Beyond the Boundary Edition #44
- 18 hours ago
- 16 min read
FROM THE REGION MANAGER
Shaun Connell
Clubs Updated on RAC Transition Strategy for GMJ and W&G Competitions
Clubs participating in the Goulburn Murray Juniors (GMJ) and Goulburn Murray Women’s & Girls (GMW&G) competitions met last week for an update on the RAC Transition Strategy, ahead of AFLGM Regional Administration Centre services ending at the end of October this year.
The meeting outlined a proposal to bring the Goulburn Murray Juniors and Goulburn Murray Women’s & Girls (GMW&G) leagues together under one incorporated entity to govern and manage junior boys, junior girls and women’s football competitions from 2027.
Clubs were advised that the proposed model is designed to provide continuity, with little or no change expected to existing age divisions, competition structures, interleague programs or talent pathways in 2027. The new league would affiliate directly with AFL Victoria and be overseen by a locally appointed Board, keeping decision-making within the region and guided by member clubs.
A comprehensive information pack will be circulated to clubs in the coming days, including a draft Constitution, proposed By-Laws, Board nomination details, position descriptions and frequently asked questions. Clubs were also advised that current operational By-Laws are expected to continue initially, with any future changes to be considered by the new league.
Discussion also covered the transition process, including the establishment of an interim Board, future Board elections, financial sustainability, administration arrangements, and the ongoing role of AFL Victoria and regional staff in supporting football across the region.
Clubs will automatically become foundation members of the new league and will help shape its future through Board appointments and league decision-making processes.
Clubs will have until 31 July to provide feedback on the proposal and supporting documents. Consultation will continue throughout the transition period to support the successful establishment of the new league and the continued delivery of football opportunities across the region.
Murray League Clubs Come Together for Cultural Competency Session
It was great to see club leaders, coaches, volunteers and players from across the Murray League come together at Nathalia FNC on Monday night for the first Murray League-based Cultural Competency Session delivered through AFL Goulburn Murray’s Community Connect initiative.
Led by Rob Hyatt from the Koorie Heritage Trust, the session provided a fantastic opportunity for attendees to learn more about Aboriginal culture, identity and history, while exploring ways our clubs can continue to build stronger, more meaningful connections with First Peoples communities.
The evening sparked some great discussion around cultural awareness, relationship building, allyship and the role community sport can play in creating welcoming and inclusive environments for everyone.
We thank the Murray Football League for partnering with us on this important initiative, as well as Nathalia FNC for hosting the session and Rob Hyatt for sharing his knowledge and experience.
Most importantly, thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the conversation. The strong turnout highlighted the commitment across our clubs to learning, listening and continuing to build inclusive and culturally safe football and netball communities throughout the region.
This was an important first step, and we look forward to continuing the journey together.
Regional Participation
Overall, the Goulburn Murray region is tracking positively, with year-to-date registrations reaching 9,317 participants. This reflects strong growth across community football and program activations, and reinforces the important role clubs, leagues, volunteers and schools play in connecting people to the game.
Women’s and girls’ football has grown by 13% compared with the same time last year, supported by increased numbers at Moama and Shepparton Swans. Junior, youth and senior football have also recorded healthy increases, highlighting strong retention and engagement across the player pathway.
At league level, Goulburn Murray Juniors, Kyabram District League and Murray League are all reporting strong registration numbers, with positive year-on-year growth across each competition. Auskick participation is also beginning to flow into both community football and SuperKick, which is an encouraging sign of continued engagement and transition through the pathway.
To support the transition of players from Auskick into community clubs, the “Unders” program will be delivered across the region in the coming weeks. Further details will be shared through AFL Goulburn Murray and club social media channels.
The clear message is that more people than ever are getting involved in football across the Goulburn Murray region. This continued growth provides a strong foundation for the future and reflects the collective efforts of clubs, leagues, volunteers and staff in creating welcoming environments for participants of all ages and backgrounds.
In Case you Missed It:
Upcoming Key Dates
July
📅 July 23 / R4 Telstra Footy Country Grants Close
📅 July 24 - 26 / Road Safety Round
📅 July 24 - 26 / GMJ Sit Down Round
📅 Women's Coaching Month
August
📅 August 9 / Goulburn Murray Women & Girls Preliminary Finals
📅 August 9 / Goulburn Murray Juniors Semi Finals
📅 August 16 / Goulburn Murray Women & Girls Grand Finals
📅 August 16 / Goulburn Murray Juniors Preliminary Finals
📅 August 21 / Goulburn Murray Women & Girls Best & Fairest
📅 August 23 / Goulburn Murray Juniors Grand Finals
📅 August 24 / TAC Club Rewards Program Closes
📅 August 30 / Goulburn Murray Juniors Best & Fairest
September
📅 September 21 / Toyota Good for Footy Raffle Closes
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 – Sam Monaghan
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
Play By the Rules - Complaint Handling: Refreshed Course
Play By the Rules has re-launched their Complaint Handling Course. The course aims to support presidents, committee members and nominated complaint handlers in community sport the tools to effectively handle complaints as they arrive.
The course focuses on providing tips and strategies to handle grievances that don’t need to be escalated, whilst providing options for when more formal processes should be activated.
Find the course here: Handling Complaints in Community Sport Course | pbtr
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.
Please head here for more information or to report a child safeguarding matter, please lodge through the AFL Integrity Portal or contact AFLGM Club Development Lead for further guidance and support.
Keeping Racism Out of Community Sport!
Content Warning: This content contains explicit mentions of racism.
Community sport should be a place where everyone feels welcome, safe and respected. AFL Victoria has partnered with the State Government to launch an anti-racism campaign in which clubs, players, volunteers and families learn how to build inclusive environments and respond to hate and discrimination when it occurs.
Nabil is the President of an AFL club in Victoria. He faced racial abuse while umpiring an under‑14s game. Nabil believes in education, clear reporting, and building clubs where everyone feels they belong.
Racism doesnʼt belong in our game. Watch Nabilʼs story below and learn more here: Club Learning Module
Telstra Footy Grants (LAST CHANCE!)
The Telstra Footy Grants program offers local football clubs in Australia the opportunity to receive funding to enhance their operations and community engagement. The Telstra Footy Grants is designed to financially assist initiatives that can support Community Clubs affiliated to the AFL to strengthen the base and secure the future in three key strategic areas: Grow and assist volunteer capacity. Grow and diversify participation. Improve club environments and experiences. Final rounds closes Thursday 23 July.
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. As part of the program, all AFL Victoria-aligned clubs across regional Victoria and in the metropolitan leagues can take part and earn up to $10,000 in funding by promoting road safety in their community. This year we're tackling speeding driving. Road Safety Round will take place over the weekend of 23-26th July 2026. Applications close Monday 24 August (promo packs available at AFL Goulburn Murray)
SRV Regional All Abilities Participation Grants
The Regional All Abilities Participation Grants help deliver inclusive opportunities for people with a disability in regional Victoria to participate and thrive. Grants of up to $25,000 are available for equipment, travel, inclusion workforce, and programs and disability-led initiatives. Closes Monday 12 August
Toyota Good for Footy Raffle
The Toyota Good for Footy Raffle gives 100% of funds raised helping invest in the things that matter most to your players, volunteers and community. Tickets are just $5. Plus, you could win one of three brand new Toyota vehicles, exclusive AFL experiences, coaching clinics and more. When your club raises funds, it builds a stronger season ahead. That's Good for Footy! Ticket sales close 21 September 2026 at 12.00pm
Local Sports Infrastructure Fund
The next round of the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund is now open with funding up to $500,000 available. Clubs are encouraged to speak to their Council contact about any potential projects and their alignment to program guidelines. The program is only eligible to LGAs and will close on Tuesday 28 July, 2026 at 5pm
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. 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.
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. Entries close 31 July.
Join the AFL Vic Team in Goulburn Murray
Love community sport and making a difference? AFL is looking for enthusiastic Game Development Officers to help grow football across the Goulburn Murray region.
From delivering NAB AFL Auskick, Superkick, AFL Nines and Sporting Schools programs to supporting local clubs, schools and participation initiatives, you'll play a key role in creating positive football experiences for young people.
You don’t need to be a footy expert — just bring energy, great communication skills and a passion for working with kids and local communities. If you enjoy being active, building relationships and helping others get involved in sport, we’d love to hear from you.
Click the image below for more information: (note that this is for the Goulburn Murray region - disregard location mentioned)
AFL Victoria Junior Football Finals Charter - Your Actions, Their Game!!
In the lead-up to Junior Finals commencing in mid-August, the AFL Victoria Coaching and Umpiring teams will deliver an online webinar designed for Junior coaches across Victoria competing in finals.
This session aims to support coaches and club staff in creating a positive, well-managed experience that benefits players, umpires, and the wider football community.
REGISTER TO ATTEND: Your Actions, Their Game - Pre Finals Webinar 2026
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, 12 August 2026
Time: 7:30pm – 8:30pm
Location: Online via Microsoft Teams
(A calendar invite including the Teams link will be sent following registration.)
Women's Coaching Month - JULY 2026
This month we're celebrating the incredible women who coach, mentor and inspire across our game.
The 2026 theme, 'Keep Coaching. Keep Leading', recognises the impact of women coaches while encouraging more women and girls to see coaching as a place where they belong.
We've started sharing the stories of some of our amazing women coaches across our social media, and we'd love our clubs to join in! Celebrate the women coaching at your club by sharing their stories and recognising the difference they're making.
If your club doesn't currently have many women in coaching roles, use this month as an opportunity to start the conversation about how you can create more opportunities for women to get involved.
💙 Together, let's celebrate today's coaches while inspiring the next generation.
AFL VIC Coaches Forum 2027
AFL Vic will once again be hosting the AFL Victoria Coaches Forum in 2027. A date has been confirmed, and the event will once again be hosted at the MCG, this time on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 February. This will also be part of a wider AFL Victoria Season Launch event for several streams of community football, more details on this event will be coming shortly.
🏉 Registrations to Umpire for the 2026 season are still OPEN!
Stay involved in footy and develop your skills with support from experienced coaches. Field, Boundary & Goal Umpires all welcome.
Celebrating Indigenous Round Across Our Region
Indigenous Round continues to be a powerful opportunity for leagues and clubs across the region to celebrate culture, connection and the significant contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to football and netball.
The Apprenticeship Factory Kyabram District League recently held its annual Indigenous Round, with all clubs proudly recognising Indigenous communities through specially designed football and netball apparel.
This year carried added significance as clubs honoured the legacy of Tommy Day III (Jirri Jirri), the respected Gunditjmara, Yorta Yorta and Wemba Wemba artist who created the League’s Indigenous uniform designs in 2019 and sadly passed away earlier this year.
Tommy’s artwork continues to unite clubs and celebrate culture across the League each Indigenous Round.
The Goulburn Valley League also embraced Indigenous Round during Round 13, celebrating culture, respect and community through Welcome to Country ceremonies, cultural exchanges between clubs, and recognition of Indigenous players past and present.
A highlight was a special pre-match coin toss at Kings Park featuring current and former Indigenous football and netball representatives alongside club captains and umpires.
These celebrations reflect the collective commitment of our leagues, clubs and communities to honour Indigenous culture, strengthen connections, and acknowledge the lasting impact of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on our game.
Junior Interleague Carnival
Goulburn Murray Juniors and the Murray League each fielded four teams at the recent Junior Interleague Carnival in Wangaratta.
The carnival saw Under 13, Under 14, Under 15 and Under 16 representative teams proudly represent their leagues, with Murray League taking on the Wangaratta & District Junior Football League and AFL Goulburn Murray Juniors facing the Albury Wodonga Junior Football League.
Results and Best Players
Under 13
Murray League 4.11 (35) defeated WDJFL 3.5 (23) – Best: Henry Pisasale
AFL Goulburn Murray Juniors 3.4 (22) lost to AWJFL 8.9 (57) – Best: Harvey Robinson
Under 14
Murray League 6.4 (40) defeated WDJFL 4.6 (30) – Best: Rocky Sztejman
AFL Goulburn Murray Juniors 1.2 (8) lost to AWJFL 6.8 (44) – Best: Hudson Dudgeon
Under 15
Murray League 2.1 (13) lost to WDJFL 17.17 (119) – Best: Caleb Russell
AFL Goulburn Murray Juniors 11.7 (73) lost to AWJFL 17.7 (109) – Best: Kobe Freer
Under 16
Murray League 4.5 (29) lost to WDJFL 15.7 (97) – Best: Sol Frost
AFL Goulburn Murray Juniors 9.3 (57) lost to AWJFL 10.6 (66) – Best: Sol Zak
Congratulations to all players, coaches and support staff who represented their leagues and clubs with pride, passion and sportsmanship throughout the carnival.
Goulburn Valley League takes on VAFA for Interleague match
The Goulburn Valley League’s representative football program returned to the field last weekend, with Senior and Under 19 teams travelling to Melbourne to take on the VAFA at Elsternwick Park.
While the results did not fall the GVL’s way, the campaign was widely regarded as a success, highlighting the pride, commitment and community spirit that representative football brings to the league.
The GVL Board thanked the players, coaches, support staff, medical team, volunteers, families and supporters who contributed to the occasion, as well as the league’s valued sponsors whose support made the campaign possible.
Board members in attendance were particularly proud of the way both teams represented the Goulburn Valley League, demonstrating professionalism, sportsmanship and pride in the purple and gold jumper.
The league also acknowledged the VAFA for its outstanding hospitality and warm welcome throughout the day, helping make the return of this representative fixture a memorable experience for everyone involved.
The rivalry will continue in 2027 when the VAFA travels north to Deakin Reserve, with the Goulburn Valley League looking forward to hosting the next chapter of this exciting interleague partnership.
A sincere thank you to everyone who played a role in making the return of representative football such a successful and memorable occasion.
Head to the GVLs Facebook Page and App for all the stats, photos and stories from the games.
Goulburn Murray Juniors Sit Down Round
AFL Goulburn Murray, in partnership with AFL Victoria, is proud to introduce Sit Down Round across the Goulburn Murray Junior competition from Friday 24 July to Sunday 26 July (Round 13/Round 9).
As part of our commitment to creating positive, player-focused environments, coaches and match day support staff—including assistant coaches, runners and trainers—will remain seated throughout games. The initiative follows the success of the SANFL Junior competition, where it has helped improve match day environments for players and umpires.
A reminder that all spectators and non-official personnel must remain behind the boundary fence at all times, including during breaks and team huddles. This helps ensure junior football remains focused on the development, enjoyment and wellbeing of our players.
Under 9s/Under 10s Games
Coaches are still permitted to be on the oval to support their players, but noting the theme of the round
Chairs are able to be set up around the ground to encourage the initiative
To participate in this initiative:
1. Discuss as a club and ensure coaches are prepared to participate, please complete this FORM HERE to confirm the details of your club, the club contact and your local league/region by Friday 17 July.
2. AFL Victoria will provide you with social media collateral and also flyers and posters to spread around your club ahead of the weekend's games.
3. Ensure that your opposition clubs on the weekend are aware that you are participating in this and encourage them to do the same, by providing them necessary chairs for the games.
4. We encourage clubs to share photos directly to AFLGM or across your club socials
Live Life Whole Webinar
As part of Women’s Coaching Month, AFL Vic is offering one final opportunity in 2026 for coaches
to hear from Live Life Whole.
This session is a must for ALL coaches of Women and Girls Teams, to help provide the best possible
support to our participants.
Monday 27 July @ 7pm - Online Webinar
Register here: Women's Coaching Month Live Life Whole Online Webinar
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
AFLW Community Ambassadors Program
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassadors program.
The program recognises women and girls in the football community who have been instrumental in facilitating and nurturing the remarkable growth of women and girls' football. Nominations close July 26
You can find out more about the program here.
Save the Date: Netball Victoria Community Awards – Sunday 18th October 2026, 2-5 pm & don’t forget to vote!
Netball Victoria will be hosting our annual community awards on Sunday 18th October 2026 from 2-5pm. A great opportunity for all our community to come together and celebrate an amazing year. Head to our page to learn more and nominate association/ league of the year, volunteer of the year, inclusive netball community of the year, NetSetGo centre of the year, umpire of the year, coach of the year and teacher of the year 2026 Community Awards - Netball VIC
Netball Connect:
Netball Connect – Emergency Saturday Phone Assistance 10am-12am.
We are providing Saturday phone support for our affiliates with emergency, competition critical Netball Connect issues. This service will operate between 9am and 11am on Saturdays. Please note this is for competition critical issues only. The phone number is 03 9321 2299. For general Netball Connect enquiries, training questions or non-urgent support, please continue to use the usual Netball Victoria support channels and Netball Connect resources:
If you still can't find the right information on our NV website use the Ask Netti via the chat icon or Submit a Request here.
Netball Connect – Loading Umpire & Coaching accreditation into Netball Connect (must be done when registering into your competition). For those with upcoming competitions.
A reminder that umpire and coaching accreditation should be recorded in individual Netball Connect profiles. This can only be done at the point of registration. When umpires and coaches are registering into your competitions, they will be prompted to connect their Netball Australia My Learning account to their Netball Connect Profile and this will automatically pull through their accreditation information including expiry dates. This is really helpful for you to review and can be exported into a spreadsheet from Netball Connect. An outline of the process on Netball Connect can be found here.
Please also note if there are issues or the umpire/coach believes the information showing is not right, it is most likely that there has been a typo when entering their Netball Learning username on through the registration form (often a capital letter at the start of the email address). This can easily be fixed by our Workforce team - please email workforce@netballvic.com.au for any checks or changes. Accreditation records are imported into Netball Connect fortnightly, so if an accreditation is new, it could take a week or two to show on Netball Connect. A reminder that all coaches and umpires MUST be registered to your competition.
Umpiring and Coaching:
Coach Developer Expressions of Interest
Do you know someone in your netball community who would be great at running Coach Accreditation workshops or Coaches in the Field sessions? Netball Victoria is looking to expand its pool of Coach Developers. These developers need to hold (or be working towards) an Intermediate Coaching Accreditation and be confident, capable teachers. To learn more or submit an expression of interest, please contact workforce@netballvic.com.au
Host a Coach Development or Intermediate Workshop
Upskill your coaches by hosting a Development and/or Intermediate Workshop at your association or league. These accreditations are essential for building confident, skilled athletes. All coaches officiating at Association Championships MUST hold a current Development Coach Accreditation. The new Intermediate coaching accreditation was piloted at Parkville and expressions of interest are now open to host the new blended course. The online component is available on Netball Learning. Make sure your coaches get accredited now. Apply to host here Development Coach Practical Workshop - Application Form - Intellistack
Current Endorsed Tester List
2026 Endorsed Umpire Tester List - July update. Please check the list ahead of arranging testing panels to ensure testers are eligible.
Professional Development:
Vicsport: Child Safe Sport Community of Practice: Social Services Regulator session – online 11am-12pm, 21st July
Vicsport is pleased to host our next Child Safe Sport Community of Practice with a presentation from the Social Services Regulator (SSR). Playing an important role in promoting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people, SSR supports organisations to understand and meet their responsibilities under the Child Safe Standards. To learn more and register please click here
Partner Offers & Grants:
Woolworths NetSetGo Grants Program
The Woolworths Netball Grants Program supports grassroots netball clubs and associations across the country to improve the health and wellbeing of Aussie kids. This year, grants of $2,000 will be awarded to 40 clubs across Australia. There will also be a massive $20,000 grant for the winner of the 2026 People’s Choice Prize, as well as 12 Free Fruit for Kids deliveries valued at $250 each or a $250 Woolworths Essentials e-Gift Card to purchase fruit for kids. To be in the running, applicants need to explain how their club or association would use a grant to help improve the health and wellbeing of Aussie kids, in one or more of the following ways:
Sporting equipment / uniforms / improvements to facilities
Access to Woolworths’ NetSetGo program; and/or
Nutrition
Community Support Grants
Netball Victoria has established the 2026 Disaster Relief Program under its Community Support Program to provide targeted financial assistance to affiliated clubs, associations, leagues and families impacted by natural disaster events during 2026. The hardship grant can also be accessed through this link. Community Support Program - Netball VIC
For specific club support, please get in touch with the Club Development Lead:
Sam Monaghan
0407 147 563
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