AFL Canberra has today confirmed that the Batemans Bay Seahawks has been granted entry to the AFL Canberra Premier Division, fielding teams in the competition from 2026.
The Batemans Bay Seahawks will become the seventh club in the competition, with their entry to AFL Canberra’s Premier Division coinciding with the club’s 50th anniversary next year.
Established in 1976, the Seahawks have proudly represented the South Coast for nearly five decades, boasting a rich playing history across AFL South Coast, AFL Sapphire Coast, and a stint in the ACTAFL in 1993 and 1994.
The club has also been part of the AFL Canberra Community Division since 2013, with its Men’s First Grade team having played finals every year since 2016, securing minor premierships in 2022, 2023 and 2024, and celebrated premiership victories in 2018 and 2023. The Seahawks were also awarded AFL Canberra’s Community Club of the Year last season.
Head of AFL NSW/ACT Andrew Varasdi said: “We are thrilled to grant the Batemans Bay Seahawks entry to AFL Canberra’s Premier Division from 2026.
“The Seahawks hold a beloved place in the South Coast’s AFL Community and are a club with a clear vision for its future, which is founded in a passionate commitment to grow Aussie Rules in the region.
“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.
“We look forward to welcoming them into the competition in 2026.”
Batemans Bay’s entry into the Premier Division follows the Albanese Government pledging $3 million towards the construction of a new stand-alone clubhouse facility at Hanging Rock Oval for the club.
The proposed facility will cater to all genders as the Seahawks’ Women’s program continues to advance since it was established in 2019.
Batemans Bay Seahawks Manager – Football Operations Michael Kenny said: “We’re doing this for the future of football on the South Coast.
“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 2025 AFL Canberra Premier Division enters Round 7 of the competition this weekend. For more information, visit aflcanberra.com.au.