Splitting the senior and junior grand finals is the major talking point following the release of the 2024 AFL Capricornia fixture earlier this week.
AFL Capricornia competition manager Jourdan Novak said the landmark decision was made after consulting with its six clubs.
“When the idea was first floated, it is fair to say there was a general view that it should not change,” he said.
“But to have seven games on the one day (four junior and three senior) was starting to prove too much.
“It allows us to have a standalone grand final day for the juniors on Sunday, 25 August and we’ll play the senior grand finals on Saturday, 31 August.
“The junior and senior grand finals will be played at the same venue, with the splitting of the days aimed at taking some of the burden off our volunteers.
“It also provides opportunities for junior players to put their best foot forward if they are involved at senior level, rather than playing two games on the one day.”
The junior finals series will begin on the weekend of 10-11 August, when the senior competition has a bye, ensuring there is football right throughout the month.
Novak pointed to some key dates on the fixture.
“Round 1 will start on Saturday, 13 April and we’ve got two competition breaks on 4 May (May Day long weekend) and 29 June (middle week of the school holidays),” he said.
“We’ve got some themed rounds – Anzac Round which features an Anzac game between Panthers and Brothers in the senior women and senior men.
“The Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round will encompass two full rounds – 18 May and 25 May.
“There will also be Pride Round in Round 12 on 13 July, which is the first time we’ve seen that in place regionally across Queensland.”
The opening round will be highlighted by the grand final rematch between Yeppoon and BITS at Swan Park, while the last home and away round has been christened “rivalry round” with Gladstone playing BITS, Brothers taking on Panthers and Glenmore facing Yeppoon.
The league has also confirmed Wednesday, 7 August as the night for the AFL Capricornia awards dinner at the Rockhampton Sports Club, where league medallists, team of the year and coach of the year will be presented.
In other news, AFL Capricornia has announced a partnership with Triple M that means the radio network will have naming rights for the senior men and senior women competitions.
Novak added that most of the clubs were upbeat about their pre-season campaigns, with a host of new faces throughout the competition.
But of course, most interest surrounds whether powerhouse Yeppoon can win a 10th successive senior premiership.
“The Swans will definitely be fired up under coach Simon Brearley,” he said.
“BITS have lost a few of their youngsters, including Ty Fitzgerald and Max Marsh, who are part of the Gold Coast Suns academy.
“Gladstone are looking to build on the momentum generated last year, while Brothers, Panthers and Glenmore have reported some new inclusions so far.”
