Batemans Bay Seahawks Rising Stars Women’s team in April 2025. Photo: Batemans Bay Seahawks Football Club Facebook.
The Batemans Bay Seahawks have been included in the AFL Canberra Premier Division from the 2026 season, bringing the number of teams in the competition to seven.
The Seahawks will join Ainslie, Queanbeyan, Belconnen, Eastlake, Gungahlin and Tuggeranong next season.
Batemans Bay will field five teams in 2026: women’s first and Rising Stars, men’s first, second and Rising Stars teams.
The return of the Bay to the Canberra competition comes 30 years after their last participation in the ACT’s top league when they were part of the ACTAFL for two years in 1993 and 1994.
The Bay have been part of the AFL Canberra’s Community Division since 2013, winning premierships in 2018 and 2023. They were also named AFL Canberra’s Community Club of the Year in 2024.
It is a significant jump from the Community Division to the Premier Division, but there is confidence that the news will generate a growth in the sport in Batemans Bay and on the South Coast more broadly.
Members of the Seahawks Senior Men’s team at Hanging Rock Oval during a pre-season trial match. Photo: Batemans Bay Seahawks Facebook.
Head of AFL NSW/ACT Andrew Varasdi believes the impact of the elevation to the Premier Division cannot be underestimated.
“Their entry to the Premier Division of AFL Canberra is the natural next step in the club’s continued growth and now provides a genuine pathway for players on the South Coast to play in an elevated, premier Aussie Rules competition.”
Batemans Bay Seahawks Manager – Football Operations, Michael Kenny, said it is a fitting reward for all involved in building the club to this point.
“Our players, volunteers, and supporters have built something really special, and we’re proud to now offer a pathway that matches the talent and passion in our region.”
The Seahawks will celebrate their 50th season next year, coinciding with their entry to the Premier Division.
With a new clubhouse planned for the home ground at Hanging Rock, there is plenty to like about the Seahawks.
Original Article published by Tim Gavel on Region Canberra.
