Beyond the Boundary #New Year Edition

shaunconnell1
Jan 15
5 min read

FROM THE REGION MANAGER

As we begin a new year and turn our focus to the upcoming football season, it’s encouraging to see the energy and commitment already on display across the AFL Goulburn Murray community, even in the face of recent challenges.

Across our clubs, volunteers, coaches, umpires, players, and administrators are working hard in the pre-season to prepare teams, facilities, and programs. This early work is vital in setting the tone for a safe, welcoming, and successful season ahead.

As the season approaches, I encourage clubs to stay connected, make use of regional and league support, and continue working collaboratively to strengthen our competitions and communities.

On behalf of AFL Victoria and AFL Goulburn Murray, I wish everyone all the best as preparations continue and look forward to another positive season ahead.

A Community United - Longwood's Response to the Bushfires

In the face of recent bushfires impacting Longwood East and surrounding communities, the strength and generosity of the Longwood community has been powerfully evident.

While Longwood Football Club and Redlegs Stadium were not directly impacted by fire, the club quickly became a place of refuge and support. Over recent days and nights, Longwood FC volunteers worked tirelessly around the clock, opening the doors of Redlegs Stadium to provide food, showers, rest, and practical support to firefighters and community members affected by the fires.

This effort was entirely volunteer led. Quietly, humbly, and without expectation, club volunteers stepped forward to ensure those protecting our communities, and those displaced by the fires, were supported, welcomed, and cared for. It is a tremendous example of what community football clubs represent beyond the game itself.

AFL Goulburn Murray acknowledges and thanks all volunteers and emergency services for their extraordinary efforts over the past week in both fighting the fires and supporting recovery. It has also been encouraging to see the strong collaborative approach between local government, emergency services, and volunteer organisations throughout the response.

Our thoughts are with those who have lost homes, livestock, and livelihoods as a result of the fires. The impact of such loss is profound, and recovery takes time. We acknowledge the resilience shown by individuals, families, and farming communities during this incredibly difficult period, and we stand with you as recovery continues.

We also acknowledge and thank the local businesses, tradespeople, and community organisations who generously donated food, resources, time, and services. Often given without recognition, these contributions have made a meaningful difference on the ground and demonstrate the strength of local connection.

Moments like these remind us that football clubs are more than sporting organisations. They are trusted hubs of care, leadership, and support when communities need them most.

On behalf of AFL Victoria and AFL Goulburn Murray, thank you to everyone who has contributed, supported, and stood together during this challenging time.

Shaun Connell

AFL Victoria Regional Manager - Goulburn Murray

Free Come and Play - Seymour

We are excited to invite you to a special Free Come & Play hosted by AFL Victoria aimed at giving back and spreading joy in the wake of the recent bushfires.

This Friday, 16th January, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, @Kings Park Reserve. We will be distributing free footies to kids and families on the day.

All community members are welcome to join us for this special occasion. Come along, enjoy some fun and take home a free footy!

Be part of this community spirit initiative. We look forward to seeing you there!

For more information email kevin.monaghan@afl.com.au

2026 Club Registrations

The club player registration portals are now open. Can all clubs yet to open/promote/set a fee for their portals please do so asap.

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.

In the coming days, John Thompson will be contacting clubs' presidents to arrange a time to discuss feedback and next steps.

For any club yet to complete, please click the link below.

Club Health Check

Coaching Dates

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

Lead Your Way Program
UMPowered Coaching Conference 2026 - (Umpiring Coaching)
W&G Umpire Liaison Program 2026

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

AFL Community Camps - Carlton FC is Coming to Goulburn Murray

Carlton Football Club is coming to the Goulburn Murray on the 5 and 6th of February.

Whilst centred around Shepparton Club as and Schools, we are working with the Blues to visit Communities impacted by the fires.

Selected clubs will be contacted in coming days to help assist in having a group of Blues come to their club.

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.

Upcoming Key Dates

February

15th Sports Medicine Australia Trainers Course Kialla Park Community Centre - (Click link to apply)
Trainers Course 15th February - A must for trainers for the 2026 season.

March

1st - Club Leaders' Summit - Save the Date!
8th SMA Trainers Course - Labor Day Long Weekend - Shepparton Park Bowls Club
(Click link to apply) - Trainers Course 8th March - A must for trainers for the 2026 season.
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

From mid-December, the Australian Government will require certain social media services to take steps to prevent U16's from having accounts. As an early FYI, there are still specific details being developed but it is worth starting to consider:

(1) how young people and clubs currently use social media as part of their sport, and

(2) what policies, training or resources may need to be reviewed/updated.

For more information: click here