Over 35s get on the field for year’s first Mid West AFL Masters Carnival

The Mid West’s Over-35s footy players got together for an afternoon of games galore, as Batavia Mariners hosted the first AFL Masters Carnival of the season. Four Mid West sides, the Mariners, Railways, Northampton and Dongara were joined by a Warriors/Perth Metro All-Stars side for a round-robin set of games. Organiser and Mariners player Brad “Fluffy” Fehlauer said the carnival was all about getting older men active and socialising, “It’s about everyone being able to get out and have a kick,” Fehlauer said. “When you get older it can be hard to stay active and in a team when you also have work and your family. This is about being able to have an outlet, to still be able to get a football and play a game. “Some of these guys have never played football before, but everyone’s enjoying being here.” The games weren’t scored, but that didn’t mean the players weren’t giving their all. “I’m sure some of the guys were keeping score, there’s still those local rivalries and some of these guys are still good enough to play GNFL, in the reserves, if they wanted,” Fehlauer said. Fehlauer also thanked the volunteers and sponsors who helped make the carnival happen. Three more AFL Masters Carnivals will be held this year.