Local football and netball’s governing body “remains committed” to movement between the Geelong and Bellarine leagues despite neither of the eligible BFNL clubs taking the opportunity to join the GFNL in 2026.
Torquay today (Thursday) informed AFL Barwon it would join Geelong Amateur in remaining in the Bellarine League, the competition it has called home since its formation in 1971.
The Tigers and Pegs filled the top two spots in the two-year rolling club championship introduced ahead of the 2024 season, which factors in results from senior and reserves football, as well as A-grade and B-grade netball.
“Movement between leagues is critical to improving competitiveness and sustainability of clubs, given demographic shifts across the Geelong and Bellarine regions; however, consistent buy-in from clubs and
leagues is required for the model to be fully effective,” AFL Barwon said in a statement.
“Promotion and Relegation is a way of allowing teams consistently at the top, as has been seen in recent years in the BFNL, and teams consistently at the bottom, which is the case in the GFNL, the opportunities to either extend their clubs or provide opportunities to rebuild and grow participation and junior programs without the pressure and weight of consistent senior losses.
“Movement between the leagues is a key to unlocking greater competitiveness.”
Torquay and Geelong Amateur both cited the competitiveness of the GFNL in their decisions to remain in the Bellarine, a point refuted by AFL Barwon.
“It’s important to note that the GFNL continues to demonstrate its strength as one of the highest-quality country football and netball leagues in Victoria,” the statement continued.
“The 2025 season has showcased this balance, with seven senior football teams still in contention for a
finals berth heading into the final two rounds, and no top five positions confirmed with one round to play.
“The GFNL’s premier netball competitions (A and B-grades) will feature seven different clubs competing in finals across the top two grades.”
X: @krockfootball
