AFL Hunter Central Coast has today confirmed that the recently established University of Newcastle Australian Football Club has been granted entry into the senior competition from the 2026 season.
The admission of the University of Newcastle AFC will see the senior league expand to a 14 club competition, with the club set to field teams in the Women’s Plate and Men’s Shield from Round 1.
The University of Newcastle AFC will be known as the Seahorses in a nod to the institution’s iconic coat of arms, which will proudly feature across the club’s light blue, white and black guernseys.
More than 30,000 students are enrolled at the University of Newcastle, with many of its student population having relocated from across Australia to study at its campuses.
Head of AFL NSW/ACT Andrew Varasdi said: “The founding of the University of Newcastle Australian Football Club is a historic moment for AFL Hunter Central Coast.
“This moment is testament to the sustained growth of Australian Football throughout the region, which continues to go from strength to strength.
“We thank the University of Newcastle for their advocacy and support in establishing the club and congratulate the Seahorses’ inaugural and founding club committee for bringing their vision to life.
“The arrival of the University of Newcastle Seahorses will continue to elevate AFL participation and pathways in the region, and we look forward to seeing the club inspire the next phase of growth when their on-field journey begins as the season starts in just over three weeks time.”
Inaugural president of The University of Newcastle Seahorses Jamika McAulay-Earnest said: “The formation of the University of Newcastle Australian Football Club has been a long-time coming and we couldn’t be more excited to see this dream finally realised.
“It’s an incredible time to be part of this club. It’s been inspiring to see the dedication of our committee as we establish the Seahorses, and we’ve been thrilled by the huge amount of player interest in the club – especially for our women’s team which is particularly exciting.
“Students travel from across Australia to study at the University of Newcastle, and now we can give these talented students the opportunity to represent their university and play Australian football in a strong and competitive league.
“We cannot wait to see our foundation players pull on the guernsey and proudly play as the Seahorses for the first time and officially begin our legacy within the AFL Hunter Central Coast.”
The Hunter Central Coast is a burgeoning breeding ground for elite AFL and AFLW talent, having produced star midfielder and Sydney Swans Vice-Captain Isaac Heeney, as well as Max King and Alex Neyland who were both drafted to the Sydney Swans in the 2025 Telstra AFL and AFLW Drafts respectively.
In 2025, AFL participation in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory surpassed 78,000 in 2025 – a new record for the state and territory, representing a 10 per cent rise in participation since 2024 and exceeding pre-COVID participation levels by almost 25 per cent.
The Hunter Central Coast is home to 18 community AFL clubs across both senior and junior competitions, with over 50 Auskick centres across the region.
The University of Newcastle Seahorses are the first new club to enter the Hunter Central Coast since the former Black Diamond Seniors, Hunter Juniors and Central Coast Juniors were amalgamated to form the AFL Hunter Central Coast in 2018.
Connolly Park in Carrington will serve as the club’s home ground in 2026, while Federal Park 3 in Wallsend will be where the club will train during the remainder of pre-season. Details of the club’s home ground and training facility from 2027 will be confirmed in the coming months.
The AFL Hunter Central Coast community football season is set to begin on Saturday, April 11.
To play for the University of Newcastle Seahorses, express your interest by emailing uonafl@outlook.com.
For more information about the AFL Hunter Central Coast, visit here.