AFL Mackay has unveiled the fixtures for the 2021 senior competitions, with round one to kick off on April 10.
For the first time ever, all senior clubs in Mackay will have both Men’s and Women’s teams in the senior competitions.
Competition Manager, Josh Rhodes, said it was welcome news for the growth of Aussie rules in the sugar capital.
“With all senior clubs having both a men’s and women’s team, it means they can both play at the same venue for each club which I think is really healthy for the league,” he said.
“We’re looking forward to playing footy from April to September this year, after last year’s shotgun season.”
“In exciting news for the league, 2021 will see the Moranbah Bulldogs return to the senior men’s competition after missing the 2020 season.”
“It’s also great to be welcoming back the Whitsunday Sea Eagles into the Senior Women’s competition.”
The Saints enter the senior men’s competition looking to make it 3 in a row and continue their undefeated streak, which stretches for two seasons.
The Tigers and Hawks will both be searching for grand final re-appearances in the women’s, while in the reserves 2020 premiership winners the Swans will attempt to go back-to-back.
Footy will be back in Mackay on March 13th, with a senior pre-season carnival to be played at Airlie Beach.
Other key dates will see the CQ Challenge Cup played at North Mackey on March 20th, with a Youth Carnival in Moranbah the following Saturday.
Seniors round one will get underway on April 10th, and the juniors on April 24th.
ANZAC Day will see the playing of the City v Country clash at the Magpies.
The competition will take part in Pride Round on May 15, to fall in line with other leagues around the state.
While Sir Doug Nicholls rounds will be played on May 29th and June 5th.
Mr Rhodes said 2021 was shaping up to be a superb year of footy in Mackay, with the ripple effects of a strong junior base playing dividends in the senior competitions.
“Mackay is a big growth area for the game in Queensland, which is really supported from the bottom end up,” he said.
“Evidence of that is in our Under 12s competition that has 8 different teams in 2021.”
“I think we’re in a pretty good space this year especially given the issues all clubs faced last season.”
“I’m really looking forward to seeing some real good footy in paradise!”
To see the fixture, visit: https://www.aflq.com.au/2021-mackay-fixtures/
