Football and netball to light up Bellarine in 2023

AFL Barwon has released the 2023 fixture for the Bellarine Football and Netball League. Photo: MARCEL BERENS/SPORTS MEDIA IMAGES

FOOTBALL and netball on the Bellarine and Surf Coast is locked in for 2023 following AFL Barwon’s BFNL fixture release, hot off the organisation’s first complete season in three years.

April 1 marks the season’s start date kicking off an action-packed weekend involving repeats of both Preliminary Finals from last season’s A Grade and Senior Football sides.

Torquay will host Ocean Grove in the twilight timeslot at McCartney Oval, while Drysdale takes on Barwon Heads at Mortimer Reserve.

Easter’s fixture in Round 2 has two games on Good Friday next season with Queenscliff heading to Torquay and Modewarre hosting Geelong Amateur in a Surf Coast venue double on the public holiday.

AFL Barwon regional manager Edward Wilson said he and his team were excited to work with every club to get the ball rolling on what would be a highly anticipated return to action in the region for football and netball.

“AFL Barwon is incredibly excited for what the 2023 Bellarine Football Netball League will achieve, in partnership with the 10 clubs.

“After a lengthy fixture development process, incorporating club requests, maximising advantageous opportunities through long weekends and public holidays in promoting clubs, the fixture release sets the foundation for a successful 2023 season.

“AFL Barwon is proud and appreciative of the relationships we share with all 10 Bellarine clubs and thank them for their tireless support, and enthusiasm in preparing for 2023.”

Other highlights in the BFNL fixture include Round 4’s traditional Anzac Day fixture between North Bellarine rivals Drysdale and Portarlington.

Round 4 will also bring Ocean Grove and Geelong Amateur’s repeat of the 2022 netball A Grade Grand Final.

For football, Round 5 will bring on the Battle of the Breaks between Torquay and reigning premiers Barwon Heads, the rematch of the 2022 Seniors Grand Final.

Barwon Heads will host next year’s first instalment of the “Battle of the Bridge” in Round 6, before Ocean Grove hosts the return fixture in Round 13.

The Round 1 BFNL matches are: