Beyond the Boundary #Christmas Edition

shaunconnell1
Dec 18, 2025
3 min read

FROM THE REGION MANAGER

As we come to the end of another football year, I would like to sincerely thank everyone across the AFL Goulburn Murray community for their commitment, passion and collaboration throughout the season. Our clubs, volunteers, coaches, umpires, players and administrators continue to play a vital role in creating strong, welcoming and sustainable football environments across the region. The progress made this year is a direct result of the collective effort and willingness to work together.

The time, energy and care shown by so many, often behind the scenes, does not go unnoticed and is genuinely appreciated. Your efforts continue to strengthen the game and ensure football remains a positive experience for all involved.

As we head into Christmas period, I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to rest, reflect and enjoy time with family and friends. Thank you once again for you dedication and support throughout the year.

On behalf of AFL Goulburn Murray, I wish you a safe and enjoyable Christmas and look forward to continuing to work together in the new year.

Note: The AFLGM Office will be closed from December 19 and re-open from January 12, 2025.

2026 Club Registrations

The club player registration portals are now open. Can all clubs yet to open/promote/set a fee for their portals please do so asap.

Club Health Check

To date, 67% of football clubs in AFLGM have submitted a Club Health Check. Thank you to those clubs for your time and engagement. This information is incredibly valuable in helping us better understand and support your club's priorities. Early in the new year, John Thompson will be contacting clubs presidents to arrange a time to discuss feedback and next steps.

For any club yet to complete, please click the link below.

Club Health Check

Coaching Dates

Feb 28 – March 01 AFL Victoria 2026 Coaching Forum
Mar 29 – AFLGM Coaches Day - Benalla FNC - Stay tuned for more info

Applications OPEN for the following W&G programs

Lead Your Way Program
UMPowered Coaching Conference 2026 - (Umpiring Coaching)
W&G Umpire Liaison Program 2026

AFL Women & Girls Charter

Signing up to the AFL Women & Girls' Charter demonstrates a club's commitment to providing a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for women and girls at all levels of the game. The Charter supports clubs to strengthen participation, leadership and development opportunities, while reinforcing positive club culture, respect and equality. This should be a straightforward decision for every club president in the region.

Click the link to get started - W&G Charter

AFL Community Camps

AFL Goulburn Murray was proud to host AFL Community Camps featuring Melbourne, North Melbourne and Richmond, delivering outstanding engagement opportunities across the region. The camps provided valuable experiences for our local clubs with Auskick activations, player signings and coaching forum. We look forward to the Carlton Football Club attending Shepparton in February as our newly aligned NGA club.

AFL President Learning Module

The AFL have released via play.afl an educational piece to assist club presidents to achieve a deeper understanding of key tasks and duties. Check it out, click the link - Toyota AFL Club Help - Play AFL

This is the one stop shop for presidents to source development information, key resources and practical tools to support their club.

Upcoming Key Dates

February

15th Sports Medicine Australia Trainers Course Kialla Park Community Centre - (Click link to apply)
Trainers Course 15th February

March

1st - Club Leaders' Summit - Save the Date!
8th SMA Trainers Course - Labor Day Long Weekend - Shepparton Park Bowls Club
(Click link to apply) - Trainers Course 8th March
29th Coaching Summit including Elevate Coaching Course

Shaun Connell

AFL Victoria Regional Manager - Goulburn Murray

We’re Here to Help!

Our team is on hand to support you across all areas:

AFL Victoria
- Governance, Strategy, Facilities, Partnerships & Governance – Shaun Connell
- Club Development & Experience – John Thompson
- Participation Team – Kevin Monaghan & Mel Saunders
RAC Operational Support – Jo Spencer (HOO), Andrew Moore (GVFUA) Brad Noonan (GVL), Connor Noakes (GMJ), Sam Heron (GMW&G), Jo Backway (Netball) , Michelle Adams (Finance)
Murray League: Dale Norman

From mid-December, the Australian Government will require certain social media services to take steps to prevent U16's from having accounts. As an early FYI, there are still specific details being developed but it is worth starting to consider:

(1) how young people and clubs currently use social media as part of their sport, and

(2) what policies, training or resources may need to be reviewed/updated.

For more information: click here