Beyond the Boundary February 18
- 6 hours ago
- 9 min read
FROM THE REGION MANAGER
As we continue to build momentum toward the 2026 season, it has been encouraging to see the strong commitment and effort being demonstrated across all AFL Goulburn Murray clubs.
Last week, we were pleased to confirm that the Longwood Football Netball Club would receive an immediate relief payment of $5,000 from the AFL Community Relief Fund. This fund was established to support football families in bushfire-affected areas and, where required, assist with the repair and rebuilding of local football clubs. We hope this contribution assists Longwood as it continues its recovery and preparations for the season ahead.
We were also delighted to support the Shepparton Swans Football Netball Club with a $50,000 contribution towards the construction of the new pavilion at Princess Park, following the loss of the original facility in the 2022 floods. We congratulate Greater Shepparton City Council and all user groups on the work undertaken to bring this important project to life and look forward to seeing the pavilion officially opened later this year.
Volunteers remain the backbone of our game, and the time, energy and care being invested at club level does not go unnoticed. The dedication shown across our region is a credit to each club community.
With the season drawing closer, clubs are reminded to keep an eye out for upcoming coach and trainer development opportunities. These sessions play an important role in supporting best practice, strengthening club capability, and ensuring safe and welcoming environments for all participants. Taking advantage of these opportunities now will position clubs strongly as the season begins.
Looking ahead, the upcoming Club Leaders Summit provides an important opportunity for presidents and senior club leaders to come together, share insights and strengthen connections across the region. The Summit will be held on Sunday 1 March at Shepparton Bears Football Club, Deakin Reserve, Shepparton. Attendance from all clubs is strongly encouraged, as the Summit will provide valuable information, support and alignment ahead of the 2026 season.
As preparations continue, I encourage all clubs to stay connected, make use of the available support, and continue working collaboratively as we approach the start of the season.
Carlton's Next Generation Academy Inspires the Future of Footy in Shepparton
The Carlton Football Club has made a strong and exciting impact across Shepparton and surrounding communities, with players visiting local schools and delivering high-energy Auskick activations. These visits created unforgettable moments for young footballers, giving them the opportunity to engage with elite AFL players, learn new skills, and see first-hand what’s possible through dedication and passion for the game.
These visits mark the beginning of a new chapter, with Carlton’s re-zoned Next Generation Academy now aligned with the AFL Goulburn Murray region. This alignment strengthens development pathways for local talent and creates a direct connection between grassroots football and the elite AFL system, providing clarity and opportunity for aspiring players.
The future is bright for boys and girls across AFL Goulburn Murray, with increased exposure to Carlton coaches, programs, and development initiatives through the rollout of the Carlton Academy. Carlton is set to feature more prominently in the region as the Next Generation Academy continues to expand, supporting junior football and helping identify and nurture emerging talent.
Adding to the excitement, AFL stars Patrick Cripps and Harry McKay were among the big names to attend, inspiring the next generation with their presence and stories. For young players across the region, the alignment with Carlton represents a fantastic opportunity to pursue an AFL or AFLW future while remaining connected to their local clubs and communities.
Upcoming Key Dates
February
15th Sports Medicine Australia Trainers Course Shepparton United Football Club
Trainers Course 15th February - A must for trainers for the 2026 season.
March
1st - Club Leaders' Summit - Save the Date!
2nd - Match Day Coach, Captains, Club Operations (7pm Kialla Recreation Reserve)
8th SMA Trainers Course - Labor Day Long Weekend - Shepparton United Football Club, Deakin Reserve, Shepparton. (Click link to apply) - Trainers Course 8th March - A must for trainers for the 2026 season.
16th - Match Day Coach, Captains, Club Operations (7pm Girgarre Football Netball Club)
23rd - Match Day Coach, Captains, Club Operations (7pm Euroa Football Netball Club)
29th Coaching Summit including Elevate Coaching Course.
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
Club Leaders' Summit
Date/Time: 1st of March 2026 - 9.00am to 3.00pm
Venue: Shepparton Bears Football Club, Deakin Avenue, Shepparton.
Calling all club presidents and club leaders. The AFL Goulburn Murray Club Leaders' Summit is coming to Shepparton.
Sunday 1 March Shepparton Bears Football Club, Deakin Reserve, Shepparton.
This is a must-attend event for club leaders, featuring guest presenters from the AFL and high-impact, practical content designed to help your club prepare for a strong and successful 2026 season.
Big ideas. Real conversations. Stronger clubs. Save the date — more details coming soon.
Keynote Speaker - Melissa Azzopardi Australian Football League (AFL) General Manager Finance
Key Discussion Topics
Business of AFL, Commercial, Revenue, Community Investment, Marvel, Women's
AFL Victoria and Regional Priorities
Child Safety
Community Football and Media
Game Pathways including round table discussion on Regional Junior Priorities
Next Generation Academies - Chris Nixon Carlton Football Club
Club Health Check
The Club Health Checks are still open and available to complete. There has been a huge response, with a majority of clubs completing the CHC. Thank you to those clubs for your time and engagement.
There's still a couple of clubs that are yet to complete. This information is incredibly valuable in helping us better understand and support your club's priorities.
For any club yet to complete, please click the link below.
AFL President Learning Module
The AFL have released via play.afl an educational piece to assist club presidents to achieve a deeper understanding of key tasks and duties. Check it out, click the link - Toyota AFL Club Help - Play AFL
This is the one stop shop for presidents to source development information, key resources and practical tools to support their club.
2025 V/Line - Representation from whole Region
AFL NSW Facilities Fund - Open
AFL NSW has opened their facilities fund today - AFL NSW Football Facilities Fund (NSWFFF).
Grants are available to LGA's or clubs up to $50,000 to help improve their facilities.
The NSWFF provides an important opportunity to partner with state sporting bodies and local councils to improve the quality, capacity and accessibility of community sporting infrastructure. Eligible projects may include (but are not limited to):
Field and facility upgrades
Lighting improvements
Amenities buildings and changerooms
Surface upgrades and supporting infrastructure
Projects that increase participation, inclusion and shared use
This program will close on Sunday March 29th.
Club who require support should contact Nick Baglin at AFL NSW nick.baglin@afl.com.au
Coach Education Opportunities
Feb 28 – March 01 AFL Victoria 2026 Coaching Forum
Mar 29 – AFLGM Coaches Day - Benalla FNC - Stay tuned for more info
Applications OPEN for the following W&G programs
UMPowered Coaching Conference 2026 - (Umpiring Coaching)
CCSP Education Session
Online Community Club Sustainability Program (CCSP) Education Sessions will be held on Wednesday 4th of March 2026 at 5:30pm.
Anyone who is involved in the club’s management of CCSP should attend this session. The seminar will provide insight into the policies and procedures on two key topics in senior football:
Player Points and Player Payments.
We'll also provide information on key updates including the new templates.
Following the forum, a Q+A will occur to provide the opportunity for any questions to be addressed.
For compliance and records, attendees must register using the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GYFN9GG
LAWS OF THE GAME AND NATIONAL POLICY HANDBOOK
With the recent changes to the AFL Laws of the Game the AFLGM Operations Team and are running Information Sessions Club Umpires, Coaches, Team Managers & Captains.
Clubs are encouraged to attend at Forum convenient for them.
Kialla Rec Reserve – Monday 2nd March – 7.00pm
Girgarre Football Club – Monday 16th March – 7.00pm
Euroa Football Club – Monday 23rd March – 7.00pm
All documents can be found here or on the play.afl website:
National Policy Handbook
AFL Laws of the Game Memo detailing changes
2026 CLUB REGISTRATION TOOLKITS - PROMOTE OPPORTUNITIES AT YOUR CLUB
The club player registration portals are now open.
The AFL provides a wide range of marketing assets and editable templates that you can use to promote your club.
For social media, assets are available in different sizes depending if you're posting in feed or via story on Facebook & Instagram. Include any text in your post rather than on these images for better engagement.
For Flyers, these are editable so you can tailor the image and club details to suit your audience. Only include key details such as program, location & time to make sure your message is clear and simple. Clubs yet to open/promote/ their registrations should do so as soon as possible.
TRIBUNAL MEMBER RECRUITMENT 2026
AFL Goulburn Murray provides administrative services for its affiliated Leagues in the Goulburn Valley League (GVL) and Kyabram District League (KDL) as well as governance and administrative services for the Goulburn Murray Women & Girls (GMW&G) and Goulburn Murray Juniors (GMJ).
All Leagues partnered with AFL Goulburn Murray fall under the same Tribunal processes and guidelines as set out in the National Community Football Policy Handbook and AFL Victoria Country Rules.
The Tribunal Panel consists of individuals charged with the responsibility of adjudicating on reported incidents or referred investigations in any or all of our affiliated Leagues and Competitions.
Each sitting panel has 3 members of which one is an experienced Chairperson. Tribunal hearings are generally held on a Wednesday evening when required and occasionally on other nights at AFL Goulburn Murray’s Offices in Kialla.
We are seeking expressions of interest from suitable people to join our existing volunteer tribunal pool. We are also seeking expressions of interest for the role of Tribunal Secretary.
Tribunal Panel Members To be eligible as a member you must not have held any office within any affiliated league or club in the last 24 months. A knowledge of Australian Rules Football is preferred.
Tribunal Secretary Role The Tribunal Secretary is required to be available to attend tribunal hearings as scheduled to act as Secretary for all proceedings. The Secretary is charged with ensuring all attendees are present prior to the hearing, managing video evidence and people appearing via video link. Basic computer knowledge is essential, and knowledge of Webex, Zoom or Teams is preferred.
Full training will be provided. If you are interested in either role, please express interest via https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LVCNZDZ
Marsh AFL - Asset Protect Cover
As we approach Football Season and clubs begin to take over Facility Leases we wish to draw your attention to the Asset Protect coverage that is available at base level for all eligible Clubs.
As part of the NRPP all eligible Clubs* have Asset Protect cover for Contents which includes the following Sub-Limits;
Contents: $20,000
Theft: $1,000
Cash/Money: $1,000
Property away from the Club: $2,000
Electronic Equipment Breakdown: $1,500
*an eligible Club is a member club of football leagues affiliated to AFL Victoria, AFL NSW/ACT, AFL Tasmania, AFW Queensland an WA Football.
As all clubs have a different profile and different requirements it is crucial you consider your own requirements and consider the following;
Is $20,000 worth of contents cover sufficient to cover Bar/Canteen stock, Furniture, Club Merchandise, Club kits and equipment and Miscellaneous.
Does your Club have any external structures you are responsible for covering such as Light Towers, Scoreboards, Sheds or Outbuildings.
Does your Club own your Building or are you required to cover the Building under your Lease Agreement.
If the answer to any of the above questions is yes you need to consider additional property Insurance to ensure your Club will be adequately covered, as the limit of cover at base level is $20,000.
Unfortunately there have been some recent examples of clubs suffering losses from severe weather events in excess of $20,000 resulting in out of pocket costs which can be devastating for a community club.
Clubs are able to procure additional coverage at extremely preferential rates through the NRPP serviced by Marsh. Our experience is that this pricing is approx. 50-60% lower than costs that would be achievable if your club was not a member of the NRPP.
If you have any queries around your Clubs asset protect cover or what your requirements may look like we would encourage you to contact our specialist Sport team on the below details.
Marsh - 1300 130 373 - Sports@marsh.com
AFL Women & Girls Charter
Signing up to the AFL Women & Girls' Charter demonstrates a club's commitment to providing a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for women and girls at all levels of the game.
The Charter supports clubs to strengthen participation, leadership and development opportunities, while reinforcing positive club culture, respect and equality. This should be a straightforward decision for every club president in the region.
Click the link to get started - W&G Charter
For specific club support please get in touch with the Club Development Lead:
John Thompson
0422 768 867
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