The saying “never too old” is being put to the test by a group of blokes planning to dust off their footy boots and chuck on the old guernsey.
Local AFL enthusiast Mark Worrall has been involved in masters Aussie Rules Football for almost 20 years.
His team at Springwood disbanded in 2017, but after seven years of longing to get back on the field, Mr Worrall and a few former teammates have decided to restart a local team.
It’s still in the planning stage, but Mr Worrall hopes to get the team up and running for next year.
“Our aim is to promote a family club where chaps over 35 can continue to compete and remain healthy after they have finished playing in the [Queensland AFL],” he said.
“There will be two teams, one aged 35 to 45 and [the other] 45 till clinically dead.
In masters footy, games aren’t played for points.
Instead, it’s all about boasting rights.
“It’s about having a bit of fun, keeping fit and a bit of competition – but not too much,” Mr Worrall said.
“Football for me is about being out of a comfort zone knowing that when you have the ball you will come under pressure.
“Staying calm and doing something with it is my pleasure.
“We all have our ups and downs, it’s what you do with it that counts.”
Masters’ rules are a little different to those of standard Aussie Rules Football, for example: players can’t jump on the backs of other players, they can’t lift their knees and there’s no “undue” rough play or slinging tackles.
“Masters football is designed to encapsulate the ideals of fair play and camaraderie,” Mr Worrell said.
“After the game, generally the teams mingle for a few beers and chat.
“Games are played every two weeks to allow better recovery. Training is once a week in the evening, usually a Wednesday.”
The current plan is to kickstart the team with a family fun day launch on Sunday 1 December.
Those interested in master’s football can contact Ross Free on 0418188623.
