The majority of GFNL clubs’ wish to retain an 18-game football season in the new fixture, following the withdrawal of Lara’s senior and reserves teams, has been granted.
The new 20-round schedule has been released this afternoon, 11 days after the Cats’ decision.
As a result, the fixture for the football section will see clubs play eight opponents twice and two once.
It is not the first time the GFNL has operated 20 rounds; it did so from 1992-2000.
It is understood that AFL Barwon and three clubs preferred an 18-round, 16-game season. However, the push for 18 games over 20 rounds, led by South Barwon, and being used by the Bellarine League in 2026, won out.
Round 1, which was previously scheduled for April 18, has been brought forward by a week. As a result, the Colac-St Mary’s match-up, brought forward from Round 7 of the previous fixture, will now be considered a Round 1 fixture.
The season will commence, as previously planned, with the Easter Saturday meeting between St Joseph’s and Leopold at Lorne’s Stribling Reserve.
Each club will have two byes and a league-wide bye on July 4 in the middle of the mid-year school holidays.
“First and foremost, we want to acknowledge the challenges facing Lara,” GFNL president Todd Devine said.
“We remain committed to supporting the club and look forward to seeing their netball and junior programs thrive this season.
“I also want to recognise the collaborative approach taken by the GFNL clubs throughout this process.
“Everyone appreciated that, given the circumstances, there was no perfect solution, yet all clubs acted with goodwill and in the best interests of the competition.
“The spirit of cooperation has been truly commendable.”
Lara will continue to field netball teams in all sections, with its A-grade team having its two byes when it meets North Shore, which remains without a top-flight team.
“It has been incredibly heartening to see the community rally around Lara, while also addressing the immediate need to deliver a revised fixture for the upcoming Blood Toyota GFNL season,” CEO Kate Patterson said.
“We greatly appreciate the understanding and cooperation shown by all clubs throughout this process.
“I’m proud of the way our team — particularly Sophie Allison (Head of Netball) and Sarah Naylor (Head of Football) — worked through multiple options with the league and clubs to reach the best possible outcome.
“With the fixture now confirmed, we can now look ahead to the 2026 season with confidence.”
X: @krockfootball
