Division restructure among changes to female football

FEMALE football will have a different look in 2025 following several new changes outlined by AFL Barwon last month.

Through consultation with clubs over the past two years, AFL Barwon has worked to provide greater inclusivity, exposure and connection within the club.

The AFL Barwon Commission announced in mid-December that changes to competition structure and divisions, upward and downward movement, and day of play would be made for this year.

The biggest of the raft of changes involves the reduction in divisions from three to two.

AFL Barwon stated the two-division structure provided greater consistency across competitions and is in line with the new structures of the Geelong and Bellarine Football Netball Leagues.

The proposed divisions and teams based off the 2024 ladders are (based on 2024 seeds):

Division 1 – Grovedale, Geelong Amateur, St Mary’s, Barwon Heads, Lara, Torquay, Thomson, Anglesea, St Joseph’s, Newtown & Chilwell

Division 2 – Drysdale, Geelong West, South Barwon, Belmont, Geelong Amateur 2, Modewarre, Barwon Heads 2, St Albans, Grovedale 2, North Geelong

Female football will also be considered to be played on Saturday.

AFL Barwon will look at several “Gala Days” to maximise exposure for the two divisions.

“The changes being introduced for the 2025 season are incredibly exciting and highlight our region’s commitment to supporting and evolving with the growth of the game for female players,” AFL Barwon group manager of operations Lisa Patterson said.

“Aligning with our male competitions by moving the day of play to Saturday, it allows for a greater showcase of female football in our region that will ultimately strengthen club unity.

“It’s a significant step forward in promoting inclusiveness, enhancing club culture, and aligning with the continued evolution of female football.”

AFL Barwon will also implement permanent upward and downward movement across the two new divisions that will come into effect at the end of the 2025 season. The number of teams moving up and down was not disclosed.

AFL Barwon will hold a workshop this month to give clubs the opportunity to discuss the proposed new changes.