Masters Men Hawthorn Shield 2026 Information and registration

Each year Townsville and Cairns compete in an intercity carnival called the Hawthorn Shield. Townsville Hockey encourage as many players as possible to nominate and enjoy a weekend of competitive intercity hockey.

The Hawthorn Shield is an opportunity for all age groups in Townsville to compete, from U12's through to Masters, it is a great day at the fields for the family to watch and play some great hockey. The Hawthorn Shield this year will be played in Cairns over the weekend of the 1th and 12th of April 2026. All players are strongly encouraged to be apart of this weekend to best prepare for the following State championships in Cairns 1st - 4th May.

If numbers suffuce two teams will be selected:
Over 34
Over 50


Coaching staff will be announced as soon as possible following discussion and review from THA representatives. The playing team will follow as selection process and announced after club preseason rounds, trainings and trials with club representatives and a coaching panel.

Trainings are most likely to be scheduled Sunday mornings or afternoons (as below but subject to change) more definite details will be confirmed once teams and staff are finalised.

The Key dates are below for the build up to the Championships ( all subject to change):
6th - 21st March Three weeks Club Preseason
15th March Sunday Masters M Squad/selection 1st trial/training (8am start - Waterhole)
22nd March Sunday Masters M Squad/selection 2nd trial/training (8am start - Waterhole)
25th March Proposed release of Hawthorn Shield team
29th March Sunday Masters M Squad/selection 3rd trial/training (8am start - Waterhole)

5th April ( Easter Sunday) Possible last training before Hawthorn shield (Times TBC)
11-12th April Hawthorn shield Intercity event - CAIRNS
15th April Proposed release of Masters M team for State Championships
19th April Sunday Masters M team training (Times TBC)
26th April Monday Masters M Last team training (Times TBC)

1st- 4th May Masters Men State Championships Cairns

As you can appreciate Hawthorn Shield (11 - 12th April) & the State Championships (1st - 4th May) are early in the hockey calendar so it is imperative you try your best to register ASAP and attend all trials/trainings where possible and please let coaching staff know if you are unavailable.

This year Hawthorn Shield is in Cairns so teams will be expected to travel and compete in Cairns (11-12th April) to best prepare. Please be aware this is a self travel and accomodate weekend.

We look forward to working with our Masters Men to get organised and send quality sides to both the Hawthorn shield and State championships in 2026.