TOM HAYES
FOOTBALL
AFL MASTERS
By TOM HAYES
THE Gippsland Tigers Over 35s team is back for 2023, and are looking for their newest recruits for the upcoming season.
Competing in the AFL Masters Victoria Country League, this opportunity allows you to play football at a social level, and travel around Victoria in the meantime.
Games are played every two weeks, on Sundays, to allow for rest and to maintain other aspects in life.
According to the AFL Masters website, the game “provides the opportunity for male and female players 35 years and over to enjoy the game of Aussie Rules Football in a safe, supportive, family orientated and fun environment”.
“It’s the same game, there is no real rule changes,” Gippsland Tigers president Colin Mackrell said.
The rules are slightly modified for inclusion sake, such as length of quarters being reduced to four 15-minute quarters with no time on, and the ‘stand’ rule is not in place, allowing players to move laterally across the mark.
The rest of the modified laws of play can be found at aflmasters.com.au/laws-of-play/
Throughout the 2022 season, 484 players signed up to play for clubs within the Victoria Country league, with hopes to continue to grow that number within coming years.
AFL Masters is centred on the comradery and shines a light on playing with mates, without the threat of making ends meet.
“We play for the love of the game,” Mackrell said.
“We don’t play to win or lose … it’s competitive, but fun.”
Most games for the Gippsland Tigers are local this season, with eight of their 10 games to be played in Traralgon or Nambrok.
Gippsland Tigers training sessions are held at the Traralgon Recreation Reserve, at the Showgrounds, every Wednesday at 6.30pm under lights.
All you need to bring is a pair of football boots, everything else from footballs to water is provided.
For more information regarding the game and memberships, phone Mackrell on 0434 660 429, or visit the Facebook page at facebook.com/gippsland.superules/
