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Beyond the Boundary Edition #41

  • 4 days ago
  • 13 min read


FROM THE REGION MANAGER Shaun Connell

Welcome Back Sammi


I am pleased to inform you all that Sam Monaghan has returned from maternity leave, having been away since August 2025.

 

To support a smooth transition back to work, Sam will initially return for four days per week arrangement for her first two weeks. During this time, Sam will be in the office on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, with Fridays being worked from home.

 

Sam's will spend the next two weeks with John Thomspon to ensure there is a smooth handover of current responsibilities and priorities. We look forward to Sammi hitting the ground running and picking up where she left off.

 

Welcome back Sammi, check out that cheeky smile of Indi.



Participation Strong Across Goulburn Murray



Participation across the Goulburn Murray region continues to trend positively in 2026, with 8,742 participants registered year to date, representing strong growth across both community football and participation programs.

The region has recorded a 6% increase in community football participation and a 2% increase in programs, reinforcing the ongoing strength of local clubs, volunteers, leagues and development initiatives across the region.

At a competition level, growth has been recorded across every competition:

  • Murray League – 1,311 participants (+8%)

  • Kyabram District League – 1,331 participants (+7%)

  • Goulburn Murray Juniors – 2,444 participants (+6%)

  • GM Women & Girls – 353 participants (+11%)

  • Goulburn Valley League – 1,053 participants (+3%)

  • Goulburn Valley Umpires Association – 280 participants (+3.3%)


The continued growth in the Women & Girls competition is particularly encouraging, with participation increasing by 11% year-to-date. This growth reflects the region’s ongoing commitment to creating more opportunities for female players, coaches, officials and volunteers. Recent AFLW Community Camps have further supported this momentum, with the Collingwood AFLW program visiting the region last month and the Essendon AFLW program set to visit in the coming weeks. As part of the Essendon Community Camp, three Coach Your Way sessions will be delivered in Moama, Cobram and Shepparton, providing participants with the opportunity to gain their Level 1 Coaching Accreditation. The camp will also include Girls Superkick programs in Moama and Shepparton, along with an Under 14 Girls activation in Moama, helping introduce more girls and women to football while strengthening local participation pathways.


Junior football remains a key driver of participation growth. The Youth category has increased by 6%, while Junior participation has grown by 4%, highlighting the strong work being undertaken by clubs, schools and volunteers to attract and retain young players.


Participation programs are also showing positive signs, with Superkick increasing by 63% and the emerging Nines format recording significant growth, providing additional entry points into the game for new participants.

While Auskick participation is currently tracking slightly below last year's numbers, registrations traditionally continue to build throughout Term 2 and into the second half of the season.


These results reflect the collective efforts of clubs, leagues, umpires, volunteers, schools and community partners who continue to make football welcoming, accessible and enjoyable across the Goulburn Murray region. As we move deeper into the 2026 season, the outlook remains positive with participation growth being achieved across all major areas of the game.


In Case you Missed It: AFL Victoria Org Chart


Upcoming Key Dates

July

  • 1 July - TAC Club Rewards Launch

  • 5th - 12th July NAIDOC Week

  • 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.


Updated AFL Community Concussion Guidelines


Over the past few months, the AFL have worked to review and update the AFL Community Concussion Guidelines for 2026. The updated Guidelines are now available on the AFL Play Concussion Hub.


Key Documents:


Themed Round Toolkit


This has been updated with the dates for the local themed rounds. Please use this can assist in supporting local planning.


Toyota AFL National Volunteer Awards - Nominations OPEN!

Each year the AFL (with thanks to the AFL Naming Rights Partner: Toyota) recognise volunteers/administrators for their outstanding contribution to Australian Football through the Toyota AFL National Volunteer Awards.


To view the criteria and vote for your clubs volunteers click the link -


Social Media Self- Defence - Will be held 1.00pm 26th May & 12.30pm 18th November. This webinar supports athletes, coaches and officials to understand online abuse, use social media more safely, respond to and de-escalate issues, and access reporting pathways, support services and free resources.


To register for both webinars click here - Resources for sport | eSafety Commissioner




AFLW Come and Play Clinics - JUNE 17th Cobram/Moama/Shepparton


Essendon AFLW are coming to the region on June 17. The visit includes Free Come & Play Clinics for Boys and Girls in Moama, Cobram and Shepparton. Click below for more information on how to Register and be part of great clinics.



School Holidays are back and better than ever!


Join us for a full day of footy fun these school holidays, with programs running in Shepparton, Echuca, Yea and


Cobram – including the launch of an All Girls program in Cobram for the very first time.

Time: 9:00am – 3:00pm


Participants will enjoy:

• A full day of football activities

• Footy giveaways

• A brand new football to keep


Whether you're new to footy or already love the game, there's something for everyone.






Federal Grant Opportunity - Game On: Teaming up for climate action

Australian Government will open a funding opportunity to clubs and council’s on June 11 and close July 8, 2026


The Game on: Teaming up for climate action program will deliver $35.262 million over 2 funding rounds and will run over 3 years from 2026–27 to 2028–29. The program was announced as part of the Support for the Net Zero Plan. Individual clubs can apply ($25K - $100K)


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


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


WorkSafe Footy's Favourite Farmer

Nominations are now open for the annual Footy’s Favourite Farmer competition, celebrating the incredible individuals who shine both on the farm and at the local oval. The competition, run in partnership with AFL Victoria, awards $10,000 to the winning farmer to put towards farm safety improvements, and another $10,000 for upgrades to their local football netball club.


Set The Standard - $1000 Club Support Vouchers Up For Grabs!


TAC Club Rewards

The TAC and AFL Victoria have partnered together for 34 years, working to achieve the vision of no deaths or serious injuries on our roads.


Applications are open for the TAC Club Rewards Program 2026. Click on Image to Apply:





Coach Registrations - Assistance Links


BREAKING NEWS // SHEPPARTON REGION

Essendon FCW and AFL Victoria are back in town for another year to promote female footy in the region during this year's AFLW Community Camp.


The Shepparton Coach Your Way experience will be proudly hosted by Shepparton United Football Netball Club and led by Essendon AFLW Head Coach Natalie Wood.


Since taking the reins at Essendon in 2022, Natalie has established herself as one of the game's most respected football minds. Bringing a wealth of experience across playing and coaching, her journey includes standout roles with Darebin Falcons and Melbourne University, as well as serving as an assistant and senior coach with Geelong's VFLW program.


A true pioneer of women's football, Natalie also represented the Western Bulldogs in the landmark AFL women's exhibition matches of 2013 and 2014, helping pave the way for the AFLW competition we know today.

• Wednesday 17th June from 4:30pm

• Register attendance for Coach Your Way sessions here: https://form.jotform.com/260210910051842

• Register here for the SUPERCLINIC: https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/e8b2f4


This is a unique opportunity to learn from one of the sport's leading coaches, gain elite-level insights, and be inspired by a trailblazer who has helped shape the future of the game.

• 4:30pm - 5:30pm / SUPERCLINIC (girls age 5+)

• 5:45pm - 6:30pm / Club Training with Essendon AFLW

• 6:30pm - 7:30pm / Coach Your Way ( interested female coaches only)

*All Senior Women players and future female coaches are encouraged to attend

See less


Coach Registrations - Assistance Links

Please find videos links to LMS walk-through videos that steps coaches through the accreditation process from start to finish.





🏉 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, Rule Changes & Coaching


Click the tiles below for more information on the relevant topics



 

The Goulburn Valley League Celebrates it Annual Say No To Violence Round.



Following the Kyabram District League's annual Say No to Violence Round on 16 May, the Goulburn Valley League joined the initiative on 30 May, reinforcing a united commitment to preventing family violence and promoting respectful communities.


For the past 13 years, the Say No to Violence Round has delivered an important message across our region: violence is never acceptable. Sporting clubs play a vital role in shaping community values, and players, coaches, officials and volunteers all have a responsibility to lead by example.


The round's message, "You Can't Shake a Hand with a Closed Fist," reminds us of the impact violence can have on individuals, families and communities.


Ahead of all senior football and A Grade netball matches, players lined up together to demonstrate their support and strengthen community awareness. Thank you to all players, umpires, volunteers and club officials who took part and helped deliver this important message.

Together, we stand united and say No to Violence.


Netball Victoria Association Championships (North East Region) Wrap Up.


Representative Netball teams from across the Goulburn Valley League, Kyabram District League, Goulburn Murray Juniors and Murray League have been participating in tournaments in recent weeks before heading to Netball Victoria's Association Championships (North East) in Albury on Sunday 24 May 2026.



The Goulburn Murray Juniors entered teams in the 13 & Under and 15 & Under competitions. The 13 & Under team won all five of their games, qualifying them for finals. They made it all the way to the Grand Final where they were unfortunately defeated. The 15 & Under team also played five games and played valiantly, walking away with one win and a draw.


Both teams represented their clubs and the Competition well and it was exciting to see their talent on display. Thank you to coaches, umpires, players and their families for supporting the athletes. Everyone should be very proud of themselves.



The Kyabram District League entered three teams in the 13 & Under, 15 & Under and 17 & Under competitions.


The 13 & Under team came away with 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses. The 15 & Under team had a great tournament and came away with 3 wins, 1 draw and 3 losses. The 17 & Under side played with strength and integrity and came away with 5 wins and 1 loss. They played valiantly in the semi-final losing by 3 goals in the final minutes of the game.


The League congratulates all players, coaches and umpires on the tournament. There are many talented players across the League and this gave everyone the platform to showcase their talent and skill.




The Goulburn Valley League had three teams entered in on the day with all three teams claiming the win in their respective Grand Finals.


The 15 & Under Reserve team beat Albury Netball Association in the final after topping their pool and powering through a big semi‑final win. The 15 & Under Championship side took out a tight final against Ovens & Murray and the 17 & Under Championship side, after dropping one game in the qualifiers, turned the tables to defeat Albury Netball Association in the grand final.


All three teams now join the Open squad at the State Finals in Melbourne on 21 June.



The Murray League entered four teams into the Tournament with 3 of the 4 teams qualifying for finals.


Both the 13 & Under Championship team and 15 & Under Reserve teams had 5 wins and 1 loss before a loss in each of their respective semi-finals. The 15 & Under Championship team won 6 games and had 1 loss, before a loss in the semi-final whilst the 17 & U Championship team had 1 win and 4 losses.


The Open team heads to the Finals Day on 21 June at Parkville.



Spirit of Football & Netball Round


The Goulburn Murray Juniors will be holding the annual Spirit of Football Round, with the Southern club Netball games being included as Spirit of Netball.

 

The Spirit of Football/Netball Round will fall on the weekend of 19th – 21st June, which falls in the below rounds for each respective Competitions/Leagues:

 

  • Goulburn Murray Juniors: All Football & Netball - Round 9 (Round 5)

  • Goulburn Murray Women & Girls: Youth Girls - Round 10

  • Kyabram District League: Football Under 15s - Round 10

  • Murray Football League: Football Under 14s & Under 17s - Round 12


The Spirit of Football/Netball Round will be centred around three main qualities, sportsmanship, teamwork, and fair play. The Round encourages players to embody the true essence of the game by demonstrating respect towards opponents, officials, and teammates alike. It is an opportunity for clubs to showcase their commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive sporting environment. We hope to see multiple players display all three qualities when competing out on the field.

 

At the commencement of the game, coaches are to work with their captains to help identify a player from the opposing team that displayed sportsmanship, teamwork, and fair play throughout the match. Both teams, along with the umpires, will then form a huddle with the team captains to congratulate the opposing team on the match played and present the Spirit of Football/Netball medal to the opposition player.




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


Coach Your Way

Coach Your Way is a big focus for the Coaching and Women and Girls teams combined. Regions and Leagues are beginning to lock in sessions at clubs across the state. The Coaching team will be chatting to each region/league over the next couple of weeks to support the push for CYW workshops, please consider which of the clubs in your league/region could host a CYW workshop.


Clubs that are interested in hosting a CYW workshop are asked to complete below EOI. ‘Coach Your Way‘ Expression of Interest - Coach Your Way - Club EOI


Goulburn Murray Women & Girls Under 14 Girls - Registrations Now Open



The Goulburn Murray Women & Girls Under 14 girls competition is almost here.


The 8-week season + finals starts Wednesday 3rd June at Moama Recreatiom Reserve from 5:00pm.


Get your team together and enjoy a great season of competition, community, and fun. Whether you’re returning or joining for the first time, everyone is welcome!


  • 8-week season


  • Finals series


  • Great atmosphere


  • All skill levels welcome


Don’t miss out — register now! https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/9c0d3e


For more information, please contact Women & Girls Coordinator Sammy Heron via sammy.heron@aflgm.com.au





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

  


For specific club support please get in touch with the Club Development Lead:


John Thompson

0422 768 867

 
 
 

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