Beyond the Boundary Edition #48
FROM THE REGION MANAGER
Shaun Connell
Strong Year For Umpiring in GVFUA
There is plenty to celebrate across umpiring in Goulburn Murray, with 293 having registered in the 2026 season, an increase of 3.9%.
A key driver of this success has been the outstanding retention of existing umpires. Of the current registrations, 217 officials have returned from last season, highlighting the strong culture, support networks and development opportunities that exist in the Goulburn Valley Football Umpires Association (GVFUA). At the same time, 66 new umpires have joined the ranks, ensuring a healthy pipeline of emerging talent for years to come.
Growth has been recorded across all major umpiring disciplines, with 158 Field Umpires, 110 Boundary Umpires and 59 Goal Umpires now registered. This depth will play an important role in supporting competitions across the Goulburn Murray region throughout coming seasons.
The umpiring group remains a youthful one, with a median age of just 20 years, while more than half of all registered umpires have three or more years of experience. This balance between emerging officials and experienced mentors provides a strong foundation for ongoing development and performance.
While overall numbers are trending positively, the data also highlights opportunities to continue growing diversity within the program. Increasing participation among women, multicultural communities and First Nations participants remains an important focus as the region works to create an umpiring pathway that reflects the communities it serves.
Overall, the 2027 season is shaping up as another positive year for umpiring in Goulburn Murray. Strong retention, steady recruitment and registrations already exceeding target demonstrate the dedication of local umpires, coaches, mentors and umpire administrators who continue to play a critical role in supporting community football across the region.
Community Football Registration & Transfer Update for 2027
Community Football registrations for the 2027 season will open on 1 November 2026, one month later than the previous opening date.
The November Transfer Period will again be in place, providing clubs and players with a familiar process ahead of the new season.
The revised registration timeline allows additional time for the National team to review developments in privacy, safeguarding and consent legislation, and assess any implications for the registration process, including registration terms and conditions.
Clubs are encouraged to note the new registration opening date and plan accordingly as preparations begin for the 2027 season.
Further information: Refer to the registration and transfer memorandum distributed on 25 September.
Allowable Player Payment Reporting Season 2026
A reminder to all clubs about the upcoming deadline in relation to Player Payment Reporting for Season 2026.
Clubs are reminded that they MUST lodge with AFL Goulburn Murray, their 2026 Actuals documents as required by Rule 4(d) of the Regions Player Payment Rules, by no later than 31 October 2026.
These must be uploaded to the AFL Community Document Portal. You can access the portal through this link https://cfdp.web.afl.com.au/Login using your PlayHQ log in credentials.
Any queries should be directed to your League Operations Managers.
Applications for Additional Allowable Player Payments (APP) and Total Team Points (TTP) for Season 2026
Clubs requiring consideration for individual APP adjustments will need to apply in writing on the required form which is available from your league operations manager.
Applications received prior to October 31, can be considered locally. Applications received post October 31 and before November 15, 2026, will be considered by the State CCSP Advisory Group.
Total Team Point (TTP) adjustments will be made shortly, in accordance with Regional By-Laws (GVL & KDL) or League By-Laws (MFL). Clubs will then be able to submit applications for additional TTP by submitting the application form found here and a letter (on club letterhead) to your League Operations Managers by no later than 31 October 2026.
Goulburn Murray Region Council - Expressions of Interest Open
AFL Victoria is seeking Expressions of Interest from community leaders and professionals to join the newly established Goulburn Murray Region Council.
The Council will provide leadership and regional insight to AFL Victoria & community stakeholders on matters including participation growth, club sustainability, facilities, competition development and other game development priorities.
AFL Victoria is encouraging applications from individuals with experience in governance, leadership, football leadership, business, law, infrastructure, stakeholder engagement, government, marketing, risk management and community development. The Council will comprise three to five volunteer members appointed by the AFL Victoria Board.
Regional Manager Goulburn Murray, Shaun Connell, said the Council would ensure local knowledge and expertise continue to help shape the future of football across the region.
Expressions of Interest are now open.
For further information CLICK HERE or a confidential discussion, contact Shaun Connell at shaun.connell@afl.com.au
Goulburn Murray League - New Positions Available
The Goulburn Murray League is entering an exciting new chapter and is seeking passionate, community-minded individuals to join the team as we transition to a league-led operating model.
We are recruiting for two positions that will play a key role in supporting clubs, competitions and stakeholders while ensuring the continued growth and sustainability of football and netball across the region.
Available Positions
Competition & Operations Lead
A full-time leadership role responsible for the day-to-day management of league operations, competition administration, stakeholder engagement, governance support, commercial partnerships and strategic projects.
Competition & Operations Support Officer (Casual)
A flexible support role providing operational and administrative assistance across competitions, events and league activities, particularly during peak seasonal periods.
Why Join Us?
These positions offer the opportunity to:
Make a meaningful contribution to community football and netball.
Work closely with clubs, volunteers and key stakeholders.
Help shape the future direction of one of Victoria's leading regional competitions.
Be part of a positive, collaborative and community-focused environment.
Support the continued success and sustainability of the Goulburn Murray League.
About You
We are seeking individuals who:
Have strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
Are highly organised and able to manage competing priorities.
Enjoy working collaboratively with volunteers, clubs and community leaders.
Have excellent administrative and operational capabilities.
Are passionate about community sport and making a difference.
Previous experience in sport administration, community organisations, events, operations or a related field will be highly regarded.
Applications
Competition & Operations Lead
Position Description: View Position Description
Apply Here: Submit Application
Competition & Operations Support Officer (Casual)
Position Description: View Position Description
Apply Here: Submit Application
In Case you Missed It:
Upcoming Key Dates
October
📅 October 13 / Women & Girls Footy Forum #1
November
📅 November 1 / Sports Trainer Level 1 Course
📅 November 14-15 / Shepparton AFL Nines
📅 November 24 / Women & Girls Footy Forum #2
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), Derek Lee (KDL), Connor Noakes (GMJ), Sam Heron (GMW&G), Jo Backway (Netball), Michelle Adams (Finance)
Murray League – Dale Norman
2027 Club Health Check 
Join the Love the Game program
Level 1 Sports Trainer Courses
Looking to become a qualified Sports Trainer for next season? AFL Goulburn Murray is hosting two Level 1 Sports Trainer Courses at Kialla Community Complex, Kialla Reserve. Please register below:
🔗 Sunday 1 November 2026: https://sma.org.au/private-payment-non-accredited-enrolment-form/?instance_id=2133190&course_type=w&course_id=107589
🔗 Sunday 7 February 2027: https://sma.org.au/private-payment-non-accredited-enrolment-form/?instance_id=2133191&course_type=w&course_id=107589
Limited places available. Participants must be linked with an affiliated AFL Goulburn Murray Football Netball Club.
Need to simply re-accredit? Complete your Sports Trainer reaccreditation online here: https://sma.org.au/safer-sport/sports-trainer-reaccreditation/
Local Footy Club Health Check is now open for 2027!
The Club Health Check is designed to continue to better understand club structures, challenges, and priorities to help ensure that the resources in place will support you and other club volunteers across Victoria throughout 2027 and beyond.
To complete the survey your club can:
Complete the survey as a committee at an upcoming meeting; or
Have multiple committee members complete the survey in their own time
As an added bonus, complete the survey by 5:00pm on 29 October and your club will go into the draw to win one of FOUR $500 GV Hotel voucher packs! That's $2,000 worth of vouchers up for grabs across participating clubs.
No matter how you complete the survey, we appreciate your time and insight regarding your clubs structures, challenges, and priorities. Your club will receive a personalised report after completing the survey, detailing key opportunities and areas of support.
To complete the survey, please click here
Join Love the Game
As a Love the Game partner, your club will take a stand against sports betting sponsorship and help juniors to love the game, not the odds. Signing up only takes two minutes, join now.
By joining, your club will:
enhance its reputation by taking a stand against sports betting sponsorship
demonstrate leadership in tackling an issue of community concern
signal that its culture prioritises the wellbeing of our young people
become part of a community of elite and local sporting clubs.
Club presidents and committee members can register on behalf of their club.
Make sure your club is signed up with @lovethegame before going into the off-season!
Australian Sports Foundation - fundraising
PILA Goal Post Subsidy
From Auskick to senior footy, quality facilities help create a better experience for players, volunteers and supporters alike. That's why PILA Group is offering subsidies of up to $1,000 (including GST) per approved AFL goal post application. Don't miss the opportunity to upgrade your club's facilities and get game-day ready for the seasons ahead. Applications close 30 September
$500 subsidy for Auskick to Regional goal post sizes
$1,000 subsidy for State to National goal post sizes
Stronger Communities Programme
Looking to upgrade your club’s facilities or deliver a community infrastructure project? The Stronger Communities Programme Round 10 is now offering grants of $2,500 to $20,000 to support projects that deliver lasting local benefits. Clubs interested in applying are encouraged to contact their local Federal MP and express their interest, as organisations must be nominated and invited to apply. MP nominations close 30 November
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.
Unders: Programs to Juniors
Want to Get Involved in Footy?
The AFL Victoria Local Participation Team is here to help clubs and individuals find the right way to get involved in Australian Football.
Whether you’re looking to start playing, return to the game, try something new, find a club or team, or create more opportunities for your community, the team can help connect you with suitable programs and pathways.
There are a range of ways to play, including AFL, AFLW, junior football, women’s football, modified formats and introductory programs, with options available for people of different ages, abilities and experience levels.
Clubs can also connect with the Local Participation Team for support in creating and promoting opportunities that encourage more people to get involved.
👉 Find out more about the different ways to play: play.afl/play
For more information or support, contact: kevin.monaghan@afl.com.au (South/East) or mel.saunders@afl.com.au (North/West)
Emerging Coach Mentor Program 
AFL Vic Community Hot House 
BHP AFLW Community Coach of the Year
Emerging Coach Mentor Program - Applications Closing Soon!
Are you passionate about coaching and committed to taking the next step in your development?
The 2026/2027 AFL Goulburn Murray Emerging Coach Mentor Program has been designed to support motivated community coaches looking to expand their knowledge, refine their coaching philosophy, and prepare for future coaching opportunities.
This unique program provides valuable mentoring and development opportunities for coaches who are eager to grow both on and off the field.
Enhance your coaching knowledge and skills
Develop your coaching philosophy
Learn from experienced mentors
Prepare for future coaching pathways
Places are strictly limited, with only two coaches selected from each league/competition.
Applications close Friday 9 October, 2026
Apply here: https://form.jotform.com/262167892208060
If you're ready to invest in your coaching journey, don't miss this opportunity to be part of the next generation of community coaching leaders.
2026 BHP AFLW Community Coach of the Year
Behind every thriving women’s and girls’ footy team is a coach who goes above and beyond. Whether they're building confidence, creating opportunities, inspiring the next generation or helping players fall in love with the game, these coaches make a lasting impact both on and off the field.
The BHP AFLW Community Coach of the Year Award celebrates the incredible people driving the growth of women’s and girls’ football in communities across Australia.
Know a coach making a difference in your community? Nominations for 2026 are closing soon.
Nominate here: BHP AFLW Community Coach of the Year - Intellistack (closes 30/09/2026)
2026 AFL Victoria Community Hot House Session
The Community Hot House is an accelerated development experience for coaches who are eager to learn, grow and be inspired. Participants will gain practical skills, fresh insights and real-world coaching techniques through an immersive program focused on tackling, skill acquisition and the practical application of coaching principles.
Spots are limited. Apply now!
Laws of the Game 
Become an Umpire 
AFLGM - Respect in Footy
Women & Girls Community Football Charter 
AFL Vic Women & Girls Chartered Club Grants 2025 
Women & Girls Football Survey & Forum Rego
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
Women and Girls Coaching Academy
AFL Victoria are once again hosting the state-based Women’s Coaching Academy for aspiring women who are looking to further progress their Coaching careers across community football and then into pathways in the talent and state league competitions.
Dates: Sunday 4 October and Sunday 22 November
Venue: Marvel Stadium
Women & Girls Football Survey & Forums
Women and girls football across the Goulburn Murray has experienced remarkable growth, driven by the dedication of players, families, clubs, coaches, volunteers, officials and umpires.
As the competition transitions into the newly established Goulburn Murray League, we have an exciting opportunity to plan for the future and ensure the competition remains strong, inclusive and sustainable for years to come.
To support this process, a Women and Girls Football Forum will bring together clubs, participants and key stakeholders to explore future opportunities for junior girls, youth and women's football. The forum will provide a valuable opportunity to share ideas, discuss challenges and help shape future football pathways across the region.
Thank you to all clubs and individuals who have provided feedback through the pre-forum survey. We received 57 responses, which will now shape the upcoming sessions.
Together, we can create a stronger, more inclusive and sustainable future for women and girls football across the Goulburn Murray region.
Netball Assist 
Committee Resources 
NV Asset Library
Reminder: Netball Administration Workshop - Sunday 11 October 2026 10am-2pm Shepparton.
This practical in person workshop is designed to support you to step back, reset, and build a more sustainable way of operating. Whether you are currently managing administration, supporting your committee, or looking to step into a paid role, this session will show you what effective netball administration looks like and how to get there. Please contact me if you would like more information.
Mandatory Child Safeguarding Education Sessions – October 2026
Child safety is everyone’s responsibility, but for those in leadership, coaching and decision-making roles, it is critical. Following the recent landmark National Sports Tribunal (NST) case, Netball Victoria is delivering important online child safety education sessions for Leagues, Associations and Clubs.
These sessions will share key learnings from the case and provide practical guidance on identifying red flags, taking action, understanding reporting responsibilities, and recognising the impacts, repercussions and consequences when concerns are missed or not addressed appropriately.
Attendance is mandatory for Presidents, Committee Members, Child Safety Officers, Head Representative Coaches (or equivalent roles), Operations Managers and Coordinators in our associations and leagues (clubs strongly recommended). Representative Coaches, community/domestic coaches and Complaints Managers are also strongly encouraged to attend.
In this session, you will:
Find out more about the NST case and the key learnings for netball
Learn about red flags that need to be taken seriously and acted upon
Discuss what action should look like when concerns arise
Understand reporting obligations, escalation pathways and consequences
Clarify your role, Netball Victoria’s role and how we work together to keep children safe
Sessions will be delivered online, with a range of times available to suit different work, life and netball commitments. Sessions are mandatory and will not be recorded. Each person must register individually so completion can be accurately captured.
Sunday 4th October 5pm-6:30pm
Wednesday 7th October 6:30pm-8pm
Thursday 8th October 12pm-1:30pm
Tuesday 13th October 7pm-8:30pm
Friday 16th October 12pm-1:30pm
Saturday 17th October 4pm-5:30pm
Please register now and share the link with the relevant people in your League, Association or Club Affiliate Mandatory Child Safeguarding Education Session - Intellistack .
Please contact integrity@netballvic.com.au if you have any questions.
2027 Netball Victoria Membership – Opens 1st October 2026
2027 Membership will open on the 1st October 2026 in Netball Connect. For more information on categories, pricing and member benefits please click here. Please also find the 2027 Netball Victoria Membership & Participation Policy which forms part of the policy agreements that all affiliates and members agree to at the point of accepting the affiliation agreement and/ or at registration through Netball Connect. This provides a deeper view of our registration products such as Single Game Vouchers and Short Season and can be accessed here. Please note: NetSetGo registration opens on 1st December.
Learn how to apply the Transaction Fee Changes in Netball Connect. These changes come into effect on 1st October 2026
As mentioned in previous emails, transaction fee changes are being applied across all businesses in Australia from 1st October 2026. This is due to the Reserve Bank changes and means that credit card transaction and payment platform fees can no longer be added as a separate surcharge at checkout and must be included in the total advertised price. This is really important for associations, league and clubs to understand before you open registration in 2027 (registration will open in October). Please note, this transaction fee only applies to fees you charge through Netball Connect and members are paying this currently (added on at the end of the transaction). If you invoice or receive direct deposits you do not need to worry about transaction fee charges as they are only applied in systems with transaction fee charges. To learn more about these fees please click here. To see how these fees are applied in Netball Connect from the 1st October 2026, please refer to our resource page with a demonstration video here
Netball Connect Drop-In Sessions commence Friday 2nd October 2026.
Have a Netball Connect question, need something demonstrated, or simply want to learn from the questions other community netball organisations are asking?
Join our new fortnightly Netball Connect Drop-In Sessions, commencing Friday 2 October, 11:00am–12:00pm. No registration is required. Join us live via Microsoft Teams, ask your questions and see practical Netball Connect demonstrations. Can't make the session? Submit your question beforehand. We'll aim to answer suitable submitted questions during the Drop-In, and you'll be able to go back and watch the relevant demonstration in the session recording afterwards.
Submit your question by 9:00am Friday for consideration in that day's session.
Join the Drop-In: 🔗Click here for MS Teams meeting link
Submit a question: 🔗Click here to submit a Netball Connect Drop-In Question
The Drop-In sessions will complement our new monthly Netball Connect Education sessions, which will provide more structured education/training on specific Netball Connect topics and seasonal processes.
Our next Netball Connect Education session will focus on Opening Registrations for 2027, for both Clubs and another for Associations/Leagues, commencing in early October. More information and details are coming soon.
Any questions please email Shared Services team education@netballvic.com.au.
Partner Offers & Grants:
Netball Victoria Community Support Grants – Hardship & Disaster Relief funding
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 for players and families can also be accessed and applied for 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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