The 2026 AFL Gippsland Youth Interleague Carnival will take place today at the Morwell Recreation Reserve, bringing together the region’s brightest young talent.
The major regional showcase features under 18 football and under 17 netball squads from six leagues across Gippsland, all battling it out for the prestigious Gippsland Carnival Cup.
Action gets underway from 8.30am, featuring representative squads from the East Gippsland, Gippsland, Mid Gippsland, North Gippsland, Ellinbank and District and West Gippsland leagues.
Rhys Robinson will coach the East Gippsland under 18 football side, while Katrina Strickland takes charge of the under 17 netball team. Adding further local flavour to the day, Bairnsdale youngsters Oscar Baylis and Saxon Buckley have earned selection in the Gippsland League football squad.
The under 18 football matches will be played across two 18-minute halves with a five-minute half time break. Each football side will contest three matches across the day, while the netball teams face a gruelling five-match schedule.
An overall Carnival Champion will be crowned at the conclusion of the day based on combined football and netball results.
The carnival remains a vital component of the Gippsland junior pathway, giving emerging players the opportunity to test themselves at the next level, build representative experience, and proudly wear their league colours.
Family, friends and local sports fans are encouraged to head along to support the region’s rising stars, with the Morwell Football Netball Club canteen open throughout the day.
