The RMS Engineering Senior Men’s Premiership and KX Pilates Senior Women’s Cup will begin their respective campaigns on Saturday 18 April with the first ever installment of Gather Round as last years’ first attempt was washed out.

Gather Round will see all fixtured Senior teams including Reserves play at the one venue with a staggered starting time so players and spectators can view opposition teams.

The Senior Season will also showcase the traditional ANZAC fixture of Curra Swans vs Hermit Park Tigers, now in its twelfth year, and other set rounds of Sir Doug Nicholls Round, Pride Round, Volunteer Round and local cups Finn/Holman Cup (Northern Beaches Suns v Thuringowa Bulldogs) and Eric Johns Cup (Hermit Park Tigers v Curra Swans). Both of these cups are decided by the most victories for their club over the weekend including youth and senior teams.

The Season will consist of 14 games for each club, seven home and seven away, over a 19-week season before starting the finals campaign on Saturday 22 August. The Grand Final will held Riverway Stadium on Saturday 5 September with all Senior Grades playing.

Regional Lead in North Queensland, Dan Watts is elated that the 2026 season is soon approaching, with the AFL Townsville Gather Round set to kick off the season with a strong start.

“It is exciting to start the season with our first-ever Gather Round, bringing all the teams into the one location for our first round is sure to create a fantastic atmosphere and a great spectacle for all spectators,” said Watts.

“It was unfortunate the record rainfall washed the event out last year so we are hopeful we will get it off the ground this year with the later start.

“Our clubs have been recruiting well especially in the Senior Women’s space. We are also seeing a number of our talented youth footballers moving into Seniors for their first season which is exciting to watch their development.”

AFL Townsville encourages anyone looking to participate to reach out to their local club and give footy a go in 2026. Whether you are a first-timer or seasoned footballer, register to play at PLAY.AFL