Movement between Geelong and Bellarine football and netball leagues would be placed on hold until at least 2026, but based on the results of the next two seasons under an updated restructure proposal released to clubs by AFL Barwon.
The latest document, which forgoes the term ‘Premier Division’ and also outlines plans for a 12-team Bellarine competition in 2025, was developed following feedback from clubs at a meeting with AFL Barwon on 13 February.
Specific criteria in previous proposals covering minimum participation requirements in junior and women’s football sections have been removed.
This 11-page proposal covers two timelines, covering a two-year and a three-year cycle for club movement based on combined Club Championship points for senior and reserves football and A and B grade netball.
Twelve points will be allocated to the team finishing first at the end of the home-and-away season, then 11 to second and so on.
Under the proposal, the first movement would take place ahead of the 2026 season, with results from 2024 and 2025 used to determine which BFNL club goes up and which GFNL club goes down.
The document also factors in introducing the Surf Coast Suns to the Bellarine as soon as next year while leaving the door open for a 12th club from the AFL Barwon region, which includes the GDFNL and Colac and District League.
An application form to join the competition has also been released with the latest proposal. Clubs have until Wednesday, 24 April, to indicate their interest.
The document also covers adjusted team points and salary caps for senior football and A-grade netball, with staggered amounts based on ladder position (see below).
These will be set a minimum of 12 months before the start of the new cycle.
Fixturing would also be locked in at the start of the cycle.
The proposal also confirms the retention of the Geelong and Bellarine names, with the leagues’ respective boards to remain.
Feedback on the document closes at midday on Monday, 25 March, ahead of the AFL Barwon Commission meeting that night.
