The Geelong & District Football and Netball League will return to separate senior football and netball vote count nights in 2026, confirming two standalone medal events for the upcoming season.
The Neville Whitley Medal night will be held on Wednesday, August 26 at Buckley’s Entertainment Centre. Along with the league’s highest individual football honour, the night will also feature the presentation of the Ivan Tansing Medal for the leading reserves player, Rookie of the Year, and the announcement of the Senior Team of the Year.
The league’s netball showcase will follow at the same venue on Wednesday, September 2, featuring six netball vote counts, including the coveted Margaret Webb medal, as well as the Netball Team of the Year announcement.
The move marks a return to separate events after the league trialled a combined vote count format and extends its sincere thanks to Rob Cameron for his service as master of ceremonies on both nights.
At the 2024 count, Corio’s Matt James claimed the Neville Whitley Medal, while Molly Gribble secured the Margaret Webb Medal.
In 2025, Bell Post Hill captain Jack Yates won the Whitley Medal while Gribble (Belmont Lions) became the first player to win back-to-back Webb Medals with different clubs.
Key Dates – 2026
· April 8 – Season Launch Night
· August 26 – Neville Whitley Medal Night
· September 2 – Margaret Webb Medal Night
· September 9 – Megan Dean Medal Night
