NORTHERN Beaches Blues have begun preparations for the 2026 AFL North Coast season, with pre-season training now underway.
The senior squad held its first official session on Thursday, 15 January, at the Wiigulga Sports Complex in Woolgoolga.
The club welcomes all senior men, senior women and under 18 players to train on Tuesdays and Thursdays as preparations build for the new season.
The appointment of Jason Leonidas as men’s coach and Gabby Boyle as women’s coach for 2026 has generated strong interest and energy around the club, with both bringing fresh ideas to the program.
The Blues enjoyed a strong junior campaign last season, winning the Youth Girls 13s premiership and finishing runners-up in the Youth Girls 17s and Under 12s Mixed competitions.
The women’s side also progressed to the preliminary final.
The club continued its recent growth in 2025, adding three junior teams and now supporting more than 200 players across senior and junior ranks.
Junior training will commence in March on Wednesday evenings from 4pm, while the Under 16s and Under 14s boys have already begun preparations for the season ahead.
The club will host a season launch at Woolgoolga Brewery in March, along with a family day at the Woolgoolga beachside reserve in February.
An AFL 9s program will begin on Wednesday, 25 February, at 6pm at the Wiigulga Sports Complex for participants aged 13 and over.
AFL 9s is a mixed, non-contact version of Australian Rules played with nine players per side, offering a fast-paced, skills-focused introduction to the game without tackles or bumps.
The Blues welcomed several new committee members following their 2025 AGM, alongside the return of experienced office holders.
The 2026 office holders are Frank Bondolfi (Junior President), Chris Nieuwerth (Seniors President) and Karl Wisdom (Chairperson).
Jackson Horrocks will serve as Seniors Vice President, with Jonathan Lowe as Juniors Vice President.
The club continues to seek volunteers, including coaches, managers, first aid officers, goal umpires and general helpers, as well as sponsors interested in supporting the club.
The Northern Beaches Blues operate as an inclusive, family-focused club offering Australian Rules for junior boys and girls aged four to 17, along with under 18, men’s and women’s senior teams.
Under the motto “Teamwork in Action,” the club aims to deliver a positive Australian Rules experience for players, coaches, volunteers and supporters.
Since the merger of senior and junior operations in 2022, the Blues have recorded consistent growth in player numbers and sponsorship.
Recent achievements include reserve grade premiers in 2019, women’s premiers in 2022, Youth Girls 14s premiers in 2023, Youth Girls 13s premiers in 2025, and runners-up finishes in the Youth Girls 17s and Under 12s Mixed competitions.
Players interested in joining the Blues this season can contact Seniors President Chris Nieuwerth on 0419 883 298 or Juniors President Frank Bondolfi on 0419 394 002.
By Aiden BURGESS
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