Beyond the Boundary Edition #38
- 17 hours ago
- 16 min read
FROM THE REGION MANAGER
Chair Statement – Operating Model Review Update
Statement from AFL Goulburn Murray Chair Quentin Thomson
AFL Goulburn Murray (AFLGM) is today releasing the “What We Heard” Report as part of our Operating Model Review.
This report reflects extensive consultation with leagues, clubs, volunteers, and community members across our region.
We asked a simple question: what is working, what isn’t, and what needs to change to ensure football and netball continue to thrive.
What we heard reinforces the strength and importance of our game.
Football and netball are more than competitions; they are vital community assets that bring people together and play a central role in the social fabric of our towns.
However, the feedback was consistent and, at times, confronting.
We heard the backbone of our game, our volunteers, are under pressure with administrative and compliance demands increasing.
There was confusion about roles and responsibilities across AFLGM, leagues and AFL Victoria.
There is concern about change, not because stakeholders are resistant to improvement, but because change must be properly planned, supported and resourced.
Finally, we heard a very clear expectation that AFLGM must be a strong advocate for our region and stand up for country football and netball.
This feedback will help shape the next steps.
So, what’s next?
In November 2025, AFL Victoria announced the Regional Administration Centre (RAC) Directional Strategies Project.
A key outcome of this work is a transition away from the RAC model toward independently managed and governed leagues, directly affiliated with AFL Victoria.
Under this model:
leagues will affiliate directly with AFL Victoria
a Region Council will be established as a subcommittee of AFL Victoria to support and guide the region, and
the Council will oversee key areas including community club sustainability, by-laws, appeals, strategic planning, and regional collaboration.
This is a decision and process being directed by AFL Victoria, who will soon call for expressions of interest for positions on this Council.
The Council will provide an opportunity for experienced and passionate contributors to help shape the future of the region.
Decisions regarding participation by current AFLGM Commissioners being a matter for individuals.
The next steps for AFLGM
AFLGM Commissioners will take the message we have heard so clearly to AFL Victoria.
Our stakeholders have asked us to advocate for them, and we will continue to put forward a strong, evidence-based case to AFL Victoria to ensure the Goulburn Murray region is supported through this change and that the transition:
· reduces the burden on volunteers
· protects participation pathways, and
· is properly funded and staged
These are essential to the future of our game.
While AFL Victoria is leading the overall direction, our focus is on working constructively to support a smooth and positive transition for our leagues, clubs and communities.
Our priority is to ensure football and netball across the Goulburn Murray region remain strong, sustainable, and continues to thrive for generations to come.
Media Contact | |
Kristin Favaloro | Quentin Thomson |
0438 670 762 | 0418 337 267 |
V/Line Cup returns to Gippsland for 2026
AFL Victoria has today announced that the V/Line Cup will be returning to the Gippsland region in 2026, after it last hosted the annual representative carnival in 2018.
Latrobe City Council will welcome more than 600 players, officials and their families to a three-day event when the 77th edition of the V/Line Cup takes place from Monday 21 until Wednesday 23 September.
The region has a strong history of successfully hosting the V/Line Cup between 2015 to 2018, resulting in a substantial economic boost exceeding $9 million for the local community.
The venues where the V/Line Cup was last held, Traralgon Recreation Reserve, Morwell Recreation Reserve, and Ted Summerton Reserve in Moe, have undergone significant refurbishments and redevelopment in recent years, priming them to provide an elevated hosting experience for 2026 and beyond.
The V/Line Cup is the premier representative football competition for Victorian boys and girls aged 15 and under and has seen many talented footballers come through the ranks into the elite game in recent years.
Latrobe City Council has produced its fair share of elite football talent, including Carlton’s Ben Ainsworth (Morwell), Gold Coast SUNS’ Bailey Humphrey (Moe) and Collingwood’s Amber Schutte and Tim Membrey, who both came through Traralgon Football Club.
Notable draftees from the wider Gippsland region include 2025 Telstra AFL Draft No. 1 Pick, Willem Duursma (West Coast Eagles), along with his three older siblings Zane (North Melbourne), Yasmin (Carlton) and Xavier (Essendon), who hail from Foster, and 2024 Telstra AFLW Draft No.1 Pick Ash Centra (Collingwood) from Sale.
First played in the Goulburn Murray in 1949, the V/Line Cup comprises three divisions – two boys divisions and a girls division, with teams representing the 10 AFL Victoria Country regions.
AFL Goulburn Murray and AFL North East Border – Murray Bushrangers
AFL Central Victoria – Bendigo Pioneers
AFL Barwon – Geelong Falcons
AFL South East – Dandenong Stingrays
AFL Gippsland – Gippsland Power
AFL Western District, AFL Goldfields, AFL Wimmera Mallee and AFL Sunraysia – GWV Rebels
The 2026 V/Line Cup will see a reduced number of teams competing, with AFL Goulburn Murray and AFL North East Border, combining to play under one united Murray Bushrangers team in each division. In previous years, Goulburn Murray and North East Border have competed separately.
This change sees the V/Line Cup regions align with the six representative AFL Talent League clubs that many participants will trial to represent in the coming years.
Each team will compete in two matches over the carnival, with a total of 18 matches played across the three days.
Head of AFL Victoria, Greg Madigan, said:
“The V/Line Cup is a highlight of the AFL Victoria calendar - an historic and important event for many of the best young footballers from regional Victoria,” Madigan said.
“I’m thrilled to see the V/Line Cup return to Gippsland, with recently upgraded facilities and a dedicated local community who will ensure it is a fantastic experience for the more than 600 participants, officials and umpires involved this year.
“We have seen tremendous talent come through AFL Gippsland in recent years, including the four Duursma siblings who all were drafted from the Gippsland Power Talent League program, the youngest Willem at No. 1 pick last year, along with 2024 Telstra AFLW Draft top pick Ash Centra.
“I thank and congratulate the Latrobe City Council for returning as the host of the V/Line Cup this year and extend my appreciation to V/Line for the ongoing and long-standing support of country footy in Victoria.”
Latrobe City Council Mayor Cr Sharon Gibson said:
“We’re thrilled to welcome players, families and supporters to Latrobe City for the V/Line Cup in 2026 and 2027. We are sure you will have the best time down here and cannot wait to come back."
“Our excellent sporting facilities will provide the young players a platform where their hard work, passion and potential will truly shine.”
V/Line CEO Will Tieppo said:
“We’re delighted to be returning to the Gippsland region for the 2026 V/Line Cup. It’s a strong footy heartland and Traralgon is also one of the key hubs on the V/Line network with more than 100 extra services added to the line over the past year.”
“We look forward to seeing the state’s young football stars in action down in the Gippsland region in September and are proud to continue to support this important event.”
All matches will be live streamed with details to come on the AFL Victoria website.
AFLGM AGM
The Annual General Meeting will be conducted on Tuesday, May 12th 2026 Kialla Reserve.
Relevant Documents:
In Case you Missed It: AFL Victoria Org Chart
Upcoming Key Dates May
14 - 24 Indigenous Round
18 - 24 National Volunteers Week
June
Pride Round
July
Women's Coaching Month
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
Child Safeguarding Requirements
Clubs are legally required to comply with the Victorian Child Safe Standards (VCCS), however the VCCS doesn’t explicitly call out the need for clubs to have a Child Safety Officer (CSO). However, appointing a CSO is a positive step towards meeting the requirements outlined in the VCCS to ensure a safe environment.
The AFL has a Club Safeguarding Checklist on the Play AFL website along with a Child Safeguarding Officer position description which will help clubs. In addition to this, Sport integrity Australia (SIA) also has a range of resources available.
Themed Round Toolkit
This has been updated with the dates for the local themed rounds. Please use this can assist in supporting local planning.
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)
AFL President Learning Module - Online Training
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.
AFL Runners Course - Online Training
A new ‘Runner’ module has been created and is now available on Play.AFL here The module has been designed to be quite generic in nature to suit a national audience so feel free to share with clubs in you region or league.
WorkSafe Insights Survey
All clubs are encouraged to participate in the WorkSafe insights survey. This is a crucial opportunity and data point to highlight community football interest and breadth of audience. Plus there are some great prizes up for grabs.
Click here - Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management
Required Action - Clubs - Container Deposit Scheme Activity Survey
The Victorian Container Deposit Scheme is seeking feedback via this survey to understand how they greater assit grassroots football. It would be greatly appreciated if a club representative can take the time to complete.
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:
AAMI Clangers for Good
AAMI Clangers for good is back for 2026! Packed flippers instead of your footy boots? Clangers happen! Clangers could win someone or their club a share in $250,000.
Simply tell AAMI how they can help. This is their biggest prize pool ever and is available to local clubs and footy fans.
Click here - https://www.afl.com.au/competitions
Bunnings Legend of the Tongs
Bunnings Legend of the Tongs is back for 2026! Clubs can nominate their legends for the chance to win weekly prize packs. Plus, a chance to win a trip for two to attend the AFL Footy Festival & 2026 Toyota AFL Grand Final, and an additional $25,000 in Bunnings products & materials for the club. For more information and to nominate - click here https://www.bunnings.com.au/campaign/legend_of_the_tongs
Competition closes: 16 August 2026
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:
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
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 Registrations - Assistance Links
Please find videos links to LMS walk-through videos that steps coaches through the accreditation process from start to finish.
New Coach - https://vimeo.com/1131552686?fl=pl&fe=cm
Returning Coaches - https://vimeo.com/1131548997?fl=pl&fe=cm
AFL ID - How To Video - https://vimeo.com/1020773954?fl=pl&fe=cm
Coach Accreditation - https://vimeo.com/1131913553?fl=pl&fe=cm
Framework - https://vimeo.com/1131913553?fl=pl&fe=cm
AFL Victoria - Sit Down To Coach Round
AFL Victoria are pleased to confirm the dates for the proposed Sit Down to Coach Round across
Victoria.
As we look to tackle the challenges of Coach Behaviour on Match Day and help create better
environments for all participants in our sport, players, umpires, volunteers and spectators, Sit Down
Round will be hosted across Victoria for the first time on Saturday 16 May and Sunday 17 May.
On this weekend, Coaches and additional people in the coaches box (i.e. Runners, Trainers and
Assistant Coaches) will be asked to sit down to coach. This comes off the back of incredible success in
South Australia through the SANFL Junior competition where they have seen much improved results
in umpire ratings of coaches behaviour on match day, reducing the ‘poor ratings’ (1 or 2 out of 5)
from 165 in season 2023 before Sit Down Round was introduced to now 45 poor ratings in 2025
when Sit Down round was implemented every week throughout their season
Any club (playing a home game that round) wishing to champion this great initiative, please reach out to AFLGM Club Development Lead - John Thompson - john.thompson@aflgm.com.au
Coach Education Opportunities
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.
Community Umpiring Week - 13th to 19th April.
Community Umpiring week celebrates and thanks all umpires at community level of football. Highlighting the important job umpires undertake to ensure the continued success of the game.
We encourage you to thank your local umpires over community umpire week through your social media channels and on game day.
Club Warehouse - Therabody Recovery Products Discount
Club Warehouse is offering 25% off Therabody recovery products, including massage guns, compession boots and more! Simply use the code THERABODY25 at online checkout. Offer ends 1st May.
Community Club Sustainability Policy (CCSP)
CCSP Lodgement Deadlines
Deadlines for the initial upload of CCSP Documents have been sent out to all clubs in the GVL, MFL & KDL. As a reminder, all clubs must lodge all Player Declarations and Club Player Payments Budget within 14 days of your first scheduled game within the AFL Document Portal. If you are unsure of what your deadline is, reach out to your League Operations Manager.
Clubs may engage additional players throughout the season who, where receiving a benefit, MUST sign a Player Declaration and it MUST be lodged in the AFL Document Portal within 7 days of their first game.
Player Declarations should be saved as PDF files with the document portal using the following system:
· SURNAME FIRSTNAME (eg SMITH JOHN)
Handy Links & Resources
In Mid - March, AFL Goulburn Murray ran an online webinar for clubs around CCSP. A recording of the session can be found here: https://bit.ly/3NKwDDN
CCSP Player Payment Framework – contains Player Payment Rules, Guidelines & templates for player declarations and club budget/final payment declarations
CCSP Player Points System – contains the Player Points System Policy, Player Points Calculator & application form for individual player points re-assessment requests
AFL Community Document Portal – upload Player declarations and budgets here
Clubs are reminded to ensure that the clubs’ access to the portal is current. If you need to check this or wish to amend, please make the request in writing to Josephine Spencer via email jo.spencer@aflgm.com.au
If we are adding anyone, you will need to ensure that the person is also a club admin in PlayHQ.
8d Rulings
We are waiting on the form to be updated. This will be sent out as soon as its finalised. In the meantime, any 8d ruling requests should be submitted on club letterhead and sent to your league operations manager or directly to Jo Spencer via jo.spencer@aflgm.com.au
When in doubt of what should be included or excluded on the Player Payment Budget, seek advice or seek a ruling in advance under clause 8d.
Marsh AFL - Asset Protect Cover (HAVE YOU UPGRADED YOUR COVER?)
With the Football Season now underway, clubs have taken 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
WorkSafe- Mental Health & Wellbeing Competition
Sign up for a free WorkSafe Mental Health and Wellbeing workshop for your chance to win a meet and greet with Emily Mannix at your club or association. More information WorkSafe Health & Wellbeing Programs - Netball VIC
NEW Beginner Coach resources!
We are very excited to release the first instalment of Netball Victoria's Beginner Coach resources. These are designed for first time coaches, coaches who would like a refresher and those new to the game. It is also perfect to share with parents, supporters and spectators. We loved making and creating this and would love to make more resources that will help your communities. Let us know what you might like - email workforce@netballvic.com.au and let us know what you need!
Coaches in the Field Workshops
Are you looking to further develop your coaches? Netball Victoria continues to offer “Coaches in the Field” workshops from grassroots level through to Intermediate accredited coaches. These sessions help build coaching skills and knowledge and offer opportunities for coaches to progress through Netball Australia’s Coach Accreditation Pathway. All workshops are delivered by Netball Victoria’s most experienced Coach Developers. More information Coaches in the Field - Netball VIC
Become a Netball Victoria Community Umpire
What do NV Community Umpires need?• C Badge accreditation or higher• WWCC (if 18+ years)• Be registered on Netball Connect as a NV Community Umpire
What do NV Community Umpires get?• Details of upcoming paid umpiring opportunities• To pick & choose what opportunities they are available for - no ongoing commitment!• Discounted umpire development opportunities and other bonuses
Free Anti-Racism Training in Community Sport
A free course through Netball Learning (Netball Australia’s Learning platform) is now available to help tackle racism in community sport. This course will assist to prepare your club or association to be a safe space and to intervene in the moment that an act of racism occurs during a match or event. Users will need to sign up for or log in to their Netball Learning account. Log in here
Emergency Sporting Equipment Grant Program
The Emergency Sporting Equipment Grant program provides funding for community sport and active recreation organisations across Victoria. Funding will be available to 31 May 2026 or until funding is exhausted.
For specific club support please get in touch with the Club Development Lead:
John Thompson
0422 768 867
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