The future shape of local football and netball is back on the agenda, with AFL Barwon announcing a wide-ranging review.
Titled Barwon Blueprint, the steering committee led by CEO Kate Patterson will spend the next 12 months developing a strategy to provide recommendations to the AFL Barwon board, with implementation planned for 2028.
The steering committee will feature representatives from AFL Barwon, including the junior competition, the Geelong, Bellarine, Geelong and District, and Colac and District leagues, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria, as well as independent experts.
Under the microscope will be competition structures, competitive balance, club sustainability, and pathways, with the aim of producing a roadmap covering 5 to 10 years.
The review follows concerns about the growing gap in competitiveness across both sports and the increasing pressure on volunteer-run clubs.
“Our region is widely recognised as one of the strongest community football and netball regions in Victoria, but we cannot afford to be complacent,” Patterson said.
“We are seeing clear sustainability challenges caused by competitive imbalance and participation issues that
impact long-term club viability in some parts of our region, while others are experiencing rapid growth.
“This project is about taking a proactive, evidence-based approach to ensure our competitions remain strong, relevant and sustainable well into the future.
“Importantly, this process will be genuinely collaborative and consultative. Clubs, leagues, volunteers and key stakeholders will all have an opportunity to contribute to shaping the future direction of football and netball in our region.”
It is expected that the steering committee will be appointed by the end of this month, ahead of the consultation phase, which runs from August to December.
A long-term strategy will be drafted across January and February before being presented to clubs in March for feedback.
Further refinement of the strategy will take place from March to May, before the final recommendations are presented to the board in 12 months.
Board chair Ash West says the review is focused on long-term solutions rather than short-term outcomes.
“Community sport is one of the foundations of our region. It brings people together, creates connection and provides opportunities for people of all ages to participate and belong,” West said.
“To protect that future, we must be prepared to have constructive conversations and make considered decisions that support the long-term sustainability of clubs and competitions across the region.
“This is not about winners and losers between leagues or clubs. It is about ensuring the entire ecosystem of community football and netball remains strong, competitive and viable for decades to come.”
X: @krockfootball
TIMELINES
| Milestone | Target Date |
|---|---|
| Confirm ToR & appoint Steering Committee | 30 June 2026 |
| Problem definition and design principles finalised | 31 July 2026 |
| Consultation phase | August to December 2026 |
| Draft long-term strategy | January to February 2027 |
| Present strategy to clubs for feedback | March 2027 |
| Refine strategy | March to May 2027 |
| Final recommendations to AFL Barwon Board | By end June 2027 |
SUCCESS MEASURES
- Clear, evidence-based recommendations adopted by the Board
- Improved competitive balance indicators over time with enhanced competition quality
- Increased participation and retention across junior and senior levels
- Enhanced sustainability of clubs in the region
- Mechanisms adopted to manage growth and demographic change
- Stakeholder support and understanding of the strategy
