Lions’ den to host GFNL deciders

AFL Barwon has announced Leopold Memorial Park as the site for this year’s Geelong Football and Netball League (GFNL) Grand Final.

The region’s governing football and netball body revealed the venue earlier today (Saturday, June 17).

Leopold will also host the GFNL Preliminary Finals, with the first two weeks of the finals to be hosted at Geelong West Football Netball Club’s West Oval.

AFL Barwon Region general manager Edward Wilson said AFL Barwon was proud to announce two outstanding clubs within the Barwon region as the GFNL finals hosts.

“Geelong West and Leopold exhibit operational excellence as clubs both on and off the field and court, and as such, are worthy hosts for these marquee weeks on the calendar.

“I thank both clubs for their tireless support and enthusiasm in partnership with AFL Barwon”.

Leopold Football Netball Club president Richard Hockley thanked AFL Barwon, on behalf of his club’s committee of management, for the opportunity to showcase his club’s facility to the region.

“We are very proud of our facility, in particular its strong connection between netball and football. We now look forward to working with AFL Barwon and all other Geelong FNL clubs to deliver a first-class finals series,” Hockley said.

Geelong West Giants chair Sarah Naylor said her club was also pleased about being a finals host.

“Geelong West is very excited to be hosting the first two weeks of 2023 Geelong FNL Finals and we thank AFL Barwon for the opportunity to showcase our Club to the Barwon region once again.

“Following the success of the 2022 Finals Series, we look forward to building on this foundation across the Qualifying, Elimination and Semi Finals weekends in September.”

The full GFNL Finals Series schedule:

Week 1 – West Oval Saturday, September 2 Qualifying Finals Sunday, September 3 Elimination Finals

Week 2 – West Oval Saturday, September 9 Second Semi Finals Sunday, September 10 First Semi Finals

Week 3 – Leopold Memorial Park Saturday, September 16 Preliminary Finals

Week 4 – Leopold Memorial Park Saturday, September 23 Grand Finals