AFL Barwon Netball and Football administrators are invited to join Danielle Cornwall from PlayHQ for an introductory-level education session on Wednesday, 4 March at 6:15 pm.
This session will cover the fundamentals of using the PlayHQ platform, including registration management, competition administration and reporting tools. Danielle will also highlight the latest features and updates to help administrators get the most out of the system.
Whether you’re completely new to PlayHQ or looking for a refresher, this session is a great opportunity to learn directly from the experts and ask questions.
Please register your attendance to secure your spot below.
AFL Barwon has awarded Life Membership upon Richard Underwood, Robert Hallett and Ian McTaggart in recognition of their outstanding and sustained service to the Barwon region.
The honour was presented at a last night's AFL Barwon AGM, celebrating the trio’s combined contribution and leadership across nine years each on the AFL Barwon Commission. Their tenure spanned a significant period of growth and evolution for the organisation, during which they helped guide strategic direction, strengthen governance, and support clubs across the region.
Across nearly a decade of service, Underwood, Hallett and McTaggart played an instrumental role in shaping AFL Barwon’s future. Their time on the Commission coincided with participation growth, expansion of female football and netball pathways, enhanced commercial partnerships, and continued investment in club development and community engagement initiatives.
The trio joins Craig Keating as the only other recipient of AFL Barwon Life Membership.
Life Membership recognises individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service, leadership and commitment to the growth and development of football and netball within the Barwon community. It reflects not only longevity of service, but meaningful and lasting impact.
AFL Barwon congratulates Richard, Robert and Ian on this richly deserved recognition and thanks them for their years of dedication to the region’s sporting community.
AFL Barwon is pleased to announce the appointment of Nick Lang, Todd Devine and Michael Fitzgerald to the AFL Barwon Board, endorsed by members at last night’s Annual General Meeting.
Two of the Director vacancies were filled by nominees from the Bellarine Football Netball League and Geelong Football Netball League Boards, with Todd Devine and Michael Fitzgerald appointed through that process. Nick Lang was also voted in by member clubs to join the Board.
The three new Directors bring a wealth of experience across community sport, governance and business, and will play an important role in guiding the continued growth and strategic direction of football and netball across the Barwon region.
AFL Barwon also acknowledges and thanks David Chaston for his nomination for the Board and his willingness to contribute to the organisation at governance level.
The AGM further marked the conclusion of the Board tenures of Michelle Gerdtz, Sarah Naylor and Nicola Wojcik. AFL Barwon sincerely thanks Michelle, Sarah and Nicola for their commitment, professionalism and contribution during their time as Directors. Their input has helped shape key initiatives and governance outcomes that position the organisation strongly for the future.
Members also approved a series of amendments to the AFL Barwon Constitution at the AGM, reflecting the organisation’s ongoing commitment to strong governance and contemporary best practice.
AFL Barwon is pleased to announce a new two-year partnership with Winning Edge, who will join the organisation as the Official Trophy and Premiership Cup Partner.
Winning Edge, a family-owned and operated business, is passionate about championing grassroots sport and recognising achievement at every level of competition. Through this partnership, Winning Edge will work closely with AFL Barwon and clubs to deliver high-quality trophies, awards and merchandise that celebrate the contributions of players, volunteers, officials and communities throughout the region.
The partnership carries particular significance for Winning Edge Managing Director, Alistair Ewart, who attended school in Geelong. His strong local connection to the Barwon region reinforces the alignment between the two organisations and reflects Winning Edge’s genuine investment in supporting local football.
Ewart said the partnership was a proud moment for the business.
“At Winning Edge, we’re passionate about grassroots sport and celebrating achievement at every level. Partnering with AFL Barwon allows us to support the clubs and communities that are the heart of football in the region, and we’re proud to help honour their contributions through quality awards and merchandise.”
AFL Barwon CEO Kate Patterson welcomed the partnership.
“We’re proud to partner with Winning Edge for the next two years. Alistair and his team have a genuine passion for community sport, and we’re looking forward to working together to further recognise and celebrate the players, volunteers and clubs who drive football in our region.”
The two-year agreement will see Winning Edge support AFL Barwon competitions and events across the region, further strengthening the recognition of excellence within community football.
AFL Barwon looks forward to working closely with Winning Edge to build strong relationships across the region and contribute meaningfully to the continued success of football and netball throughout the Barwon community.
AFL Barwon has formally established a Junior Football Working Party, bringing together a diverse and experienced group of club representatives to help shape the future of the region’s junior pathway.
Following a call for nominations to clubs across the region, 10 individuals were selected to form the Working Party. Each member brings extensive experience in junior sport across multiple codes, along with strong, current involvement in football within the AFL Barwon region. Their collective knowledge and on-the-ground insight ensures discussions are informed by real club environments and community needs.
The group includes representatives from a broad cross-section of clubs, ensuring a range of perspectives are considered. This diversity allows for balanced and constructive conversations around the opportunities and challenges facing junior football at all levels.
The Working Party will meet frequently with AFL Barwon staff to discuss matters relating to the entire junior football pathway, spanning both competitive and non-competitive formats. Key focus areas include:
Junior grading
Fixturing
Competition structures
Stakeholder conduct
General business and emerging issues
Constructive and informed discussion underpins the group’s purpose, with meetings focused on identifying and working through both emerging and ongoing challenges across the region. This approach enables AFL Barwon to assess ideas, consider potential changes and understand the practical implications of decisions at club level before implementation.
The establishment of the Junior Football Working Party reflects AFL Barwon’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with clubs and ensuring the junior pathway continues to evolve in line with community expectations.
By working directly with experienced club representatives, AFL Barwon is focused on making practical, informed decisions that support a clear, consistent, and sustainable junior football pathway across the region.