Bellarine clubs consider starting stand-alone competition amid growing concerns with AFL Barwon

Bellarine clubs are considering breaking away from the current competition structure amid growing concerns with AFL Barwon and AFL Victoria.

Picture: Mike Dugdale

Frustrated Bellarine clubs are considering the possibility of starting a stand-alone competition amid growing concerns with AFL Barwon and AFL Victoria.

BFNL club presidents will meet with AFL Barwon on Tuesday night to voice their concerns, which centres on a perceived lack of communication and respect from AFL Barwon toward the competition and their constituents.

BFNL clubs are now exploring their options, with its executive committee having an informal meeting with GDFNL officials. However, it is understood this meeting was to gather information about their relationship with AFL Barwon, rather than to join the GDFNL competition.

There is a sense among BFNL clubs that most constituents are in favour of becoming a stand-alone competition, but BFNL president Mick Fitzgerald says the issues can be worked through.

Changes could be coming for the Bellarine. Picture: Alan Barber

BFNL clubs also want the competition to be recognised as a ‘Premier’ league by AFL Victoria which would allow for increased salary cap and perhaps additional player points.

There are also question marks from clubs over the impact of adding an 11th senior team, Surf Coast, into the competition in 2026 and the lack of correspondence from the peak body about their plans for the Suns.

Clubs were angered to find out about AFL Victoria’s decision to grant Surf Coast with 60 points and a $100,00-110,000 salary cap for their first senior season through the media.

AFL Barwon’s operating loss of $170,000 last year is another cause for concerns from clubs.

There remains lingering frustration from the two-division, non-mandatory promotion structure for the Geelong and Bellarine leagues announced on the eve of the 2024 season.

Clubs are conscious that there has been a lot of change at AFL Barwon in recent times with former regional manager Ed Wilson replaced by Lisa Patterson in late March and male football co-ordinator Simon Riddoch departing in May.

AFL Barwon and AFL Victoria were contacted for comment.

Originally published as Bellarine clubs consider starting stand-alone competition amid growing concerns with AFL Barwon