New divisions, new club for all abilities season opener

FIVE clubs will begin their 2026 football season in style, playing their round 1 games at Kardinia Park.

Geelong West, Newtown, Newcomb, St Joseph’s and Bell Park all abilities sides will play their first games of the year on Geelong’s only professional turf.

This year’s competition introduces separate contact and non-contact divisions, designed to support participation, safety and continued growth. Newtown & Chilwell will debut in the non-contact division in round 1.

Head coach Nathan Braddock said the addition had already opened the door for more players.

Coaching staff identified contact as a barrier for some, despite having the skills to play, while the new format also creates more opportunities for people to connect with their local clubs.

“As much as this is being able to play football, it’s about being able to have the opportunity to be part of the football club, and all of the things that come along with that: connection, the opportunity to belong somewhere, opportunity for parents to get involved in a club,” Braddock said.

“We see football as the vehicle for all these benefits and there are a lot of the benefits of being part of a community club.”

It’s not just on the field that Braddock is welcoming people into the club, but off too.

Oscar Longmuir was not interested in playing football but loves holding a camera and has been appointed the team’s official photographer.

“Whether you’re holding the board and changing the magnets around or being an assistant coach or filling up water bottles, there’s so many opportunities to be part of a team, and part of the club,” Braddock said.

AFL Barwon also run all abilities netball throughout the winter season.

All five clubs involved in the football competitions continue to accept player registrations for the tackle and non-contact divisions.

Four games will be played at Kardinia Park on Saturday 11 April. Gates open at 2.30pm with free entry.