The Game of AFL Masters Australian Football 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.

The Masters style of AFL football originated in Victoria in 1980 and is now played by over 245 teams in regular domestic competitions throughout Australia. There are approximately 8,600 male and 300 female registered AFL Masters players around Australia currently.

AFL Masters has a national standardised set of modified rules designed to reduce the risks of injury and has the benefit of being acknowledged and supported by the AFL and the Australian Sports Commission. AFL Masters is designed to allow mature aged Australian Rules footballers the opportunity to participate safely in the great game of Australian Rules Football and to compete with their aged peers. The opportunity to participate, to compete and to be physically active is the main motivation of the competitors. Winning is not important and the game should be played in the spirit of our motto ”Football for Fun.” 

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan is our Patron and Susan Alberti AC is the Patron of the Women’s carnival.

AFL Masters Inc has nine-member State and Territory Associations (ACT, NSW, NT, Qld, SA, Tas, Vic Metro, Vic Country & WA). Each member state association organizes local masters’ football competitions during their domestic season. 

The big event of the year for AFL Masters is the National Carnival, which is played annually, rotating between various venues around the country. Conducted annually since 1984 the National Carnival provides the opportunity for male & female players to represent their State or Territory - from over 35s to over 65s - and has grown from a small event with a few interstate teams to become the largest Australian Rules football Carnival in Australia.  

Adelaide will host up to 70 teams at the 39th Carnival from 25 September - 1 October 2022.

AFL Masters

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