Sport
9 February, 2026
Easter start of season
AFL Cairns has launched its 2026 season fixture, highlighting new initiatives, key rounds and a strengthened partnership aimed at growing the competition across the region.
Football operations manager Brad Channon said the season would open on April 3 with Good Friday football in Port Douglas.
“Third of April, it kicks off with Good Friday footy in Port Douglas. So, it is the premiers North Cairns taking on the minor premiers in Port Douglas.”
He said mental health initiatives would again feature prominently.
“Clubs are going to have access to exclusive education through HeadSpace Cairns as well. We’re looking at putting on a community mental health breakfast as a part of that initiative.”
Mr Channon also outlined Pride Round, Indigenous Round, representative football through AFL Queensland and the introduction of all-abilities programs for Saturday fixtures to promote inclusion.
Players from several clubs spoke about strong pre-season preparations, new recruits and a focus on developing local talent, with women’s players highlighting a “one club mentality” and growing pathways for younger girls into senior football.
The 2026 fixture sets the framework for clubs, players and supporters as preparations begin for pre-season in March.
The AFL Cairns 2026 season fixture launch was held at Ireland’s of Cairns showroom on Mulgrave Rd, with a senior male and female player from each club in attendance.
Opening the event, AFL Cairns acknowledged a new three-year partnership with Ireland’s of Cairns.
“Two amazing organisations coming together to obviously drive the season. 100 years of Ireland’s history, collectively with AFL Cairns, 75 years. It’s something we’re generally excited about,” said AFL Cairns general manager Craig Lees.
Ireland’s of Cairns general manager Hayden Durrington said the dealership was proud to support the competition.
“Ireland’s of Cairns, being a 100-year (old) business within the region to support AFL Cairns, it’s actually a great privilege, and we want to support the community as much as we can and we’ll continue to do so as much as we can for about three years,” he said.
