with the 2025 season. We commend their dedication to their players, members, and the wider football and netball community.

While this is a positive step forward, we acknowledge that ongoing efforts will be required to ensure the long-term sustainability of North Shore FNC. AFL Barwon remains committed to supporting the club in this journey.”

Quote from North Shore President, Maryian Szponar

“Plans are already in motion to strengthen our football division this season, for 2026 and beyond which will lay the groundwork to future-proof pathways for new talent and boost junior development to secure a prosperous future.

Following months of consultation, planning, and hard conversations, North Shore is proud to confirm its commitment to fielding two senior football teams in the 2025 season.  The club is also embracing transparency and collaboration, giving AFL Barwon an open invitation to be part of committee meetings and match-day events to ensure ongoing progress.

We’re prepared to open the doors, work hand-in-hand with AFL Barwon and welcome check-ins throughout the season from the outside for people to see the struggles, but it’s also what happens on the inside that matters and makes the difference.”

AFL Barwon is proud to announce a new partnership with Beyond Bank, extending through to the end of the 2027 season. This partnership brings together two community-focused organisations with a shared commitment to supporting local clubs, participants, and the wider Barwon region.

As one of Australia’s largest customer-owned banks, Beyond Bank is dedicated to helping individuals and communities thrive. Their strong focus on local engagement aligns seamlessly with AFL Barwon’s strategic direction to foster inclusive, sustainable, and well-supported grassroots football and netball competitions.

AFL Barwon Football and Netball clubs now have the opportunity to access the Community Reward Program through Beyond Bank. By linking their savings accounts to their chosen community organisations, club members can help their clubs receive annual donations from Beyond Bank. This initiative fosters community growth and support by allowing customers to actively contribute to their preferred clubs and local organisations.

AFL Barwon Region General Manager, Edward Wilson, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, “The community approach that Beyond Bank brings to the region is one that resonates significantly with AFL Barwon, and we’re looking forward to the support this partnership will offer and provide to affiliated clubs and other stakeholders in the years to come.”

Beyond Bank Community Development Manager, Cam Murnane, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, saying, “We are excited to partner with AFL Barwon for the 2025 season. The football and netball clubs in this region play a vital role in our community, offering a wonderful space for connection and support to participants and their families throughout Greater Geelong and the Bellarine. We look forward to collaborating with both AFL Barwon and the individual clubs to offer support wherever possible.”

Beyond Bank continues to build lasting relationships that extend beyond banking, empowering individuals and clubs to thrive both on and off the field. To find out more about Beyond Bank’s services and opportunities, simply head to https://www.beyondbank.com.au.