New kids on the block: Suns approved for BFNL entry

AN 11^th TEAM will enter the Bellarine Football Netball League (BFNL) in 2026, with the AFL Barwon Commission and member clubs unanimously approving Surf Coast Football Netball Club’s application to join the senior competition.

The approval took place last night (Wednesday, May 29), following a special meeting held by the Commission yesterday, after final discussions with the BFNL’s 10 constituent clubs.

The Suns have undergone extensive deliberation with the Commission over several face-to-face meetings, delving into the club’s facilities, financials, participation, and club development.

In an exclusive interview with the Surf Coast Times, Surf Coast Suns president Jay Williams said it was an amazing feeling for the club to be approved to enter the BFNL.

“One of the things I said when I was first appointed as president was to try and get a senior program up and running.

“To have it happen fairly quickly is a great thing, we’ve been working really hard to increase our sponsorship three-fold over the past couple of years and that was a big factor for us to press the case for us to be able to finance the move into the league.

“I’ll admit, I was hoping the Suns could move into the competition in 2025, but in hindsight 2026 is probably a bit smarter.

“It means we can plan things a bit better and also allow our Under 18s footballers to get an additional year under their belt, maybe allow us to get a second team, while our netballers begin play in the Under 19s competition.”

 

 

It will mark the first time the BFNL will feature 11 teams in its history and the first time a new side has joined the competition since St Leonards (now defunct) joined in 1985.

In a statement provided following last night’s meeting, AFL Barwon said the motion to grant the approval of the Suns marks a significant moment for sport in the region

“With a total participant base across male football and netball exceeding 400, an Under 18 male football side and several years of top-age Netballers’ participation restricted, this decision provides Surf Coast Suns a platform for the future and will contribute significantly to the future success of the BFNL.

“AFL Barwon extends its gratitude to all Bellarine FNL Clubs and the Surf Coast FNC, for their respective involvements and contributions to this process.”

As part of the discussions with the Suns, AFL Barwon discussed in depth other topics such as Surf Coast FNC’s Strategic Plan for the future, how Surf Coast’s male football and netball programs will expand to encompass senior disciplines; and how Surf Coast plans to become a viable club within to the Bellarine FNL.

Williams confirmed the announcement now means it can begin discussions with potential senior signings and coaching prospects, with a concrete timeline under their belt.

The club will also continue conversations with the Surf Coast Shire to discuss how Banyul Warri Fields’ Grant Pavilion can cater more suitably to the Suns.