Newsletter #2

Written By Mia Jensen

A SEASON OF REBUILD

As we wrap up the 2026 season, we want to take a moment to reflect on what has been a really important year for the Gympie Devils.

For our senior teams, 2026 was a year of rebuilding. While results didn’t always go our way, our playing group numbers remained strong, and the commitment shown by our players throughout the season was commendable.

The focus was on showing up, building a strong club culture and laying the foundations for the seasons ahead. We hope this is the beginning of a push towards A-Grade football for the Devils over the coming years.

Across the entire club, 575 players took the field in Gympie Devils colours this season, including 79 senior players. That’s something we can be proud of and a great indication of the strength of our club.

FINALS FOOTY

We were proud to see two of our junior sides make the finals this year:

Under 16 Boys – Division 1

Under 17 Boys – Division 2

Our Under 16 Division 1 boys made it all the way to the Grand Final, narrowly going down 12–16 to Caloundra Sharks in a closely contested game. A fantastic achievement and a great season from the team.

Well done also to our Under 17 Boys, who made the Semi Final and went down by just four points in a very close game, narrowly missing out on a spot in the Grand Final.

Congratulations to both teams, their coaches and families on a great season!

REPRESENTATIVE PLAYERS

We were also incredibly proud to see a number of our players represent the Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay throughout the year.

Queensland School Representative

Murraya Buckley

Sunshine Coast Falcons

  • Cooper Fraser

  • Jasper McKenzie

  • Riley Law

  • Hudson McArthur

  • Ruby Kross

  • Larney Steggall

  • Murraya Buckley

  • Teddy Bond

  • Millie Garrett

  • Kahlia Smith

  • Ebony Geary


Wide Bay Bulls

  • Harry Shaw

  • Will Kahler

  • Rose Gottke

  • Rachelle McKenzie

A number of our players also represented Wide Bay at school carnivals throughout the year.

We’re incredibly proud of every player who pulled on a representative jersey and represented themselves, their families and the Gympie Devils.

FROM GYMPIE TO THE BRONCOS

It was also fantastic to see former Gympie Devils player Caitlin Urwin make her debut for the Brisbane Broncos this year.

Caitlin has enjoyed a solid first season of professional football, and it was a special moment for our club to watch one of our own reach the professional ranks.

We’ll be cheering her on and wishing Caitlin all the best as she continues her professional football career!

COUNTRY ROUND

Country Round was a huge success for the club, bringing plenty of excitement to Albert Park.

Players and spectators alike enjoyed the Sunshine Coast Falcons and North Devils community engagement and activities in the lead-up to the game, creating a fantastic atmosphere around the club.

JACK STOKES OVAL

The work at Jack Stokes Oval continues.

Further development is currently planned, with the club working towards having permanent toilets installed on the main hill.

It’s another important step in continuing to improve our home ground and create a better experience for players, families and spectators.

CELEBRATING OUR CLUB & COMMUNITY

2026 also saw the introduction of our first Indigenous Round, celebrating the Indigenous players, supporters and volunteers who are such an important part of the Gympie Devils community.

The day was highlighted by a special jersey designed by former Gympie Devils player Sharlece Fisher. The jersey proved hugely popular, with the day finishing with a very successful jersey auction.

We’re proud to have introduced this new tradition to the club and look forward to continuing to build on it in future seasons.

THANK YOU!

As another season comes to a close, we want to thank everyone who has played a part in making 2026 possible.

To our players, coaches, volunteers, referees, families, supporters and sponsors — thank you.

Every person who gives their time, puts on a Devils jersey, cheers from the sideline, helps behind the scenes or supports the club, contributes to making the Gympie Devils what they are.

Thank you for being part of the Gympie Devils in 2026. We look forward to kicking off again in 2027!

LET’S GO DEVILS! 😈

Mia Jensen
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Newsletter #1