Chris Febvre • November 11, 2020
Strategic Planning and Club Development Program - RCoW and AFLNEB
Strategic Planning and Club Development Program - RCoW and AFLNEB
AFL North East Border, in conjunction with the Ovens and King Football Netball League and Wangaratta and District Junior Football League, has been successful in obtaining funding to deliver a Strategic Planning and Club Development Program under the Rural City of Wangaratta’s Business and Community Recovery Grants Program.
The North East region’s football and netball clubs and associated communities have been greatly impacted by the January 2020 bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic which, due to the restrictions, resulted in the loss of the 2020 football netball season in all AFLNEB affiliated leagues.
Clubs across the region have identified the need to focus on rebuilding clubs and reconnecting with communities with a return to football and netball competition in 2021.
It is also identified that clubs need to adapt to the continuing COVID-19 restrictions.
The Strategic Planning and Club Development Program will provide one-on-one support for up to 10 clubs across of the Wangaratta region, including senior and junior clubs to help prepare new club strategic plans.
AFLNEB League Manager Cam Potter said the successful application for the grant will benefit 10 clubs across the Rural City as clubs attempt to find their way back from a devastating 2020 season.
“The impact of the bushfires and COVID-19 to football governance and operations has been significant at all levels in 2020,” Potter said.
“With no football or netball in 2020 a key focus of all leagues and clubs is to support community participation and connection with the expected return of football and netball competition in 2021.
“The Strategic Planning and Club Development Program will support clubs in reviewing their current positions and establish new and updated strategies addressing the impacts from 2020.
“It will also help clubs establish operational approaches as COVID safe organisations supporting the safety of their participants and the local community.”
Expression of interests are now being requested from football-netball clubs across the City of Wangaratta municipality which are open until December 11th, 2020 with expressions of interested to be forwarded to cam.potter@afl.com.au.
For more information please contact Cam Potter on 0428 284 916.
The 2025 North East Border V Line Cup teams have been selected, with Division One and Two boys teams and the girls teams preparing to compete in Ballarat. AFL North East Border would like to thank all the coaches and support staff who have been working tirelessly over the past two months preparing the squads to compete at the carnival in Ballarat on the 23rd and 24th of September. The NEB teams will compete against the Goulburn Murray teams on Tuesday the 23rd at Mars Stadium, before taking on the Greater Western Victoria teams on Wednesday 24th at City Oval. Please check out the AFLNEB Facebook and Instagram pages to follow the action!
Ben has been involved with the local Wangaratta Auskick centre for five years and the coordinator for four of those, the exciting announcement was announced at the allocation night for Auskickers graduating to the Wangaratta and District Junior Football League in front of local Auskickers, parents and local WDJFL Clubs. The prize for the award is a grand final weekend experience including three nights' accommodation in Melbourne, a ticket to the Welcome to Melbourne function, attendance at the grand final parade, and a reserve seat ticket to the 27 September grand final. Over his time, Ben has secured significant sponsorship for the program; has initiated the all-girls' group; provides a support network for smaller centres across Wangaratta and surrounding regions; contributes to community events like allocation night and puts in a heap of extra work with the allocation process; organises half-time Auskick games at local football league matches; and, of course, the countless hours spent organising jumpers, certificates, equipment and everything in between, year after year. Wangaratta is regularly one of the biggest centres in the state, if not the nation, and this year was the biggest in Victoria. That, as you can imagine, makes it almost a full-time commitment, year-round. A huge congratulations to Ben from everyone at AFLNEB!
The AFL North East Border (AFLNEB) LaTrobe University Junior Carnival celebrated its 18th year in 2025, continuing its proud tradition of showcasing emerging talent from across the region. The carnival provides junior footballers with a valuable opportunity to represent their league against strong opposition from neighbouring competitions. This year saw significant changes to the carnivals structure, with the Tallangatta and District Football Netball League and Hume Football League withdrawing from the Junior Carnival this year with both leagues facing off in an Interleague Match later this season. As such in 2025, we held four full matches between the Albury Wodonga Junior Football League (AWJFL) and Wangaratta & District Junior Football League (WDJFL) across 4 age groups – U13’s, U14’s, U15’s and U16’s. Held once again at the picturesque Lavington Sportsground, the event made full use of both ovals. With the sun shining and perfect playing conditions, the stage was set for an outstanding day of football. Match Results & Highlights U13s – Oval 2, 10:00 AM A thrilling opener saw the WDJFL control much of the play early, led by Tom Sealy and Jack Hart, and holding a narrow lead into the final term. However, a resilient AWJFL side, inspired by Best on Ground Ryder Pearce (Wodonga Raiders JFC), surged late to claim victory. Final Score: AWJFL 7.9 (51) def WDJFL 5.8 (38) U15s – Oval 1, 10:00 AM The AWJFL made the most of a first-quarter breeze to take an early lead, and despite a determined fightback from the WDJFL, they held on for a hard-fought win. Will Packer (Albury JFC) was instrumental and awarded Best on Ground honours. Final Score: AWJFL 7.8 (50) def WDJFL 5.5 (35) U14s – Oval 2, Midday This closely contested match saw multiple lead changes in the second half. Archie Knobel and Harris Bruneau were instrumental for the WDJFL. With pressure mounting in the final minutes, the AWJFL edged ahead with a goal after the siren, sealing a memorable 8-point win. Tom Toepfer (Albury JFC) was pivotal and named Best on Ground. Final Score: AWJFL 6.7 (43) def WDJFL 5.5 (35) U16s – Oval 1, Midday Featuring some of the region’s top junior talent, this match showcased high-level football. WDJFL started strongly, but AWJFL steadily worked their way back and dominated the second half. Blake Morgan (Albury JFC) delivered a standout performance to earn Best on Ground. Final Score: AWJFL 12.14 (86) def WDJFL 7.4 (46) Overall it was a fantastic day of football, with all but the U16’s match up for grabs until the final 5 to 10 minutes keeping everyone in attendance highly engaged. Zac Hedin, AFLNEB Region Manager, shared his thanks and reflections on the day: "On behalf of AFLNEB, I’d like to thank everyone involved in the 2025 AFLNEB LaTrobe University Junior Carnival. A special thank you goes to all the volunteers – coaches, team managers, trainers, runners, and first aiders – who make this event possible each year." "It was fantastic to see all games played in such great spirit. The conduct of players, coaches, and spectators was exemplary, and a credit to all involved. We look forward to seeing how these young players continue to develop through the 2025 season, and we hope to welcome many of you back in 2026." A big thanks to our AFLNEB Partners, in particular LaTrobe University, Hume Bank, the Commercial Club, Loco Apparel and APCO.
