News Archive

The Geelong District Football and Netball League's 15&U and 17&U representative netball sides returned home from Ballarat in high spirits.   Both sides were undefeated, making it a tournament clean sweep for the Raiders following the 13&U line-up's 6-0 record on Sunday, June 14.   Anakie defender Jessica Newell starred for the 17&U side while Bannockburn's Maggi White was influential across multiple positions.     North Geelong's Ryla Carr also proved to be one to w…

The 2026 Read The Play Round has been cast as a success by all twelve of our member clubs. Our league was proud to champion Read the Play Round. Read the Play Round is an annual initiative across, Geelong and District Football Netball League and AFL Barwon clubs, dedicated to shining a light on youth mental health in local sport. Why does it matter? The young people playing in our competitions every weekend are part of a generation under significant pressure. ● Nearly 1 in 2 young Australians…

The last time Werribee Centrals won a premiership, they weren't unbeaten after 10 rounds. In fact, none of the four premiership teams that built the club's modern dynasty were unbeaten after 10 rounds. Yet the 2026 Centurions head into this weekend's clash against Geelong West at 9-0, giving them the opportunity to achieve something none of those flag-winning sides managed. Forward target Brandon Houlihan will return as the Centurions attempt to start a season 10-0 for the first time since…

Round 10 of the GDFNL A Grade netball competition is packed with match ups you won’t want to miss. After winning their first game of the season last week, North Geelong will take on Anakie who sit just above them on the ladder. “We’ve definitely been working hard to get the win, so it was nice for our hard work to pay off,” North Geelong A Grade player Kiera Marsh said. Whilst Anakie will be looking for their second win of the season in Round 10, North Geelong won’t be going down without a f…

East Geelong veteran Jack Beardsell says he will be “hoping for a miracle” to play again this year after scans confirmed that the injury he sustained early in last week’s loss to Bell Post Hill is a broken leg. The versatile 32-year-old has also damaged ligaments in his ankle, and while he has avoided surgery, Beardsell is expecting to spend 9-12 weeks on the sidelines. (Click here for full story)

Julia Nash from the Werribee Centrals is not your typical netball player. When she isn’t defending on the netball court, Nash is taking on the football field as a versatile ruck. Since joining the Werribee Centrals in 2019, Nash has made her mark across both netball and football, utilising her height and competitiveness to stand out within the league. “I’ve played local netball since juniors but nothing high standard until I joined Centrals,” Nash said. “I was looking at joining a football…

On face value it was a match between two winless sides sitting at the bottom of the Geelong & District Netball League ladder, but for a rebuilding team such as North Geelong, it was an opportunity to confirm the belief in the direction the club was heading. The Magpies got out to an eight-goal lead at quarter time against Geelong West Giants and extended the margin at every change to win 57 to 22 at West Oval. The ease in which the Magpies defeated the Giants even surprised coach Katie Mc…

The Geelong District Football and Netball League's 13&U representative netball side celebrated a tournament sweep on Sunday, June 14. The representative line-up returned home undefeated by winning all six games at the Greater Ballarat tournament. GDFNL president Darryl Jarvis was among the big names in attendance. "It was a great day for all those involved," he stated. An Anakie team also participated, recording a memorable 4-2 win against Sebastopol Burras.   GDFNL 13&U Resul…

Fresh from breaking Corio's all-time games record with his 375th appearance, Chris Laurie has taken time to thank the club and community that have supported him throughout his remarkable journey. Laurie surpassed the previous benchmark in front of family, friends and teammates creating another memorable chapter in a career defined by loyalty and commitment to the Devils. The milestone became even more special as Laurie shared the day with his children, Trey, Maya and Avah while also lining up…

A focus on contested football over the bye has paid off for Bell Post Hill, which overcame East Geelong and tough conditions at Richmond Crescent to claim its sixth win of the season. The Panthers outlasted the Eagles in a low-scoring affair, 10.7 (67) to 7.6 (48). The victory leaves last year’s beaten preliminary finalists fourth on the ladder, bang in the middle of five teams with 6-3 win-loss records, entering the second half of the season. (Click here for full story)

A flood of injuries and unavailability has opened the door for the return of two-time Werribee Centrals best-and-fairest, Tyler Crennan, for Saturday’s clash with Corio. Missing from the opening six rounds of the season due to work and family commitments, the 2023 Whitley Medal runner-up made two appearances in the reserves before last week’s interleague break. Coach Rhyce Prismall says they made no promises to Crennan when he returned to training last month. (Click here for full story)

2026 seems to be the season of milestones, as this week, East Geelong will be celebrating Samantha Rundle as she plays her 400th game for the club. Rundle first joined the East Geelong family back in 1985 when she was just 11-years-old and has been a member of the club ever since. “We came across here when my brother started playing footy,” Rundle reflected. “Ever since then, being here as a kid, we just stayed here. It’s a great community, greatly family oriented, and just a great place to…

On Thursday, June 18 our netball reporter Lauren McDonald headed to Thomson ahead of the Tigers' Round 9 fixture against Winchelsea.

Fresh from captaining the GDFNL 25&U Interleague side to a 106-point win, Belmont Lions star Ben McPherson will turn his attention to Inverleigh McPherson's leadership has become one of the great success stories at Belmont, earning him the honour of leading the representative side on the big stage. Belmont co-coach Andy Walsgott said McPherson's growth over the past two seasons had been remarkable. "He's like a son," Walsgott said. "He has come a long way with his development and leader…

Anakie coach Jayke Mawson says early discussions have started with the club on extending his coaching tenure into 2027. Mawson, who became a father for the first time in recent weeks, guided the Roos to their first finals appearance in 26 years last year after taking on the role late in 2023. He says president Heath Menhennet recently started the conversation about next year. “Heath’s pretty onto it… we had a good chat the other day,” Mawson told K rock Football.

The 2026 Interleague netball clash provided yet another competitive matchup between the GDFNL Raiders and the Colac DFNL. Hosted at Winchelsea’s Eastern Reserve on Saturday June 6, it was a close game with a great turnout in support of the talented players selected to represent the league.   Despite the Raiders 58-53 loss to Colac, there were many positives to be taken away from the day following a consistently strong effort in all four quarters. Goaler Bree Caldwell from the Thomson Tigers…

Geelong & District coach Paul Lynch has paid tribute to the commitment of the competition’s brightest young talent after the Raiders handed Colac and District a 106-point hiding at Winchelsea’s Eastern Reserve on Saturday. After a seven-point win in last year’s contest, the GDFNL made light work of the CDFNL this time around, retaining the Hickey-Whitley Shield with an 18.21 (129) to 3.5 (23). “It would have been nice, as a spectator (for the margin) to be a lot closer and all that sort o…

Paul Lynch has labelled the GDFNL’s forward line “our most dangerous part of the ground” ahead of tomorrow’s interleague meeting with Colac and District at Winchelsea’s Eastern Reserve. For the second consecutive year, the Raiders will do battle with the CDFNL at the under-25 level, with the hosts keen to retain the Hickey-Whitley Shield after a seven-point win last year. (Click here for full story)

Partway through its most challenging section of the season, Inverleigh is having its depth tested like few others. The past fortnight, in which the Hawks have been unable to go the distance with reigning premier North Geelong and the unbeaten Werribee Centrals, has resulted in serious injuries for the talented Dan Maher, experienced ruckman Luke Wilson, and reliable captain Jack Fiolet. Maher suffered a broken leg in the loss to the Centurions and is facing the prospect of surgery and missing…

Anakie and North Shore have both paid tribute to David Walmsley following his sudden death yesterday at the age of 61. Walmsley was a premiership player in 1991 and senior captain in 1993 with the Roos. He also won a reserves best-and-fairest at the back end of his career in 2004. “We send our love and condolences to David’s wife Lynette, mother Maureen and children Brittany, Caitlyn and Connor and extended family,” Anakie wrote on Facebook. More recently, he was a popular figure at North S…

The GDFNL has finalised its open-aged netball squad ahead of Saturday's clash against the Colac & District Football Netball League at Winchelsea's Eastern Reserve. Thomson coach Shannyn Leach will lead the side after an impressive season at the helm of the Tigers while Belmont Lions star Molly Gribble has been appointed captain after claiming a second straight Margaret Webb medal in 2025. "Obviously it's a privilege to be captain of the GDFNL Interleague team," Gribble said. "Any one of…

The GDFNL's 25&U Interleague team was unveiled this evening following an inspirational training session in wet conditions. Second-year coach Paul Lynch praised the commitment of the wider squad and urged those who missed selection to hold their heads high before announcing Belmont Lions star Ben McPherson as captain for this year's clash against the Colac & District Football Netball League. McPherson captained the GDFNL to a memorable 11.13 (79) to 10.12 (72) victory over the CDFNL in…

Twin sisters Yianna and Angelique Ross have become an integral part of Belmont's rise, helping the Lions break a 22-year finals drought before playing key roles in last year's historic A Grade premiership. The pair arrived at Belmont as teenagers after taking an unconventional path into netball. "Angelique and I grew up as tennis players, so we didn't start netball until a bit later," Yianna said. "It's because we used to argue a bit during doubles, so our Mum said, 'Girls, I think you nee…

HUNDREDS of young players have represented their hometowns in the Association Championships this month, but the pathway to representative competition is one rarely seen. Geelong and District Netball League junior netball development coordinator, Elisha Balins, was tasked with creating the league’s representative sides this year for the first time. With just two months to bring the squads together, it was a responsibility she did not take lightly. Over several sessions, eligible players were…

It was the round that belied the competitive nature of the Geelong & District Football League ladder. Unbeaten Werribee Centrals sit alone at the top of the table and then seven sides from second to seventh are separated only by percentage. However, it was a lopsided round 8 and if you take away the result at Winter Reserve, the average winning margin was 99 points. Three games were decided by triple figures. Thank goodness for East Geelong and Belmont Lions. In a gripping encounter at…

Winchelsea captain Meg Royal is preparing to represent the GDFNL on her home courts when the Raiders take on the CDFNL in this week's Interleague clash. The annual representative fixture returns to Eastern Reserve on Saturday June 6 with the Raiders aiming to back up last year's seven-goal victory. Royal has established herself as one of the competition's premier midcourters, captaining Winchelsea's A Grade side while earning multiple team of the year selections throughout her career. After…

East Geelong coach Ned Aulsebrook wasn’t shying away from the importance of the club’s 16-point win over Belmont Lions at Winter Reserve. The 13.5 (83) to 9.13 (67) victory maintained the Eagles’ spot in the top five but was also their first against a team that resided higher on the ladder coming into the weekend’s action. Trailing by seven points at three-quarter time, East stormed home, outscoring the Lions 5.0 to 1.1, to regain the Mark Lomas Shield. (Click here for full story)

They’ve made their best start to the season since last playing in a grand final 16 years ago, but Werribee Centrals captain Michael Culliver knows being unbeaten in May means nothing in the grand scheme of a football season. The Centurions are 7-0, two games clear on top of the GDFNL ladder, with four of those wins against last year’s finalists, including reigning premier North Geelong and runner-up East Geelong. (Click here for full story)

As Round 8 of the 2026 GDFNL netball season approaches, the community at Winchelsea has a lot to be excited about ahead of hosting Interleague and celebrating 150 years. The A Grade netball squad has started out strong, currently sitting at fourth on the ladder as they prepare to face Anakie this weekend. The team is full of talent and fresh faces as the team has welcomed their new coach, Maddison McKiernan, to lead them into the 2026 season. As both a player and the coach of the side, Maddi…

On Thursday, May 28 our netball reporter Lauren McDonald headed to Winchelsea ahead of the Blues' Round 8 fixture against Anakie.

The GDFNL Interleague squad has been cut down this evening. East Geelong utility Austin Mulvahil has been ruled out due to a hamstring and while Winchelsea ball-winner Indi Parish has also been side-lined due to injury at this stage. "We probably have four or five that have locked in a holiday so only being the one weekend off for the GDFNL you can't begrudge them for that," GDFNL Interleague coach Paul Lynch explained. Lynch has admitted he has enjoyed having his former Geelong teammate Pet…

The GDFNL has partnered with Read the Play to support two important workshops focused on creating healthier environments for young athletes. The “Parenting Young Minds” session will be held on Monday, June 15, while “Coaching Young Minds” takes place on Monday, June 22. Both workshops begin at 6pm at Geelong West Town Hall. The sessions are designed to help parents, carers and coaches better support young people through sport by exploring communication, confidence, pressure, resilience and w…

An undermanned North Geelong has overcome an injury-stricken Inverleigh to claim its fourth win of the season, pulling away from the visitors after half-time to record a 37-point win at Keith Barclay Oval. After starting the season 3-0, the Magpies entered the meeting with the Hawks off three consecutive losses. However, an eight-goal-to-three second half was enough for a 13.8 (86) to 6.13 (49) victory. (See full story)

In a busy start to the 2026 season North Geelong has a long list of upcoming milestones to celebrate. Not only is it the club’s 150th anniversary this year but it is also club legend and netball superstar Silvia Luczo’s 400 game milestone this Saturday, May 23. The Magpies will be hosting their 150 years celebration on the June 21 but, until then, all eyes have been on Silvia. The home ground at North Geelong was buzzing during their Thursday night training as the long awaited milestone game…

We'd like to thank everyone for logging into our A Grade live stream so far in 2026. Congratulations to the following players who were selected as the Player of the Match so far: Round 1 - Cheyenne Philpott (Thomson) Round 2 - Ebony Stiles (Bell Post Hill) Round 3 - Yianna Ross (Belmont Lions) Round 4 - McKensie Wade (Corio) Round 5 - Rebecca Trenerry (Bannockburn) Round 6 - Milla Holt (Bell Post Hill) Who will be the player of the round this week? Catch all the action between East Geelong…

On Thursday, May 21 our netball reporter Lauren McDonald headed to North Geelong ahead of the Magpies' Round 7 fixture against Inverleigh.

Anakie coach Jayke Mawson isn’t shying away from the importance of Saturday’s clash with Thomson, as last year’s elimination finalists attempt to remain in touch with the GDFNL top five. The Roos sit ninth on the ladder after the first third of the season, two games outside the log-jammed top five, where four teams share 4-2 win-loss records. A win over the Tigers at De Motts Road will, at worst, bring Anakie to within a game of fifth place. (Click here for full story)

As it did in 2025, if North Geelong is to win this year’s GDFNL premiership, it will have to do it without experienced big man Blake Miller. A lisfranc injury suffered after standing on the foot of a teammate in the loss to Werribee Centrals at Galvin Park last Saturday has ended Miller’s season, and potentially, according to North co-coach Peter Riccardi, his career. “He did it back in 2019 in the grand final when he was at Bannockburn, and he made it back”, Riccardi said. (Click here for f…

Bell Post Hill could be boosted by the return of club great Caleb Bacely ahead of the upcoming GDFNL interleague break. Bacely, a veteran of 257 games with the Panthers, hasn’t played since the Round 1 win over Geelong West after fracturing three toes in his right foot, which doubles as his preferred kicking foot. The six-time premiership player is eyeing off the Hill’s meeting with Thomson on May 30 as his first game back – a better outcome than he expected after a sports doctor organised a…

The 2026 GDFNL Interleague netball clash is quickly approaching as the Raiders prepare for another successful year representing the league. Following a seven goal victory over the CDFNL open age netball squad in 2025, the two sides will face off yet again on Saturday, June 6 in one of the most anticipated events of the season. 2025 netball coach of the year, Shannyn Leach, has been selected as the official interleague coach for the open age GDFNL netball team this season. With almost ten yea…

The GDFNL was represented by two junior representative sides at the Central West Association Championships today with wins across the board. Popular 17&U representative coach Christina Blaskovic bounced back from an opening round defeat to scalp wins against Merri-bek, Northern Pride and Colac District. A strong 10-1 start then inspired a 15-5 win against Darebin in the final round. Meanwhile the GDFNL 15&U side also impressed throughout the carnival, recording victories against Ess…

A major step forward for the Inverleigh Hawks was announced during the club’s Sponsors Day celebrations with the club securing a $320,000 grant to fund lighting at its second oval. Club president Wayne McMeekin welcomed Victorian Minister for Regional Development and Agriculture Michaela Settle to the event where the funding announcement was officially revealed in front of club supporters and sponsors. Golden Plains Shire councillor Owen Sharkey was also in attendance. “We’re very fortunate…

Bell Post Hill has had a strong start to the 2026 season obtaining impressive wins across all grades. The 17-and-under team for the Panthers are currently sitting third on the ladder as they approach a bye round this week. Star defender for the team, Shayla Murray, celebrated a milestone 100 games for the club last Saturday securing a one-goal win in a thrilling game against North Geelong. “It was a good game, we all pushed,” reflected Shayla. “The other team played really well and we playe…

Werribee Centrals have bounced back from a challenging 2025 season with a 5-0 start this year. Last season the side had a fall from grace when waiting until Round 5 to capture its first win. The Centurions will now play host to reigning premier North Geelong at Symal Oval with a large crowd expected at today's twilight fixture. "5-0 is fantastic but it is a five-game winning streak and that's all it is, we've been here before and we are definitely not going to get complacent of where we are…

The pink was out in force as Inverleigh's annual Pink Day once again proved a tremendous success both on and off the court. Through the support of players, volunteers, sponsors and the wider community, an outstanding $5,563.67 was raised for the Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA). Club officials thanked everyone who contributed to the day, whether through donations raffle support, attendance or volunteering behind the scenes. "It was an amazing effort by all involved," GDFNL president Da…

On Thursday, May 7 our netball reporter Lauren McDonald headed to East Geelong ahead of the Eagles' Round 5 fixture against Bannockburn.

On Thursday, May 14 our netball reporter Lauren McDonald headed to Bell Post Hill ahead of the Panthers' Round 6 fixture against Winchelsea.

Two Winchelsea Blues have been added to this week's GDFNL Interleague squad. GDFNL vice president Wayne Moore has confirmed the addition of Samuel Adams and Rory Baulch this morning. Adams, who crossed over to Winchelsea from Burdoo Reserve, boasts an impressive CV following his stints at Shepparton United and Grovedale. Named in the Blues' best players against Belmont Lions in Round 2, he has averaged 26 disposals in his three games since. Baulch has also found a spot in Winchelsea's sen…

The GDFNL has released its extended squad for this year’s 25&U interleague clash, to be held on Saturday, June 6 at Winchelsea’s Eastern Reserve. For the second straight year the Raiders will take on the CDFNL, aiming for back-to-back victories after prevailing 11.13 (79) to 10.12 (72) in 2025. Thomson premiership coach Paul Lynch will again lead the side with Bannockburn senior coach Ronnie Pilgrim returning as his assistant coach. A total of 15 players from last year’s squad have been…

For the first time this season, the MVP votes couldn’t split them. Three A Grade talents sit on top of the Athletes Foot MVP leaderboard after five rounds, one vote ahead of a dynamic Thomson duo. Corio's Sarah Kasparian is one of those leaders after shooting 48 of her side's 61 goals against Anakie on Saturday. Mikaele Minns shares the lead after a stoic display in Bannockburn's 45 to 29 win over East Geelong as does fellow defender Maddison McKiernan (Winchelsea). ATHLETES FOOT LEADERBOAR…

The 2026 GDFNL Winter Netball Season has been a great success so far for the Thomson Tigers. Sitting second on the ladder, the A Grade team have defeated four out of their five opponents, only losing to the Belmont Lions by two goals in Round 3. Last weekend, they defeated the Geelong West Giants by an astonishing 48 goals. Looking to continue their winning streak, Thomson will take on Corio in Round 6 who are currently sitting at eighth on the ladder. Midcourter Ebony Harris has had a stron…

The first senior coaching change of season 2026 has taken place at Scaada Stadium this evening. The Giants, guided by playing coach Scott Frangos, have been unable to register a win so far in season 2026 after failing to match Thomson 5.14 (44) to 12.9 (81) in the bottom of the table clash. Geelong West Giants football director Andy Campbell has confirmed Andrew Clark will return to the role of senior coach. Club statement - The Geelong West Giants can confirm that Scott Frangos has stepp…

It has been 25 years since an Anakie player has taken out the Whitley medal. There's every chance that drought may be coming to an end after it was revealed that Joshua Mawson has captured an early lead in this year's Athletes Foot MVP. The second-year recruit helped guide the Roos to a 15.15 (105) to 12.9 (81) win against Corio with 40 disposals and three goals in the process. ATHLETES FOOT LEADERBOARD 11 - Joshua Mawson (Anakie) 10 - Cassidy Parish (Winchelsea) 9 - Brad Gerrard (Anakie) 9…

"Nothing is given." These were the words from Belmont Lions' co-captain Sophie Allison when reflecting on her side's miracle run to the 2026 A Grade premiership podium. The Lions enter Round 5 with a formidable 3-1 record and will start favourites against a winless Werribee Centrals side. "We want to work hard and work hard for eachother, that will be the ticket to get us close," she explained. (Click here for Round 5 final results)

This evening our president Darryl Jarvis, treasurer Caz Hearn and vice president Glenn Myers attended the North Geelong netball court for a special announcement. State member Ella George has announced a $450,000 contribution toward a second court at North Geelong. "I have awesome news tonight for the North Geelong Football and Netball Club," she declared. "In this year's state budget, the state government is investing $450,000 that goes towards a second netball court here." City of Greater…

The GDFNL would like to welcome on board our new netball reporter. Lauren McDonald has commenced her journalism internship with the league, writing and reporting on all things netball across all grades. She visited East Geelong this evening, interviewing club legends Gail Ferguson, Brook O'Leary, Justine Radford and many more.

Corio co-coach Adam Bell said his side’s win against Geelong West Giants was the perfect ending to a day where the message of mental health awareness was arguably more important than the result on the field. The two Geelong & District Football League clubs played for the second annual Shaka Cup at West Oval on Saturday 2 May in support of The Shaka Project and mental health and suicide prevention. Corio survived a last-quarter Giants comeback to win by nine points. “We love playing for t…

Belmont Lions and Bannockburn have successfully submitted a fixture change to the league this week. The Lions will now host the Tigers on Sunday, July 19. This means Bannockburn's next home game will now take place in Round 6 on Saturday, May 16.

The Thomson Football and Netball Club held the opening of its new netball courts on Saturday, May 2. Club legend and former Geelong mayor John Mitchell hosted the event with speeches from the honourable Christine Couzens (State member for Geelong and Parliamentary Secretary for First Peoples) and Cr Melissa Cadwell. City of Greater Geelong deputy mayor Eddie Kontelj and Cr Anthony Aitken were also in attendance. GDFNL netball legend Naomi Nisbett had the honour of cutting the ribbon. Thomso…

With its ledger square after a challenging open month to the season, Bannockburn coach Ron Pilgrim is now eyeing another scalp for his much-improved outfit. After producing what was, in terms of ladder position and win-loss record, the club’s worst result since finishing ninth with five wins in 2005, the Tigers copped arguably the toughest start to this season, It includes four of last year’s finalists in the opening six weeks, courtesy of the rolling draw, as well as away meetings with Werri…

For the second week in a row, the Belmont Lions have held their opponent goalless in the final quarter, keeping North Geelong to a solitary behind in beating the reigning premier by 35 points. Leading by just three points at the final change, the Lions wrestled away control thanks to goals from Jesse Stapleton, Michael Murdoch, and big man Jed Evans in the first ten minutes of the last quarter. Late goals to recruit Steve Gunter and a second for the term for Murdoch put the finishing touches…

The Geelong West Giants' GDFNL section will be hosting its past players' day today. Stalwart Paul Robinson, who recently played his 200th club game, said it is one of his favourite days on the calendar. "We looked like we were going to shut the doors in 2016 so to go on and win a final against Bannockburn in 2018 was very special," he reflected. "We had a run of games where we were winning when we didn't have any right to." When asked if the Giants win their first senior premiership since 1…

Can the Magpies go back to back? North Geelong's 15.10 (100) to 11.11 (77) win over East Geelong brought back memories of last year's season decider. The Round 3 result prompted a 90-min feature of the Magpies' historic run to the premiership dais with interviews from Thomas and Zach Schwennesen. 

Winless Corio has suffered a further blow, with off-season acquisition Jim Botsaris to miss the remainder of the season. Scans last week have confirmed that a knee injury suffered in the pre-season is a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. The St Albans recruit played against Inverleigh in Round 2, but didn’t take to the field after half-time. (Click here for full story)

GEELONG West and Corio will meet again this weekend in the second staging of the Geelong & District Football League’s Shaka Cup, with the match continuing to double as a platform for mental health awareness. Following a strong response to last year’s inaugural clash, the Devils and Giants return to Scaada Stadium in partnership with local suicide prevention charity The Shaka Project, aiming to keep the conversation front of mind both on and off the field. The Shaka Project facilitator and…

North Geelong star Osca Riccardi hasn’t ruled out seeing out the year with the reigning GDFNL premier despite having a contract with WAFL club Peel Thunder. The former Geelong rookie has played the opening three rounds with the Magpies after returning home to rehab a hamstring issue. The Thunder gave the 21-year-old the green light to appear with North which could become a permanent arrangement for the remainder of 2026. “I was over there for a month last year… and then was lucky enough to t…

Belmont Lions co-coach Brent Vermeulen says the chance to enjoy his football was a key reason for playing in the reserves on Saturday. Vermeulen, in his fourth season in the role alongside Andy Walsgott, made the call last week to drop himself after a slow start to the 2026 season. “I had a bit of an interrupted pre-season – only really did half of it,” he said. (Click here for full story)

Reigning premier North Geelong has extended its winning streak over grand final opponent East Geelong, pulling away late for a 23-point win at Keith Barclay Oval The Magpies’ 15.10 (100) to 11.11 (77) victory was their fifth straight against the Eagles after kicking the last three goals of the contest, including two to former Geelong rookie Osca Riccardi, who finished with four for the match, to remain unbeaten. Corey also kicked four goals for North, with Boston Riccardi contributing three m…

After handing out consecutive hidings to open its campaign, East Geelong will face its first acid test of the new GDFNL season when it faces 2025 grand final conqueror North Geelong in an Anzac Day blockbuster at Keith Barclay Oval. The Eagles made light work of Corio and Geelong West, but the Magpies, who won all four meetings between the two clubs last year, present a tougher challenge than that posed by the Devils and the Giants. (Click here for full story)

The Geelong West Giants hosted its second annual Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Workshop this evening. More than 100 players from the club's football and netball sections stayed in the club's function space until 9pm to listen to the stories and advice from the Shaka Project mental Health program. Geelong West will travel to Anakie this Saturday before playing host to Corio in the second annual Shaka Cup on Saturday, May 2. "It's a very special event for both clubs both Corio and Gee…

East Geelong honoured one of its club greats by the official naming of its new refurbished netball courts. Club president Dan Payne announced the naming of the netball precinct after Gail Ferguson. "We wanted to recognise someone who has put their whole life into this club so from a netball perspective I'm sure you'll all know Gail," he announced. The netball legend said she was honoured and reflected on her 25 years of netball service to the league since the sport was introduced in 2002. "…

The Werribee Centrals held its annual Presidents Luncheon prior to the senior game on Saturday. "It was a wonderful event held upstairs in the club's new function room & it was fantastic to see so many Centurion Club members in attendance," event MC Steve Higham told GDFNL Media. Special guests included three-time premiership coach Andrew "Ghost" Howlett, who currently resides in Queensland, and Bannockburn legend Ronnie Pilgrim who celebrated his combined 500th game as a player and coach…

The Inverleigh Hawks celebrated their football section with the naming of their "Team of the Quarter Century". The side was selected by three club stalwarts during the 2025 season with players presented with plaques at a ceremony on Saturday. “It was the best side of the 25 years but it actually wasn’t 25 years because the club returned in 2002,” co-selector Mick Fiolet explained. The criteria included a minimum of 50 games, which meant the club’s last two Whitley Medallists Jak Kennedy-Hunt…

Today’s GDFNL community came together for a special Day for Scratcher, with activities, smiles and familiar faces filling the venue from start to finish. The event was held in support of North Geelong stalwart Geoff “Scratcher” Ryan, who is currently battling Scleroderma and awaiting a life-saving lung transplant. Clubs, players and supporters rallied around Ryan and his family, highlighting the strength and connection that defines local football and cricket. The day served as a reminder of…

Winchelsea coach Ben Moloney has labelled Saturday night’s 33-point win over Belmont Lions at Eastern Reserve as the club’s best in his 20 games in charge. Led by five goals by Jordan Gould, the Blues outscored the Lions nine goals to three after an even first quarter to claim an 11.5 (71) to 5.8 (38) result. “We talked about belief in what we’re doing; in our systems and what we’ve been trying to coach over the pre-season,” Moloney said. “And I think last night showed that when we do play t…

Werribee Centrals coach Rhyce Prismall has praised how the club’s off-season additions have adapted to life at Galvin Park as the Centurions look to keep their unbeaten start to the 2026 GDFNL season intact against Bannockburn. Centrals had five new faces – Aaron Stone, Max Ryan, Isaac Cohen, Darcy Phillips, and Liam Kalos – and the returning Connor Linehan-Cunningham as part of the line-up that overcame Winchelsea by 19 points in Round 1. “These blokes who have come in have been huge,” Prism…

Dylan Jose has ruled out undergoing surgery on the third ruptured anterior cruciate ligament of his career, with the Thomson veteran hoping rehab will help him get back for some late-season games alongside good mate Devon Smith. Jose had his sights set on enjoying a final year of football with the former GWS Giants and Essendon star, but that all came crashing down in an intra-club practice match on April 1. (See full story here)

North Geelong will begin its quest for consecutive GDFNL flags with 17 of its 2025 premiership team in action against Bannockburn at Victoria Park. Tom Davis (back) and Jasper George (quad) will be missing due to injury; Noah Bily is unavailable, and Bryce Brockenshire is travelling. While Osca Riccardi, who has joined WAFL club Peel Thunder, hasn’t been named at this stage, despite reports linking him to playing with the Magpies this week. Veteran forward Blake Miller, whose 2025 season was…

First year GDFNL president Darryl Jarvis used this evening's season launch to pay tribute to his predecessor Neville Whitley OAM. "People have asked if my transition to president has been difficult and my answer is simple," he stated. "I sat beside Neville for a long period of time and felt natural to move to one seat to the left hand side of it." Guest speakers Michelle Gerdtz and David Langley reflected on the 20 years of the KEMPE | Read The Play program before premiership plaques were ha…

Bannockburn great Ronnie Pilgrim admits his primary focus will be on his side's opening round blockbuster against North Geelong this Saturday. However his players and loyal supporters have other ideas. They intend to celebrate the GDFNL legend's 500th combined game as his coaching tally will reach 184 games, adding on to his 316 as a player from 1985. "The build up has been pretty good, it just means I've been around for a very long time," he explained. Pilgrim will be called to the stage a…

KEMPE Read The Play founder Dave Langley has revealed his charity will be celebrating its 20 year milestone with a big event on November 7. "Its 20 years since we started in 2006," he reflected. (More to come)

Bell Post Hill has come a long way in two years. Just ask the club's senior captain Jack Yates. “I’m pretty sure there was an Ad in the Addy to see if we could get some players up here ahead of Round 1 in 2024,” he reflected. In one of the upset wins of the decade (so far), Bell Post Hill opened its campaign with a memorable 12.12 (84) to 11.7 (73) win against premiership favourite East Geelong. The win placed the Panthers fourth on the table to start the season however they could add anoth…

This Saturday the GDFNL season gets underway in style with our commentary team of Dale Smyth, Archie Burley and Richard ‘Grubby’ Cations calling the Round 1 clash between Bannockburn and reigning premier North Geelong. The opening bounce doesn’t just signal the start of a new season. It marks the beginning of the second quarter of the 21st century for our proud competition. Over the past 25 years, eight clubs have etched their names into premiership history, with Bell Post Hill setting the b…

This Saturday the GDFNL season gets underway in style with our commentary team of Dale Smyth, Archie Burley and Richard ‘Grubby’ Cations calling the Round 1 clash between Bannockburn and reigning premier North Geelong. The opening bounce doesn’t just signal the start of a new season. It marks the beginning of the second quarter of the 21st century for our proud competition. Over the past 25 years, eight clubs have etched their names into premiership history, with Bell Post Hill setting the b…

Reigning premier North Geelong will enter this Saturday's season opener as favourite against Bannockburn after last year's upset grand final win. To add to the narrative, Peter Riccardi has revealed his son and premiership star Osca may also be available for selection despite moving to Western Australia over the pre-season. "Unfortunately, Jonny Fazio dislocated his ankle and has a fracture in both bones in his lower leg and Thomas Davis is a day to day prospect," Peter said after his practic…

The Anakie Football & Netball Club honoured four of its families on Saturday, March 28. Both the Moore Tucker and Osborne Lowe pavillions were unveiled ahead of the senior football side's practice match against Sunshine Heights (watch full game here). Anakie legend Jeff Moore praised the hard work of club president Heath Menhennet. "I think I speak today on behalf of the Tuckers, Osbornes, Lowes and Moores when I say we are very humbled and privileged to have these rooms named after our…

Local photographer Sharlene Vale said it is surreal to be appointed as the league's photographer for season 2026. Prominent across all GDFNL matches across seasons 2024 and 2025, she hopes to add to her CV which includes GDFNL Interleague photographer (2025). "I felt pretty privileged to see the best of the GDFNL play all together and it was the first time I had captured netball so I fell into it and loved what I was doing so I kept going," she told GDFNL Media. As for her tips to the next g…

Four-time club best and fairest Michael Leamer believes his side is ready for battle when the Giants play host to Bell Post Hill. Joined by his son Jack and daughter Darci on GDFNL Media, Leamer believes his side has a good mix of youth and experience. "We are going to go into this one very confident because we have a strong backline and a very strong forward line," Leamer explained. Geelong West netball coordinator also believes that Round 1 will be a great test for the club's netball secti…

The Werribee Centrals netball section will enter the regular season with confidence following an eventful month of March. The Centurions travelled North to Yarrawonga to take part in a pre-season netball gala day.  "It was great because we versed teams that we haven't come up against before," Natasha Dimkovski told GDFNL Media. The weekend was highlighted by the B Grade side's entry into the tournament final, only to fall short by a narrow margin. "I think there is a lot we can take away fr…

A connection with a current player has helped reigning GDFNL grand finalist East Geelong sign Lara co-captain Sam Purdy. Purdy is good friends with former Cat Galen Munari, who arrived at Richmond Crescent from the Snakepit ahead of last year. (Click full story here)

Anakie has added three players with GFNL senior experience as it looks to build on its 2025 elimination final appearance. Sam Erwin, Lachie Scerri, and Jackson Francese Fulton have arrived at De Motts Road from Lara, after the Cats went into recess earlier this month. (Click here for full story)

A group of Bell Post Hill greats will extend their careers for another season as the Panthers chase a first GDFNL premiership in nine years. Coach Ash Witney has confirmed Caleb Bacely, Tim Barton, Nick Costello and reigning best-and-fairest Dyl Witney have all committed to playing in 2026. He’s also unveiled a trio of recruits seven weeks out from the Round 1 meeting against Geelong West, with Giant Tannar Stone and Lara youngsters Banjo Hickey and Riley Dixon calling Myers Reserve home. (S…

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.