Beyond the Boundary #Issue 28

sammonaghan
Jul 23
3 min read

FROM THE REGION MANAGER

As has been widely promoted, we’re proud to once again support Road Safety Round, running from July 24–27, where football and netball players across Victoria are encouraged to ‘Band Together’ in support of safer roads.

This year, the GVFUA Umpires will also wear road safety armbands in selected matches to help amplify the message.

The focus of this year’s campaign is speeding, a contributing factor in over 30% of fatal and 25% of serious injury crashes on Victorian roads. Our message is simple, but vital - Don’t risk it. Slow down. Make sure you and your family get home safely from training or games.

In this edition of BTB, you’ll find key updates on upcoming events, opportunities, and reminders for clubs as we head into finals season.

“Your Actions, Their Game” – Coaching Webinar

🗓 Wednesday 30 July🕖 7:00pm – 8:00pm🔗 Register HERE

AFL Victoria’s Coaching and Umpiring teams are hosting an important online webinar for Junior Coaches whose teams are competing in finals across Victoria.

We strongly encourage all Clubs participating in Finals to be represented in this session by one or more of the following:

Club Coaching Coordinator
Club Executive Member
Junior Coach, Assistant Coach, or Team Manager

This session aims to foster a finals environment that prioritises player experience, respect for umpires, and long-term engagement in our game.

Key takeaways will include:

How coaches can create a positive experience for all players, regardless of scoreboard outcomes
Understanding the umpire’s perspective on-field compared to that of coaches and parents
Supporting umpires through the pressures of finals
Developing a team/club 'Finals Charter' to guide behaviours and expectations
Contributing to the retention of players and umpires into the 2026 season and beyond

2025 Toyota AFL National Volunteer of the Year Awards

On behalf of AFL Goulburn Murray, thank you to all clubs who promoted and submitted nominations for the 2025 Toyota AFL National Volunteer of the Year Awards.

AFL Victoria saw a 70% increase in nominations with AFL Goulburn Murray leading the way with the highest number of nominations in the state with 74 (up 30 from 2024).

This overwhelming engagement with clubs demonstrates the respect and value we have for the volunteers in our region.

Thanks again.

Bendigo Pioneers 2026 Preseason Intake - Club Nomination Form

📋 Form Link: https://form.jotform.com/232557019446055 🗓 Nominations close: Sunday 1 September at 8:00pm

The Bendigo Pioneers are preparing for their 2026 pre-season talent intake and are inviting club nominations for players born in:

2008, 2009 (U17 & U18)
2010 (U16)

🟡 Please submit nominations through a single club representative (e.g. Coaching Director or Head Coach).

Important Notes:

Nominations will be reviewed against existing invites and the Pioneers’ Talent ID list
Nomination does not guarantee an invite
However, all nominations are highly valued and considered

Let’s work together to ensure talented players across our region have the opportunity to progress through the talent pathway.