Twenty rounds of action for revised GFNL season

The 2026 Geelong Football Netball League season will feature a 20-round home and away fixture, with senior football and netball grades to play an even number of matches across the season.

Last Friday, AFL Barwon released an updated version of the Geelong Football Netball League (GNFL) fixture following Lara FNC’s decision to not field seniors or reserves sides this year.

Since being formally advised of Lara’s decision, the AFL Barwon Operations Team and Commission have been in continual dialogue and collaboration with GFNL clubs to carefully assess the implications for the competition structure.

The priority throughout this process has been to maintain the integrity, equity and competitive balance of the 2026 season.

Senior and reserves football, A Grade Netball and E Grade will play 18 games with two fixtured byes.

Adjustments have also been made to ensure equity in home games and a balanced distribution of matches across B, C and D Grade netball.

AFL Barwon chief executive officer, Kate Patterson, said it had been incredibly heartening to see the community rally around Lara.

“We greatly appreciate the understanding and co-operation 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.”

The season start date has been brought forward by one week, with Round 1 now starting on 11 April.

St Joseph’s and Leopold will still start their season on 4 April. Finals dates and the previously communicated final’s structure remain unchanged.

GFNL president Todd Devine said the league remained committed to supporting Lara with its netball and junior programs this season.

“I 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.”

The fixure was revised again on Wednesday.

North Shore vs Geelong West fixtures in round 5 and 18 have swapped, while St Joseph’s will now host Lara in senior netball in round 5.

South Barwon and St Albans will now play in round 6 of A Grade competition, with their bye rescheduled to round 17.

The round 1 fixture in B to E Grade between Bell Park and St Joseph’s will also revert to a bye to mitigate a third clash between the clubs.

For the full fixture, head to the AFL Barwon website.