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QAFL/QAFLW off-season transfer tracker: 2026 recruits and coaching changes

Gold Coast Suns legend David Swallow is set to return to the footy field in 2026 after announcing his retirement from the AFL this year. See where he will play here.

Lachlan Onions and Eddie Franklin
December 5, 2025 - 12:36PM
News Sport Network
David Swallow has signed with the Surfers Paradise Demons for 2026
1/57David Swallow has signed with the Surfers Paradise Demons for 2026
Gold Coast champion David Swallow is chaired from the Gabba on Saturday night after the Suns semi final loss to Brisbane. Picture Lachie Millard
2/57Gold Coast champion David Swallow is chaired from the Gabba on Saturday night after the Suns semi final loss to Brisbane. Picture Lachie Millard
2024 J.A. Grogan Medal winner Tom Hickey is set to return to the Palm Beach Currumbin Lions after a year off. Picture: Highflyer Images.
3/572024 J.A. Grogan Medal winner Tom Hickey is set to return to the Palm Beach Currumbin Lions after a year off. Picture: Highflyer Images.
Wilston Grange have recruit Fitzroy “Fitzy” Greenwool for 2026 from Northern Queensland. Picture: Brendan Radke
4/57Wilston Grange have recruit Fitzroy “Fitzy” Greenwool for 2026 from Northern Queensland. Picture: Brendan Radke
A dynamic forward who booted 44 goals in the Cairns league in 2024 and played a match-winning role this year, kicking four goals in North Cairns’ premiership victory. ‘Fitzy’ moved to Cairns as a teenager and lived at AFL Cape York House. He also has experience playing in Victoria and with the Gold Coast Suns NEAFL squad. Picture: Brendan Radke
5/57A dynamic forward who booted 44 goals in the Cairns league in 2024 and played a match-winning role this year, kicking four goals in North Cairns’ premiership victory. ‘Fitzy’ moved to Cairns as a teenager and lived at AFL Cape York House. He also has experience playing in Victoria and with the Gold Coast Suns NEAFL squad. Picture: Brendan Radke
Labrador Tigers have signed former Aspley Hornets QAFL star Jordan Hayden for 2026. Picture: Highflyer Images
6/57Labrador Tigers have signed former Aspley Hornets QAFL star Jordan Hayden for 2026. Picture: Highflyer Images
Deontae ‘DJ’ Sheppard-Greenoff has signed with Wilston Grange. A standout forward, fresh from winning the leading goal kicker award in Cairns with an incredible 39 goals over the season. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin
7/57Deontae ‘DJ’ Sheppard-Greenoff has signed with Wilston Grange. A standout forward, fresh from winning the leading goal kicker award in Cairns with an incredible 39 goals over the season. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin
AFL Queensland has released Yeronga South Brisbane Football Club from their Bond University QAFLW licence. Yeronga South Brisbane will play in the TPIL Lawyers QFAW Division 1 competition in 2026, with the club then eligible to apply for re-entry into the QAFLW competition as early as 2027.
8/57AFL Queensland has released Yeronga South Brisbane Football Club from their Bond University QAFLW licence. Yeronga South Brisbane will play in the TPIL Lawyers QFAW Division 1 competition in 2026, with the club then eligible to apply for re-entry into the QAFLW competition as early as 2027.
Sheppard-Greenoff was also named alongside recent Gorillas recruit Nelly Anu in the Cairns Senior Women’s team of the year and will join the club when she finishes up her NTFL season. Picture: Celina Whan / AFLNT Media.
9/57Sheppard-Greenoff was also named alongside recent Gorillas recruit Nelly Anu in the Cairns Senior Women’s team of the year and will join the club when she finishes up her NTFL season. Picture: Celina Whan / AFLNT Media.
Maroochydore have continued their stellar recruitment drive, landing the signatures of Lachie O'Dwyer (Aspley, QAFL), Bailey Murray (Glasshouse Hinterland, QFA Div3), Will Brohm (Sandhurst, Bendigo) and Cam Simpson (Lancaster, Kyabram District).
10/57Maroochydore have continued their stellar recruitment drive, landing the signatures of Lachie O'Dwyer (Aspley, QAFL), Bailey Murray (Glasshouse Hinterland, QFA Div3), Will Brohm (Sandhurst, Bendigo) and Cam Simpson (Lancaster, Kyabram District).
Jess Day has signed with Aspley for 2026. The damaging midfielder and defender represented both the state and the Brisbane Lions academy before injury forced her out of the game.
11/57Jess Day has signed with Aspley for 2026. The damaging midfielder and defender represented both the state and the Brisbane Lions academy before injury forced her out of the game.
Wylie Buzza in action for the Southport Sharks in the VFL. Buzza has been aligned with Morningside since 2023 and has been welcomed back next season. Picture: Highflyer Images.
12/57Wylie Buzza in action for the Southport Sharks in the VFL. Buzza has been aligned with Morningside since 2023 and has been welcomed back next season. Picture: Highflyer Images.
Zac Fulford has joined the Hornets for 2026. Fulford is a big-bodied midfielder who impressed at senior level with Pine Rivers in 2025, consistently named in the teams best.
13/57Zac Fulford has joined the Hornets for 2026. Fulford is a big-bodied midfielder who impressed at senior level with Pine Rivers in 2025, consistently named in the teams best.
Moreton Bay have announced QAFLW Senior Co-Coaches for 2026 in Todd Spackman and Jess Davy.Spackman has been with the club for a number of years, most recently serving as the Lions QFAW and QAFLW assistant coach. Davy has been a standout player and role model in Queensland football for over a decade with her resume consisting of a six-time Club Best & Fairest, three-time League Best & Fairest, two-time Queensland Representative and 2025 QAFLW Team of the Year Vice Captain.
14/57Moreton Bay have announced QAFLW Senior Co-Coaches for 2026 in Todd Spackman and Jess Davy.Spackman has been with the club for a number of years, most recently serving as the Lions QFAW and QAFLW assistant coach. Davy has been a standout player and role model in Queensland football for over a decade with her resume consisting of a six-time Club Best & Fairest, three-time League Best & Fairest, two-time Queensland Representative and 2025 QAFLW Team of the Year Vice Captain.
Former Murray Bushrangers Talent League player Noah Milton will play for Sherwood in 2026
15/57Former Murray Bushrangers Talent League player Noah Milton will play for Sherwood in 2026
Jasmine Single has signed with the Broadbeach Cats QAFLW side for 2026. She brings Bond Uni QAFLW and Suns Academy experience.
16/57Jasmine Single has signed with the Broadbeach Cats QAFLW side for 2026. She brings Bond Uni QAFLW and Suns Academy experience.
2022 SANFL Premiership player Mitch Carroll has joined Broadbeach Cats
17/572022 SANFL Premiership player Mitch Carroll has joined Broadbeach Cats
2022 Norwood SANFL Premiership player Sam Morris will play for Broadbeach in 2026.
18/572022 Norwood SANFL Premiership player Sam Morris will play for Broadbeach in 2026.
Two-time BFNL interleague rep Tom Strauch has signed with Broadbeach for 2026
19/57Two-time BFNL interleague rep Tom Strauch has signed with Broadbeach for 2026
Former Surfers Paradise Demon and Suns Academy player Sam Hilton-Joyce will play for Labrador in 2026
20/57Former Surfers Paradise Demon and Suns Academy player Sam Hilton-Joyce will play for Labrador in 2026
Harry Law has returned to Labrador after kicking 57 games in 29 games for the club between 2023 and 2024. Picture: Facebook/Labrador Football Club
21/57Harry Law has returned to Labrador after kicking 57 games in 29 games for the club between 2023 and 2024. Picture: Facebook/Labrador Football Club
Billy Marshall will join brothers Jy and Zak at Labrador next season. The ruckman previously played for Wynyard in the NWFL in Tasmania. Picture: Labrador Tigers
22/57Billy Marshall will join brothers Jy and Zak at Labrador next season. The ruckman previously played for Wynyard in the NWFL in Tasmania. Picture: Labrador Tigers
Noosa have signed Aaron Hawker (Colac, Geelong), Josh Werchon (Millicent, Limestone Coast), Josh Scrivano (Banks, Darwin) and Caylan LaPorta (Federal, TIO Central Aus).
23/57Noosa have signed Aaron Hawker (Colac, Geelong), Josh Werchon (Millicent, Limestone Coast), Josh Scrivano (Banks, Darwin) and Caylan LaPorta (Federal, TIO Central Aus).
After a 2025 footy break travelling Europe, Jack Gilhooley will be back in Coorparoo colours in 2026.
24/57After a 2025 footy break travelling Europe, Jack Gilhooley will be back in Coorparoo colours in 2026.
Ben MacKenzie will return for his second year as QAFLW Head Coach of Coorparoo alongside some new and returning faces.
25/57Ben MacKenzie will return for his second year as QAFLW Head Coach of Coorparoo alongside some new and returning faces.
Callum Ferguson will return to Coorparoo after most recently playing for Mayne Tigers in QFA Division 1 in 2023.
26/57Callum Ferguson will return to Coorparoo after most recently playing for Mayne Tigers in QFA Division 1 in 2023.
Tasmanian hall of famer and super-coach Darren Winter has signed on to coach the Noosa Tigers in the QAFL next year and one of his first moves was to recruit his own son Tate from the SFL Premier League’s 2025 minor premier Lauderdale.
27/57Tasmanian hall of famer and super-coach Darren Winter has signed on to coach the Noosa Tigers in the QAFL next year and one of his first moves was to recruit his own son Tate from the SFL Premier League’s 2025 minor premier Lauderdale.
The former Clarence premiership coach, as well as having stints coaching the Burnie Dockers in the Statewide League and Lauderdale in the former State League, Winter said he was eager to try his hand in the QAFL after holidaying in Noosa last month.
28/57The former Clarence premiership coach, as well as having stints coaching the Burnie Dockers in the Statewide League and Lauderdale in the former State League, Winter said he was eager to try his hand in the QAFL after holidaying in Noosa last month.
“The level of footy has dropped off a bit in Tasmania and I really enjoyed the state league competitiveness so I was made aware of the job by a friend on the Gold Coast and it was pretty appealing to me. The Tigers are still trying to find their way in the QAFL, their Colts side is coming off a premiership winning season so there’s a number of young players that excite me as well as adding to our list,” Winter said.
29/57“The level of footy has dropped off a bit in Tasmania and I really enjoyed the state league competitiveness so I was made aware of the job by a friend on the Gold Coast and it was pretty appealing to me. The Tigers are still trying to find their way in the QAFL, their Colts side is coming off a premiership winning season so there’s a number of young players that excite me as well as adding to our list,” Winter said.
Son of newly appointed senior men’s coach, Tate Winter is known for his hard edge approach to the game and strong leadership. Playing predominantly as a key defender, he has been part of Lauderdale’s leadership group for the past two seasons and was awarded the Lauderdale Player of the Year in 2025.
30/57Son of newly appointed senior men’s coach, Tate Winter is known for his hard edge approach to the game and strong leadership. Playing predominantly as a key defender, he has been part of Lauderdale’s leadership group for the past two seasons and was awarded the Lauderdale Player of the Year in 2025.
The Tigers have snagged the services of a number of new players for 2026 including L-R: Max Marsh (Hinterland Blues, QFA Div 1), Lucas Jellyman-Turner (Broadbeach Cats, QAFL), Cohen Firth (Palmerston, AFLNT), Billy and Kalan Shanks (Millicent, Limestone Football League) and Coby Chugg (Hinterland Blues, QFA Div 1).
31/57The Tigers have snagged the services of a number of new players for 2026 including L-R: Max Marsh (Hinterland Blues, QFA Div 1), Lucas Jellyman-Turner (Broadbeach Cats, QAFL), Cohen Firth (Palmerston, AFLNT), Billy and Kalan Shanks (Millicent, Limestone Football League) and Coby Chugg (Hinterland Blues, QFA Div 1).
Liam Dawson and Jake Howson will represent Morningside in 2026. Dawson, who is one of the most decorated players in the QAFL, has played 18 AFL games with the Brisbane Lions, is a three-time Aspley Premiership player, NEAFL Premiership with the Brisbane Lions, Two-time Joe Grant Medalist (Best on Ground in QAFL Grand Finals) and Queensland State representative. Howson, who will join his brother Mitch at the club, made his QAFL senior debut for Aspley at just 17 before playing a full senior season in 2025, earning a QAFL Rising Star nomination and jointly winning the Aspley Players MVP award.
32/57Liam Dawson and Jake Howson will represent Morningside in 2026. Dawson, who is one of the most decorated players in the QAFL, has played 18 AFL games with the Brisbane Lions, is a three-time Aspley Premiership player, NEAFL Premiership with the Brisbane Lions, Two-time Joe Grant Medalist (Best on Ground in QAFL Grand Finals) and Queensland State representative. Howson, who will join his brother Mitch at the club, made his QAFL senior debut for Aspley at just 17 before playing a full senior season in 2025, earning a QAFL Rising Star nomination and jointly winning the Aspley Players MVP award.
Rising teenager Josh Butson (right) has made the move to Wilston Grange for the 2026 season. At just 18 years old, the 194cm, 93kg key defender is a product of the Gold Coast Suns Academy and standout leader with the Cairns Lions and Centrals-Trinity Beach Bulldogs. Picture: Brendan Radke
33/57Rising teenager Josh Butson (right) has made the move to Wilston Grange for the 2026 season. At just 18 years old, the 194cm, 93kg key defender is a product of the Gold Coast Suns Academy and standout leader with the Cairns Lions and Centrals-Trinity Beach Bulldogs. Picture: Brendan Radke
New Wilston Grange recruit James Creighton. A Coomera Magpies junior who represented Queensland at state level, Creighton brings quality VFL experience from the Brisbane Lions and GWS Giants. His impressive journey includes three years with the Sandringham Dragons in the Talent League, including their 2022 premiership, and time in Brighton Grammar's 1st XVIII. He will be available for selection at Wilston Grange when not playing in the VFL fro Brisbane.
34/57New Wilston Grange recruit James Creighton. A Coomera Magpies junior who represented Queensland at state level, Creighton brings quality VFL experience from the Brisbane Lions and GWS Giants. His impressive journey includes three years with the Sandringham Dragons in the Talent League, including their 2022 premiership, and time in Brighton Grammar's 1st XVIII. He will be available for selection at Wilston Grange when not playing in the VFL fro Brisbane.
Aspley have announced Marc Seen as their QAFL head coach for 2026. Seen has been part of the Hornets since 2019, starting as their NEAFL & VFL forward line coach before taking on roles across the backline and midfield as the side transitioned into the QAFL. Picture: Facebook.
35/57Aspley have announced Marc Seen as their QAFL head coach for 2026. Seen has been part of the Hornets since 2019, starting as their NEAFL & VFL forward line coach before taking on roles across the backline and midfield as the side transitioned into the QAFL. Picture: Facebook.
Ryan Bastinac is returning to Aspley after having first donned the brown and gold during their 2021 VFL season. The former vice-captain will be joined by his brother Jordan who was a graduate of the Dandenong Stingrays TAC Cup program and spent time with Frankston in the VFL before joining Montrose and later Pearcedale FNC.
36/57Ryan Bastinac is returning to Aspley after having first donned the brown and gold during their 2021 VFL season. The former vice-captain will be joined by his brother Jordan who was a graduate of the Dandenong Stingrays TAC Cup program and spent time with Frankston in the VFL before joining Montrose and later Pearcedale FNC.
Former AFL player Leigh Harding will return as QAFL head coach after Coorparoo's inaugural season in 2025.
37/57Former AFL player Leigh Harding will return as QAFL head coach after Coorparoo's inaugural season in 2025.
Noah Polinski is a new signing for Coorparoo. Despite being just 18, Polinski is already a senior premiership player, being the youngest ever Sandgate Hawks senior premiership player two years prior.In 2025, Polinski represented the Brisbane Lions Level 3 Academy program in 5 Coates League talent games, whilst also being named St Patrick’s College AFL Player of the Year.
38/57Noah Polinski is a new signing for Coorparoo. Despite being just 18, Polinski is already a senior premiership player, being the youngest ever Sandgate Hawks senior premiership player two years prior.In 2025, Polinski represented the Brisbane Lions Level 3 Academy program in 5 Coates League talent games, whilst also being named St Patrick’s College AFL Player of the Year.
Maroochydore have landed some major off-season signings, adding quality depth to their side that bowed out in the first week of finals in 2025. Signings have so far included Jake Simons (Palm Beach Currumbin, QAFL), Reef Bourn (Burnie, Tasmania's North West), Sam McLachlan (returning after a year off), Andrew Hutchinson (South Barwon, Geelong) Zack Shelton (Golden Square, Bendigo) plus Luke Saunders (Aspley, QAFL) who joins his twin brother Dan for 2026.
39/57Maroochydore have landed some major off-season signings, adding quality depth to their side that bowed out in the first week of finals in 2025. Signings have so far included Jake Simons (Palm Beach Currumbin, QAFL), Reef Bourn (Burnie, Tasmania's North West), Sam McLachlan (returning after a year off), Andrew Hutchinson (South Barwon, Geelong) Zack Shelton (Golden Square, Bendigo) plus Luke Saunders (Aspley, QAFL) who joins his twin brother Dan for 2026.
Maroochydore have named Steve Moody as their QAFLW head coach for 2026, as the 'favourite son' returns to the club. Moody's name carries serious weight in Queensland footy across junior, senior and state level. Most recently with the Brisbane Lions Academy, the Sunshine Coast AFL Hall of Famer brings plenty of excitement for the Roos in 2026.
40/57Maroochydore have named Steve Moody as their QAFLW head coach for 2026, as the 'favourite son' returns to the club. Moody's name carries serious weight in Queensland footy across junior, senior and state level. Most recently with the Brisbane Lions Academy, the Sunshine Coast AFL Hall of Famer brings plenty of excitement for the Roos in 2026.
A huge QAFLW signing for Wilston Grange, Nelly Anu (left) is a product of the SUNS Academy, already starring for the Cairns City Lions, Palmerston Magpies (NTFL), Cairns U18 Girls, Cairns Indigenous Team (winning best on ground) and being named in the 2025 Cairns Team of The Year. Capping off a huge year, Anu took home the Jo Butland Medal, awarded to the Best & Fairest in the Cairns Women’s League.
41/57A huge QAFLW signing for Wilston Grange, Nelly Anu (left) is a product of the SUNS Academy, already starring for the Cairns City Lions, Palmerston Magpies (NTFL), Cairns U18 Girls, Cairns Indigenous Team (winning best on ground) and being named in the 2025 Cairns Team of The Year. Capping off a huge year, Anu took home the Jo Butland Medal, awarded to the Best & Fairest in the Cairns Women’s League.
A host of new Aspley QAFLW signings include Zakodi Loats, Steph Griffiths, Addison Venten, Summer Carriage, Nicky Lowe, Cyndra Williams, Taya Parker and Milly Leigh. Pictures: Facebook.
42/57A host of new Aspley QAFLW signings include Zakodi Loats, Steph Griffiths, Addison Venten, Summer Carriage, Nicky Lowe, Cyndra Williams, Taya Parker and Milly Leigh. Pictures: Facebook.
More Aspley QAFLW signings include Kaitlyn Zelinski, Evie Sealey, Lilli Williams, Tonya Botherway, Jarrah Altschwager and Eva Downie. Pictures: Facebook.
43/57More Aspley QAFLW signings include Kaitlyn Zelinski, Evie Sealey, Lilli Williams, Tonya Botherway, Jarrah Altschwager and Eva Downie. Pictures: Facebook.
Mt Gravatt have announced Jake Torney will return to the club after representing Old Scotch in the VAFA in 2025 while Sterling Mitchell comes across from Yeronga South and Lio Lemana-Pakau from Alexandra Hills. Pictures: Facebook.
44/57Mt Gravatt have announced Jake Torney will return to the club after representing Old Scotch in the VAFA in 2025 while Sterling Mitchell comes across from Yeronga South and Lio Lemana-Pakau from Alexandra Hills. Pictures: Facebook.
Ben Reddick has signed with Palm Beach Currumbin for 2026. Picture: Facebook/Palm Beach Currumbin Australian Football Club
45/57Ben Reddick has signed with Palm Beach Currumbin for 2026. Picture: Facebook/Palm Beach Currumbin Australian Football Club
Former Glenelg SANFL player Liam Wisdom will join Palm Beach Currumbin in 2026
46/57Former Glenelg SANFL player Liam Wisdom will join Palm Beach Currumbin in 2026
Brad Moore will coach reigning premiers Redland Victoria Point in 2026. He brings several years of NEAFL, Suns Academy and QAFL experience. Picture: Redland Victoria Point/Facebook.
47/57Brad Moore will coach reigning premiers Redland Victoria Point in 2026. He brings several years of NEAFL, Suns Academy and QAFL experience. Picture: Redland Victoria Point/Facebook.
Redland Victoria Point Sharks premiership coach Phil Carse stepped away after his side’s landmark grand final win. Picture: Highflyer Images.
48/57Redland Victoria Point Sharks premiership coach Phil Carse stepped away after his side’s landmark grand final win. Picture: Highflyer Images.
Geoff Hill has been appointed as the Broadbeach Cats' QAFLW coach for 2026. Picture: Facebook/Broadbeach Cats
49/57Geoff Hill has been appointed as the Broadbeach Cats' QAFLW coach for 2026. Picture: Facebook/Broadbeach Cats
Corey Gillie will take the helm as Southport Sharks QAFLW coach in 2026 after serving as an assistant coach for the last three seasons. Picture: Facebook/Southport Sharks.
50/57Corey Gillie will take the helm as Southport Sharks QAFLW coach in 2026 after serving as an assistant coach for the last three seasons. Picture: Facebook/Southport Sharks.
Southport Sharks QAFLW coach Matthew Lappin has stepped down after a successful season at the club. Picture: Highflyer Images
51/57Southport Sharks QAFLW coach Matthew Lappin has stepped down after a successful season at the club. Picture: Highflyer Images
Southport Sharks had one of the all time great seasons in 2025, winning all but one game on the way to the premiership.
52/57Southport Sharks had one of the all time great seasons in 2025, winning all but one game on the way to the premiership.
David Armitage will return as head coach of Palm Beach Currumbin in 2025. Picture: Highflyer Images.
53/57David Armitage will return as head coach of Palm Beach Currumbin in 2025. Picture: Highflyer Images.
Brett McEvoy will return as QAFL coach for the Sherwood Magpies in 2026. Picture: Facebook/Sherwood Magpies
54/57Brett McEvoy will return as QAFL coach for the Sherwood Magpies in 2026. Picture: Facebook/Sherwood Magpies
Darren Pfeiffer in action for Port Adelaide. He has signed with Broadbeach to coach the QAFL seniors in 2025.
55/57Darren Pfeiffer in action for Port Adelaide. He has signed with Broadbeach to coach the QAFL seniors in 2025.
Darren Pfeiffer brings Queensland footy experience having played at NEAFL and QAFL level. Here he is seen taking a mark for the Redland Bombers. Photo: Nolan Verheij-Full / Northern Star
56/57Darren Pfeiffer brings Queensland footy experience having played at NEAFL and QAFL level. Here he is seen taking a mark for the Redland Bombers. Photo: Nolan Verheij-Full / Northern Star
Benjamin Holian pictured playing for Strathmore in the 2025 Essendon District Football League. He has signed with Palm Beach Currumbin for 2026. Picture: Andrew Batsch
57/57Benjamin Holian pictured playing for Strathmore in the 2025 Essendon District Football League. He has signed with Palm Beach Currumbin for 2026. Picture: Andrew Batsch
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Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/sport/darren-pfeiffer-signs-on-as-broadbeach-cats-qafl-coach-for-2026/image-gallery/0e55a6806d465eabd6a3124458c84657