The first-round action gets underway from 3pm this Sunday, 16 March, with all games played at Queens Park, North Ward.
This season marks the return of 7 PM matches, a significant shift that comes in response to the surge in team entries. With even more teams potentially entering from Round 2 onwards, the Colliers Shield is set for an intense and unpredictable campaign.
The competition will also see a major storyline unfold in Women’s 1st grade, as Sharks return to the division after several years away. Having spent time developing their squad in Women's 2nd grade, they now step back into the top level, ready to prove they belong among the best. Meanwhile, reigning champions Rum Runners continue their historic dominance, chasing what would be a stunning 10th consecutive grand final victory.
The stage is set for a massive opening round, with matchups that will set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling season.
Men’s 1st grade kicks off at 5:00 PM on Field 1, with last-years runners-up Sharks facing off against Redskins. This match will be an early test for both sides as they look to build momentum from the outset. Later in the evening, Brothers and Frogs clash under the lights at 7:00 PM, marking the return of prime-time Colliers Shield action. The introduction of a 7 PM timeslot adds a fresh dynamic to the season, giving teams the chance to showcase their skills under the night sky.
In Women’s 1, the opening round will be particularly significant. At 4:00 PM on Field 1, Frogs take on Redskins, kicking off what is expected to be a highly competitive season in the top women's division. The biggest storyline of the round, however, is the return of Sharks, who re-enter Women's 1 after years of developing their talent in Women's 2. They will be immediately tested as they go up against Brothers at 6:00 PM.
Adding to the intrigue of the season is the continued dominance of Rum Runners, who have won nine consecutive titles in the premier women’s division and have not lost a single Women's 1 match in over five years. While they have drawn a handful of matches during that time, no team has been able to defeat them outright. This year, they look to extend their reign and claim a historic 10th straight grand final victory. Whether any team can finally end their stranglehold on the competition remains to be seen, but with the addition of Sharks to the division and other challengers looking strong, 2025 could be the most competitive season in years.
Beyond the top grades, the depth of the competition is on full display in the Men’s 2, Women’s 2, and lower grades, with an unprecedented number of teams entering this season. The return of the 7 PM match slot is a direct result of this growth, ensuring all teams get a chance to compete at a high level. Organisers have also hinted that additional teams may enter from Round 2 onwards, meaning the structure of the competition could continue to evolve in the early rounds.
With excitement building and anticipation at an all-time high, the full Round 1 fixture list is now available, allowing players, coaches, and supporters to prepare for the action ahead. This Sunday marks the beginning of what promises to be a thrilling season, and with so many major storylines already unfolding, the race for Colliers Shield glory is well and truly on.