Master’s AFL has a long history in Brisbane beginning back in the early 80s when several retired first grade players were looking for something after their careers and tapped into Superules which had been formed in Victoria.
AFL Masters Qld president Steve Burchill said the first meeting in QLD was held in 1983 at Morningside AFC, where it was decided that players 35 years and over would meet every second Sunday to train and play amongst themselves at various grounds including Morningside, Windsor Zillmere, Mayne and Coorparoo .
He said after growing interest and participation, the first formal QLD Superules Executive Committee along with four geographical teams, North, South, East and West was formed with games played every second Sunday.
“Both games were always played at the same ground, and a BBQ, beer and raffle always followed,” he said.
“Hence our motto of ‘Footy for Fun’. In 1987 North Coast joined and in 1991 the Gold Coast became the sixth team. Because of their passion and love of footy, AFL Masters QLD is where it is today, with more than 1500 players and 25 Clubs currently throughout Queensland alone.
The majority of Clubs are in the South East Corner and regional Clubs are in Townsville, Cairns, Charters Towers and the Whitsundays.
“Our Competition runs from March to September with typically 12 rounds played fortnightly,” Steve said.
“Age divisions are Over 35 , Over 45 and Over 53. Once the domestic season has concluded, a National Masters Carnival is held at a venue around Australia which is contested at State and Territory level. Last year was Perth and the 2022 Carnival is to be hosted in Adelaide.
“Our rules are basically the same as the AFL , with emphasis placed on player safety, protection of the player with the ball and fun and fitness.”
He said Mental Health was an issue especially with the Pandemic.
“We have found that Masters has provided a safe haven and a social outlet for those who have been isolated,” Steve explained.
“Community sport has not been impacted to the extent the general public has been.
With the current explosion of Women’s AFL, we are looking at establishing a Women’s Masters Competition. Interest is high and we hope to build on the success of our Women’s Masters team at the National Carnivals.
“We encourage anybody to come down and play and due to the large numbers of Junior Boys and Girls now playing AFL, a lot of new members are the fathers of these young kids.”
He said all of the Clubs and contacts couold be found on the website, AFLMASTERSQLD .COM.AU.
