Key signings, a new club and marquee themed rounds are set to deliver another unforgettable year of Bond University QAFLW and TPIL Lawyers QAFL action in 2026. 

The TPIL Lawyers QAFL will officially begin on Saturday March 28, with an enthralling Grand Final rematch between the reigning premiers, Redland Victoria Point and Surfers Paradise. Newly retired Gold Coast SUNS legend David Swallow is set to lace up the boots for the Demons in 2026. 

The Broadbeach Cats will have their first taste of QAFLW action when they host their cross-town rivals and reigning premiers, the Southport Sharks, in Round 1 of the Bond University QAFLW on Saturday April 11. 

Three marquee themed rounds will return in 2026, starting with 11 games across both competitions to commemorate ANZAC Day on Saturday 25 April. 

Sir Doug Nicholls Round, which honours the extraordinary contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, cultures and communities to Australian rules football, will be played across two rounds, Saturday May 16 and Saturday May 23. 

The state-wide, award-winning Pride Round, celebrating the rainbow community, will take place across two weekends, Saturday July 18 and Saturday July 25. 

QAFL and QAFLW Competition Manager Adrian Richardson said excitement was building leading into the 2026 season.

“Following the success of the 2025 season, we are excited to again see the competitiveness of the TPIL Lawyers QAFL,” he said. 

“In the Bond University QAFLW we are excited to introduce Broadbeach into the QAFLW competition, which means a third team is now located on the Gold Coast. 

“We are looking forward to seeing how this proud club handles the next level of competition.  

“Ahead of the season return, we would like to again thank Bond University and TPIL Lawyers as the naming rights sponsors of both competitions. 

“We thank them for their support of senior Australian rules football in Queensland.”

All games will be livestreamed in 2026 on AFL Queensland’s YouTube channel, with feature matches commentated each round. 

About the TPIL Lawyers QAFL.

The TPIL Lawyers Queensland Australian Football League (QAFL) is the leading Australian rules football senior competition in Queensland, featuring top-tier men’s clubs from across the southeast corner of the state. Established in 1904, the QAFL is one of the most respected football leagues in Australia. TPIL Lawyers have been the naming rights sponsor since 2025.

About the Bond University QAFLW 

The Bond University QAFL Women’s (QAFLW) competition is Queensland’s premier women’s Australian Rules Football league, providing a pathway for female athletes to showcase their talent and compete at the highest level in the state. The league continues to grow and elevate the standard of women’s football in Queensland. Bond University has been a sponsor since 2016. 

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