News Archive

Thomson fans will have two extra reasons to smile when the GDFNL meets the Colac & District league in 2026. Tigers senior coach Paul Lynch and A Grade coach Shannyn Leach have both been appointed interleague coaches. Lynch, a four-time senior premiership coach, guided the GDFNL 25&U side to a 11.13 (79) to 10.12 (72) win against his former league in 2025 while Leach was named as GDFNL coach of the year after guiding Thomson to the minor premiership. (More to come)

GDFNL president Darryl Jarvis and treasurer Caz Hearn have explained why they appointed two netball managers in season 2026. Nicole Smith, who crosses over from St Albans, will serve the league as netball coordinator. With strong skills in leadership, governance, coordination and stakeholder engagement, she will play a key role in supporting clubs and strengthening the delivery of netball across the league. "She has been a very helpful hand at St Albans and she will be a great asset to us," J…

GDFNL president Darryl Jarvis has praised the early efforts of the league's newest leaders. Both Scott Penning (former Bannockburn president) and Glenn Myers (former Thomson secretary) were elected as vice presidents at the GDFNL AGM held on December 10. "Scott has come on board and he will be a great assett to us and Glenn has been a secretary and trainer at Thomson so both will be a wealth of knowledge for us," Jarvis said.  

2026 GDFNL Junior Netball Association Championship Trials are now open. Any junior player in the GDFNL who would like to attend the trials, please register at the following form. https://forms.gle/iRC7UBkNJT9inNyF7 Trial Dates Sunday 29th March (Geelong West FNC Courts) Wednesday 1st April (St Albans FNC Courts) Trial Times Sunday 13 & Under: 9:00 - 10:30 am 15 & Under: 10:30 -12:00 pm 17 & Under: 12:00 - 1:30 pm Wednesday 13 & Under: 4:30 pm 15 & Under…

The North Geelong Football & Netball Club is seeking experienced and accredited netball umpires for the 2026 season. This is a paid position, with umpire polo supplied, and offers the opportunity to be part of a supportive, welcoming club community from April to September. Umpires will be responsible for officiating matches to a high standard, supporting player development and contributing to a positive, inclusive environment. A minimum C Badge accreditation, current Netball Victoria mem…

Raiders Bingo Inc., proudly owned and operated by the Geelong & District Football Netball League, is currently seeking applications for casual team members to join its East Geelong venue. As a professional bingo centre that operates seven days a week (twice daily), Raiders Bingo plays a vital role in supporting the GDFNL and its affiliated clubs. All profits from the venue are reinvested back into local football and netball, helping sustain grassroots sport across the region. About the Ro…

The Geelong & District Football Netball League (GDFNL) is now seeking applications from dedicated and enthusiastic umpires to join its 2026 Netball Panel Umpire Pool. As one of Victoria’s leading regional competitions, the GDFNL prides itself on delivering high-quality netball across Geelong and surrounding regional venues. Panel Umpires play a critical role in maintaining the integrity, professionalism and standard of the League’s A and B Grade competitions. The 2026 home and away season…

Jack Yates will enter the season as the reigning Whitley Medallist after a campaign defined by effort, fairness and influence without ego. The 28-year-old polled 24 votes despite missing the opening two rounds.   Round 1 3 – Ben Crombie (East Geelong) 2 – Jude Payne (East Geelong) 1 – Josh Kunjka (Bannockburn) 3 – Brad Gerrard (Anakie) 2 – Luke Dahlhaus (Anakie) 1 – Russell Cowan (Corio) 3 – David Allitt (Belmont Lions) 2 – Tyler Crennan (Werribee Centrals) 1 – Benjamin Evans (Belmont Lion…

The opportunity to play with a good mate has helped Corio land the key signing of Jimmy Botsaris from GFNL club St Albans. The lively midfielder/forward spent last year with the Supersaints, playing every game and kicking 13 goals after crossing from Western League outfit Point Cook. K rock Football understands Botsaris is keen to take the field with fellow Devils newcomer Harrison Stanley. (See full story)