AFL Barwon confirms Torquay’s promotion call

AFL BARWON has confirmed the Torquay Football and Netball Club’s decision to not move up into the Geelong Football Netball League (GFNL), but says it is committed to promotion and relegation and that this model will not work without “consistent buy-in” from all clubs and leagues.

Earlier today, the Tigers announced that, after consulting with its members, the club would not take up the non-mandatory promotion and would instead remain in the Bellarine Football Netball League (BFNL) for the 2026 season.

Fellow BFNL club Geelong Amateur also declined to be promoted into the GFNL earlier this year, meaning there will be no movement between leagues in this cycle.

Introduced via AFL Barwon’s Future of Football and Netball Project, the two-year Club Championship ladder cycle was introduced, providing the top two teams in the BFNL with the opportunity for promotion into the GFNL.

In a statement, AFL Barwon said it greatly appreciated the efforts undertaken by both Geelong Amateur and Torquay to review and make an important decision on their futures.

“AFL Barwon remains committed to a model that provides movement opportunities for clubs to be competitive on a regular basis. It is a key step in supporting equalisation and ensuring competitiveness across both senior football and netball competitions.

“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 noted both the Tigers and the Ammos cited the competitiveness of the GFNL as a reason to decline being promoted.

“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 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 Premier Netball competitions will feature seven different clubs competing in finals across the top two grades.

“The BFNL has also seen a competitive season with average margins down from previous years.”

The Geelong region’s footy and netball governing body argues promotion and relegation allows teams consistently at the top — such as recently in the BFNL — and teams consistently at the bottom — such as recently in the GFNL — the opportunity to either “extend their clubs” in the former case or “rebuild and grow participation and junior programs without the pressure and weight of consistent senior losses” in the latter case.

“Movement between the leagues is a key to unlocking greater competitiveness. The junior structure already allows this movement and provides clubs the opportunity to play competitive junior football, noting that eight Bellarine clubs have teams in the top two junior Under 18 divisions.”

AFL Barwon says it has worked closely with clubs to encourage alignment between league structures and club competitiveness over the past 18 months.

“The introduction of promotion and relegation opportunities, alongside the establishment of new clubs, changes to player points and salary cap systems provides a clear pathway to improving equalisation across all senior competitions.

“Without movement between leagues, gaps in competitiveness will remain.

“Greater fluidity enables clubs to play at the level most suited to their strength, sustainability, and future growth.”

AFL Barwon stated it would keep working with all clubs and leagues to ensure the best possible structures are in place to support sustainable growth, competitive balance, and the long-term health of community football and netball, which would include a review of the existing non-mandatory promotion and relegation model, junior programs and league structures.