Batemans Bay Seahawks to join AFL Canberra Juniors in 2026

The Batemans Bay Seahawks will join the AFL Canberra Juniors competition from 2026, AFL Canberra and AFL Sapphire Coast has today confirmed.  

The Seahawks will move all juniors’ competitive grades to AFL Canberra next year, coinciding with its Seniors sides fielding teams in AFL Canberra’s Premier Division from 2026.  

The move now strategically aligns all Batemans Bay Seahawks teams into one league while increasing player development opportunities, particularly for the club’s continued expansion of its women and girls program since it was established in 2019.

The entry of the Seahawks will also enhance the AFL Canberra Juniors competition structure, and enable the club the opportunity to host finals, while also reducing travel for its non-competitive grades through a localised Under 10s program.

AFL Canberra Community Football and Competition Manager Matthew Diglio said: “The inclusion of the Batemans Bay Seahawks Juniors is an exciting addition for all AFL Canberra grades and has been positively welcomed by all AFL Canberra junior football clubs.  

“Following the promotion of their senior teams into Premier Division, we welcome the juniors into our competition, creating a clear pathway for their players.

“Batemans Bay is a growing AFL region – clearly exhibited by how the club has expanded since joining the Sapphire Coast, and we are excited to be a part of the next phase of their AFL journey.  

“Congratulations to the club volunteers who put together a detailed proposal and have grown the club to what it is today.”

AFL Community Football and Competition Manager (South Coast and Central West) Casey White said: “Batemans Bay have been an integral part of the Sapphire Coast AFL landscape for the past three seasons – as one of only two clubs in the competition to have teams in all junior grades.

“While it’s disappointing to see them depart, it will ultimately help optimise the AFL Sapphire Coast league – namely, condensing the competition and reducing travel.  

“Michael Kenny, Anthony Freyer, and Jamie Kemp have been a pleasure to work alongside, and we have no doubt the Seahawks will continue to grow under their leadership.”

The Seahawks’ move into the AFL Canberra Premier Division and Junior competitions in 2026 coincides with the club’s 50th anniversary next year.  

Established in 1976, the Seahawks have been part of the AFL Canberra Community Division since 2013 and were awarded AFL Canberra’s Community Club of the Year last season.  

Recently, the Albanese Government pledged $3 million towards the construction of a new stand-alone gender-neutral clubhouse facility at Hanging Rock Oval for the club.  

Batemans Bay Seahawks Manager – Football Operations Michael Kenny said: “We are excited about the opportunity for our juniors to transition into the AFL Canberra competition.  

“This change gives our juniors the chance to develop their skills in a stronger, more structured competition while keeping our entire club under the same AFL Canberra umbrella.  

“For us, one of the most exciting parts of this move is the ability to expand our girls program and provide a clear pathway for female players right here in Batemans Bay.

“We are grateful for the role AFL Sapphire Coast has played in supporting our junior program and look forward to building new connections and opportunities with AFL Canberra.”

For more information, visit aflcanberra.com