Beyond the Boundary Edition #35
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- 14 min read
FROM THE REGION MANAGER Shaun Connell
The 2026 season is shaping up to be a year of growth, collaboration and renewed alignment across the Goulburn Murray region. Recent developments in our junior competitions, strong representation at statewide forums, and new leadership appointments reflect the collective commitment of our leagues and clubs to strengthening the game across the region.
As we prepare for the season ahead, we continue to focus on supporting our clubs, enhancing participation pathways and celebrating the people who drive football forward in our region.
Our current focus is to have a 1:1 meeting with all clubs across the region before the commencement of the season. The aim of catch up is to review the clubs completed Club Health Checks and to discuss areas of priority support including, participation, governance, financial sustainability and facility improvements. At the time of writing this we have 5 clubs we have not yet met with. Clubs are encouraged to reach out to the regions CDL John Thompson if you have any queries on your club health check or any other club development query.
In addition to the financial support given to the Longwood Football Netball Club we are pleased to confirm additional financial support to the Alexandra Football Netball Club and Mansfield Football Netball Club.
This week top requests: AFL Victoria Org Chart
Goulburn Murray Junior Update
A realignment of junior football in the Goulburn Murray region will see Finley, Cobram and Nathalia Under 10 and Under 12 teams integrated into the Goulburn Murray Juniors Central fixtures for the 2026 season, following a club decision in late 2025 to move to an unaffiliated competition. These clubs previously competed in the Cobram District Junior fixtures within the Goulburn Murray Juniors.
The decision, made in consultation with the Goulburn Murray Junior Advisory, Murray League Board and affected clubs, ensures all affiliated clubs continue to access an AFL‑aligned competition and the full benefits of affiliation, including insurance coverage, program support, facility funding opportunities and protection under national rules and policies.
Fixtures for the 2026 season are currently being developed, with considerations including geographical alignment, flexible scheduling, use of central venues and minimising travel.
Under 10s will participate in a development‑focused fixture, while Under 12s will complete a grading period before moving into divisional competition. Neutral venues such as Numurkah Recreation Reserve may be used to reduce excessive travel.
The season will conclude with the traditional Under 10 Gala Day and Under 12 Lightning Premiership, bringing all clubs together for carnival‑style events. Clubs are encouraged to begin registrations through PlayHQ, with support available as needed.
This realignment aims to provide stability, maintain participation pathways and support the continued growth of junior football across the north‑east Goulburn Murray region.
AFL Victoria Leagues Forum
The Goulburn Murray region was well represented at the 2026 AFL Victoria League Seminar held in Melbourne last month. Key leaders from the GVL, MFL, KDL and Goulburn Murray Juniors attended to hear from industry leaders on national and state plans for the game.
Keynote speaker Matthew Chun, AFL EGM of Finance, Broadcast & Infrastructure, provided insights into the AFL’s business strategy and its investment into community football.
The forum also provided an opportunity for affiliated stakeholders to give feedback on regulations, policy development and club and team movement.
The aim is to establish the forum as an annual event, fostering a more collaborative and engaging approach to shaping the future success of community football in Victoria.
KDL Operations Coordinator Commences
The team is excited to welcome Derek Lee as the Competitions Coordinator of the Kyabram and District League, where he will oversee league administration, stakeholder engagement and compliance.
Derek brings extensive experience across sport administration, community engagement and event operations. His background includes delivering school and community football programs as a Game Development Officer with AFL Victoria, with a strong focus on inclusion pathways.
He has held multiple leadership roles at University Blues Football Club, progressing from Team Manager to Football Operations Manager, where he managed logistics, coordinated with coaches and volunteers, and ensured smooth competition operations.
His broader community sport experience includes roles with Cricket Victoria, Whittlesea Junior Football Club, RMIT Basketball, Broadmeadows Basketball and Premier Data, strengthening his expertise in game‑day management, venue operations and sports data collection.
Before relocating to Australia, Derek gained valuable customer service, coaching and sports administration experience in Hong Kong, including roles with Aberdeen Marina Club, InspiringHK Sports Foundation, TVB and the Hong Kong Tenpin Bowling Congress. He also completed the Disney International College Program at Walt Disney World in Florida.
Derek’s career reflects a strong commitment to community sport, operational excellence and enhancing the experience of players, officials and supporters across multiple sporting codes.
Goulburn Murray Well Represented in State Female Leadership Program
Four outstanding leaders from the region have been selected to represent AFL Goulburn Murray in the 2026 AFL Victoria Lead Your Way Program.
This initiative empowers women in football to grow their leadership, confidence and influence across clubs and communities.
Congratulations to:
Emma McColl – Congupna FNC
Sharon O'Dwyer – Goulburn Valley FL
Shonelle Ritchie – Rumbalara FNC & Murray FL
Janelle Atkinson – Rumbalara FNC
We look forward to the positive impact these leaders will continue to make across football in the Goulburn Murray region.
Upcoming Key Dates
March
15th - SMA Trainers Course - Shepparton United Football Club, Deakin Reserve, Shepparton.
16th - Match Day Coach, Captains, Club Operations (7pm Girgarre Football Netball Club)
23rd - Match Day Coach, Captains, Club Operations (7pm Euroa Football Netball Club)
29th - SAVE THE DATE - NEB & GM Coaching Summit including Elevate Coaching Course at Benalla Football Club.
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
REMINDER: Opportunity for a club to win $3k worth of Sherrins!
Closes March 15
Set your team up for the season
Sherrin are giving one lucky person the chance to win $2,999 (RRP) worth of Sherrin footballs for their local football club!
National Volunteer Week (NVW) Planning: May 18-24
NVW is a great opportunity for clubs & leagues to celebrate volunteers in a meaningful way.
e.g. Plan for daily volunteer celebrations on socials. Clubs plan how to make Volunteers the ‘VIPs’ for a match day (where players take the reins & volunteers put their feet up).
Junior volunteers run through player guard of honor & a banner and are thanked on ground. Each club nominates 4+ volunteers in the National Awards.
Get someone new to shadow each role to help with on-the-job learning. etc.
Action: Clubs start planning now.
Links here: National Volunteer Week & Volunteer Recruitment Tips & Tip Sheet (Why Register as a Volunteer)
Club Health Check
The Club Health Checks are still open and available to complete. There has been a huge response, with a majority of clubs completing the CHC. Thank you to those clubs for your time and engagement.
There's still a couple of clubs that are yet to complete. This information is incredibly valuable in helping us better understand and support your club's priorities.
For any club yet to complete, please click the link below.
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.
The 2026 AFL season has officially kicked off!
That means it’s time for another huge season of Community Auskick in 2026!
If your child is aged 5–12 and loves running around, learning new skills and having good clean fun, Auskick is the perfect place to start their footy journey.
Learn the basics of AFL
Build confidence and teamwork
Make new friends
Have a blast every week!
Find your nearest Community Auskick centre and register today:
For more information regarding opportunities for your child to participate in footy please contact: Mel.saunders@afl.com.auThe 2026 AFL season has officially kicked off!
What is NAB AFL Superkick and where can I play?
Superkick is for every kid aged 7–12, no matter their skill level or background. Fun, friendship and footy guaranteed.
NAB AFL Superkick is a modified version of AFL designed specifically for children aged 7–12 years to help develop their skills without the pressure of full competition.
What makes Superkick great:
• Tackle free (tag) gameplay
• Highly social and fun environment
• Shorter seasons
• One location, once a week
• No additional training required
Each week includes one 60-minute session, with approximately 20–30 minutes of skill development followed by up to 40 minutes of modified match play, allowing participants to put their skills into action in a game setting.
Superkick is a great option for:
• Kids new to footy
• Kids wanting to build confidence and develop their skills
• Current or past players who want to play more footy with friends
SUPERCHARGE YOUR HALF TIME - NAB AFL Superkick is now bringing the energy to AFL games.
Superkickers may have the chance to take part in half time activations at AFL matches, giving kids the opportunity to experience footy on the big stage in front of a live crowd - a memory that can last a lifetime.
Local Superkick Centres:
• Shepparton East
• Shepparton Swans
• Tatura
• Mooroopna
• Wandong
• Echuca
• Moama
• Kyabram
• Cobram
• Mansfield
• Rochester
All Girls Superkick Options:
• Shepparton & Surrounds
• Echuca & Surrounds
Find your nearest Community Superkick Centre here:
NEW: 2025-2026 Volunteer Grants (Federal Government)
Grants of $1,000 - $5,000 will be available to assist eligible not-for-profit clubs that rely on volunteers.
Grants can be used to purchase a range of items & activities as specified in the Grant Opportunity Guidelines.
e.g. phone bills, tablets, AV equipment, internet costs, software, program costs addressing gender disadvantage, racism, wellbeing etc. ~ $66k per Federal electorate across the State.
Action: Clubs should contact their local Federal MP for more information on the application process and closing date.
More info here:
Government Sport Vouchers - up to $200 pp (March 3 - April 2)
Don’t forget to promote the annual opportunity for families in need to capitalise on up to $200 pp discount on Auskick or Junior fees (e.g. Health Care / Pensioner Concession).
Parents either use the registration discount code within PlayHQ or seek recovery later.
N.B.: Auskick / Superkick = AFL is the Provider. Clubs = They register to be the provider.
Action: To promote the Get Active Kids Voucher program in your club please follow this link to use the template images and content to share in your newsletter, website and on social media.
AFL NSW Facilities Fund - Open
AFL NSW has opened their facilities fund today - AFL NSW Football Facilities Fund (NSWFFF).
Grants are available to LGA's or clubs up to $50,000 to help improve their facilities.
The NSWFF provides an important opportunity to partner with state sporting bodies and local councils to improve the quality, capacity and accessibility of community sporting infrastructure. Eligible projects may include (but are not limited to):
Field and facility upgrades
Lighting improvements
Amenities buildings and changerooms
Surface upgrades and supporting infrastructure
Projects that increase participation, inclusion and shared use
This program will close on Sunday March 29th.
Club who require support should contact Nick Baglin at AFL NSW nick.baglin@afl.com.au
Sporting Club Grants Program - Victorian Government
Access to this funding helps grassroots clubs and organisations address barriers in participation, develop safe and sustainable practices and build social and active local communities.
This program assists organisations to:
purchase uniforms and equipment that are essential for participation, first-aid and safety
attract, build the capability and retain a skilled workforce – both volunteer and paid
increase equity, diversity and inclusiveness
implement good governance practices
increase participation of individuals and communities who participate less
create opportunities so Victorians can participate in ways that suit them
build a robust sector that responds to current and changing community needs
support athletes to achieve success in their sport.
To find out if your club is eligible click the link - https://sport.vic.gov.au/funding/sporting-club-grants-program
Click the link for other Victorian Government Grants - https://sport.vic.gov.au/funding
Telstra Footy Grants - Applications Open
An absolute MUST for every club to at least read the criteria and have a think. If you're unsure, please email me and we can discuss.
For more information on the Telstra Footy Grants – please go here: Telstra Footy Grants - Play AFL
Funding Criteria: Telstra Footy Grants Criteria 2026
Applications: Telstra Footy Grants 2026 - AFL
Round 2 is open till Thursday, 2nd April 2026.
Various Shire Grants - Now Open
For clubs in the Moira Shire, Strathbogie Shire and Murrindindi Shire.
These Shires have Grants available that clubs might be able to take advantage of. This is non-football specific, but it is open and usable for eligible local football and netball clubs. Worth a look to see if it fits or can be incorporated into any plans.
Australian Sports Foundation
Grassroots football clubs should consider using the Australian Sports Foundation as it allows clubs to raise funds through tax-deductible donations. This makes it easier to attract support from individuals, businesses and major donors while increasing credibility and reach. Clubs can use the platform to fundraise for projects such as facility upgrades, equipment, participation programs and other club development initiatives.
Click the link to find out more - https://asf.org.au/eofy-new
Coach Education Opportunities
Mar 29 – AFLGM Coaches Day - Benalla FNC - Stay tuned for more info SAVE THE DATE!
Applications OPEN for the following W&G programs
UMPowered Coaching Conference 2026 - (Umpiring Coaching)
🏉 Registrations to Umpire for the 2026 season are now OPEN!
Stay involved in footy, and develop your skills with support from experienced coaches.Field, Boundary & Goal Umpires all welcome.
LAWS OF THE GAME AND NATIONAL POLICY HANDBOOK
With the recent changes to the AFL Laws of the Game the AFLGM Operations Team and are running Information Sessions Club Umpires, Coaches, Team Managers & Captains.
Clubs are encouraged to attend at Forum convenient for them.
Girgarre Football Club – Monday 16th March – 7.00pm
Euroa Football Club – Monday 23rd March – 7.00pm
All documents can be found here or on the play.afl website:
National Policy Handbook
AFL Laws of the Game Memo detailing changes
2026 CLUB REGISTRATION TOOLKITS - PROMOTE OPPORTUNITIES AT YOUR CLUB
The club player registration portals are now open.
The AFL provides a wide range of marketing assets and editable templates that you can use to promote your club.
For social media, assets are available in different sizes depending if you're posting in feed or via story on Facebook & Instagram. Include any text in your post rather than on these images for better engagement.
For Flyers, these are editable so you can tailor the image and club details to suit your audience. Only include key details such as program, location & time to make sure your message is clear and simple. Clubs yet to open/promote/ their registrations should do so as soon as possible.
TRIBUNAL MEMBER RECRUITMENT 2026
AFL Goulburn Murray provides administrative services for its affiliated Leagues in the Goulburn Valley League (GVL) and Kyabram District League (KDL) as well as governance and administrative services for the Goulburn Murray Women & Girls (GMW&G) and Goulburn Murray Juniors (GMJ).
All Leagues partnered with AFL Goulburn Murray fall under the same Tribunal processes and guidelines as set out in the National Community Football Policy Handbook and AFL Victoria Country Rules.
The Tribunal Panel consists of individuals charged with the responsibility of adjudicating on reported incidents or referred investigations in any or all of our affiliated Leagues and Competitions administered by AFL Goulburn Murray.
Each sitting panel has 3 members of which one is an experienced Chairperson. Tribunal hearings are generally held on a Wednesday evening when required and occasionally on other nights at AFL Goulburn Murray’s Offices in Kialla.
We are seeking expressions of interest from suitable people to join our existing volunteer tribunal pool. We are also seeking expressions of interest for the role of Tribunal Secretary.
Tribunal Panel Members To be eligible as a member you must not have held any office within any affiliated league or club in the last 24 months. A knowledge of Australian Rules Football is preferred.
Tribunal Secretary Role The Tribunal Secretary is required to be available to attend tribunal hearings as scheduled to act as Secretary for all proceedings. The Secretary is charged with ensuring all attendees are present prior to the hearing, managing video evidence and people appearing via video link. Basic computer knowledge is essential, and knowledge of Webex, Zoom or Teams is preferred.
Full training will be provided. If you are interested in either role, please express interest via https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LVCNZDZ
Marsh AFL - Asset Protect Cover
As we approach Football Season and clubs begin to take over Facility Leases we wish to draw your attention to the Asset Protect coverage that is available at base level for all eligible Clubs.
As part of the NRPP all eligible Clubs* have Asset Protect cover for Contents which includes the following Sub-Limits;
Contents: $20,000
Theft: $1,000
Cash/Money: $1,000
Property away from the Club: $2,000
Electronic Equipment Breakdown: $1,500
*an eligible Club is a member club of football leagues affiliated to AFL Victoria, AFL NSW/ACT, AFL Tasmania, AFW Queensland an WA Football.
As all clubs have a different profile and different requirements it is crucial you consider your own requirements and consider the following;
Is $20,000 worth of contents cover sufficient to cover Bar/Canteen stock, Furniture, Club Merchandise, Club kits and equipment and Miscellaneous.
Does your Club have any external structures you are responsible for covering such as Light Towers, Scoreboards, Sheds or Outbuildings.
Does your Club own your Building or are you required to cover the Building under your Lease Agreement.
If the answer to any of the above questions is yes you need to consider additional property Insurance to ensure your Club will be adequately covered, as the limit of cover at base level is $20,000.
Unfortunately there have been some recent examples of clubs suffering losses from severe weather events in excess of $20,000 resulting in out of pocket costs which can be devastating for a community club.
Clubs are able to procure additional coverage at extremely preferential rates through the NRPP serviced by Marsh. Our experience is that this pricing is approx. 50-60% lower than costs that would be achievable if your club was not a member of the NRPP.
If you have any queries around your Clubs asset protect cover or what your requirements may look like we would encourage you to contact our specialist Sport team on the below details.
Marsh - 1300 130 373 - Sports@marsh.com
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
Netball Connect Planned System Update – Monday 16th March 2026
Please be advised that the next planned Netball Connect program release is scheduled for March 16th 2026.
This upcoming release will include several enhancements designed to improve performance and user experience. We’ll be sharing more detailed information about the updates as we get closer to the release date.
For guidance on all Netball Connect, please visit our Support page.
Property Insurance Change – 1st April 2026
Please find attached a letter and FAQ’s from Andrea Pearman outlining proposed changes to the property insurance component of our affiliate insurance coverage that will come into effect from 1st April 2026. The proposed changes bring us in to line with Netball Australia, includes an assessment of benefits verses cost and ensures we can keep insurance premiums down for our members. All other policies remain in place and Public Liability and Personal insurance cover remain unchanged. Please read through the letter and attached FAQ’s and reach out if you have any queries.
Vixens Grassroots Membership
Netball Victoria affiliated clubs, associations and leagues have the opportunity to align with the Melbourne Vixens for the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball season with our Grassroots membership.We're excited to invite all Netball Victoria affiliated clubs, associations and leagues to join us as Melbourne Vixens members for the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball season with our Grassroots membership offer, thanks to Love the Game.
WWNSG 2026 Centre Registration & EOI Form
Run a Woolworths NetsetGO Centre in 2026. Woolworths NetSetGO is the official introductory netball program where a lifelong love of netball begins! Complete the expression of interest form to begin the process of running an approved Woolworths NetSetGO Centre at your club or association in 2026. Help your netball community grow and thrive.
The Parkville Male and Mixed Competition is back!
Join the Parkville Netball Male and Mixed competition.After high demand, we have brought back our Male & Mixed Competition with the inclusion of our Super Social division! Starting March 15th, we have lots on offer here at the State Netball Centre.- 14&Under Males- 17&Under Males- Open Competitive Male- Open Competitive Mixed- Open Mixed Super Socials
For specific club support please get in touch with the Club Development Lead:
John Thompson
0422 768 867
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