The Callan McMillan Memorial Shield A Division kicks off this weekend with several key matchups.

On Friday night, Lismore Thistles will host Byron Bay in the first match of the pre-season competition at 7:00pm at Thistles home ground in East Lismore.

On Sunday, Richmond Rovers will host Pottsville Beach at 4:30pm in East Lismore, and South Lismore will travel to Alstonville for their clash, also at 4:30pm on Sunday.

All three Lismore-based teams, Lismore Thistles, Richmond Rovers and South Lismore, will be looking for strong showings against quality opponents leading into the 2026 season.

The only other match scheduled for week one is an ANZAC Day Cup Open C Division game on Sunday, with Richmond Rovers and Lismore Workers meeting in East Lismore at 4:30pm.

The late starts will be a blessing for players with hot conditions expected for the early season matchups.

The match between Alstonville and Pottsville in the same division has been forfeited.

All grades across the Callan McMillan and ANZAC Day Cup competitions will be in action next weekend, with several clubs eager for early hit-outs to test new combinations, welcome new players and staff and work on match fitness before the senior Football Far North Coast competitions commence in the coming months.

In next week's ANZAC Day Cup action, the action will see Alstonville v Ballina, Mullumbimby Brunswick Valley v South Lismore, Richmond Rovers v Lennox Head and Byron Bay v Casino RSM Cobras.