Open Women 2026- Hawthorn Shield Information and registration

Annually Townsville competes against it`s closest Northern rivals across all age groups from Masters to Under12s. Traditionally our Open Women have been strong contenders in the competition. additionally it provides an excellent opportunity to have tough matches in preparation for the Open state championships 1st - 4th May in Brisbane.

In 2026 all our Townsville teams will travel to Cairns across the 11th and 12th weekend in April and players (Aged 18+) are strongly encouraged to be apart of this weekend to best prepare for the following State championships in Brisbane.

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 scheduled Monday nights (as below but subject to change) more definite details will be confirmed once teams and staff are finalised.

Trials/Trainings are scheduled during the Representative Turf allocation on Monday nights starting Monday 9th March with more definite details to be confirmed once registrations and staff are solidified.
Please note additional sessions may be included if the coaching and playing group see fit.

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 the OPEN team 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.


The Key dates are below for the build up to Hawthorn shield and the state Championships ( please remember they are all subject to change):
6 - 21 March Three weeks Preseason
9th March Monday Open L Squad/selection 1st trial/training (Times TBC)
16th March Monday Open L Squad/selection 2nd trial/training (Times TBC)
23rd March Monday Open L Squad/selection 3rd trial/training (Times TBC)
25th March Proposed release of Hawthorn Shield team
30th March Monday Open L Team training (Times TBC)
6th April ( Easter Monday) Possible last training before Hawthorn shield (Times TBC)
11-12th April Hawthorn shield Intercity event - CAIRNS
13th April Possible Open L Team training - after H Shield
15th April Proposed release of OPEN L team for State Championships
20th April Monday Open L team training (Times TBC)
27th April Monday Open L Last team training (Times TBC)

1st - 4th May Open Ladies HQ State Championships- Brisbane

Historically Townsville has performed well against Cairns for the shield and at the HQ Open Ladies tournament, so we look forward to preparing and sending a quality united team in 2026.