View in browser 5th May 2026

Sports update ‘Leap of faith’: Why star footballer became an umpire A decorated footballer and coach – once endorsed by an AFL superstar – hopes to become something of a trailblazer after dipping his toe into the world of umpiring. READ MORE   ‘Potluck from a s--- golfer’: Amateur’s miracle hole-in-one run A self-confessed average golfer with a handicap of 11 has achieved a staggering 1.95 trillion to one feat. But it hasn’t improved his handicap. He explains how it happened. READ MORE   ‘We’re building’: GFNL premiership star on why he joined new club A two-time GFNL premiership player has revealed the reasons why he joined an emerging Bellarine club and how 2025 was so challenging. READ MORE   Former, current VFL Cats impress as ex-AFL player annoys Neeld Bell Park and South Barwon flexed their muscles, and two ex-VFL Cats starred while another Cats VFL duo shone. But a familiar face from Mark Neeld’s AFL days gave him headaches. READ MORE   GCA signing tracker: all the ins, outs and coaching appointments A division four run machine will return to Ballarat next summer. Keep up to date with all the latest player acquisitions and coaching appointments. READ MORE   News update Man dead after Lara machinery incident A man has died at a Lara factory after reports of a machinery incident. READ MORE   Botanic Gardens feud: Council backflips on bans Behind-the-scenes chaos at one of the region’s most beloved attractions has resulted in staff resignations and lifetime bans after workplace safety concerns reached “extreme” level... READ MORE   Dutch traveller killed in Bannockburn truck collision