Largest football participation event comes to Fremantle

Fremantle is this week hosting the largest mass participation football event ever held in WA, with the start of the 2024 SeaLink AFL Masters National Carnival.

Key points:

What: The 41st AFL Masters National Carnival, the largest mass participation football event in Australia this year.

When: Sunday, 29 September 2024 – Saturday, 5 October 2024

Where: Matches at South Fremantle & East Fremantle Football Clubs, Fremantle Park, Dick Lawrence Oval and Tom Perrott Reserve.

Who: More than 1,400 players and 2,500 visitors from all eight Australian states and territories.

Estimated economic impact: More than $6 million, with 60% visitation expected by participants.

Previous National Carnivals in Western Australia: 1986, 1994, 2003, 2021 (all held in Perth)

More than 1,400 players from all States and Territories will be playing in the 41st AFL Masters National Carnival – the youngest player at 35, and the eldest a spritely 82 years’ young – doubling the previous WA record 603 that played in the COVID-affected 2021 AFL Masters Carnival. In total, more than 2,500 attendees including Team Managers, Coaches, Umpires and travelling families are descending upon Fremantle for the Carnival starting on Sunday.

64 teams across eight age brackets will descend to Western Australia this week for this hugely popular sporting event to vie for the title of becoming AFL Masters National Champions.

AFL Masters President Steve Eurell is excited about having a full complement of AFL Masters teams from all States and Territories for the first time in Western Australia in more than two decades.

“It was a different world back to when we were last here in 2003 with just 32 teams in 5 male age groups to 50s.”

“Like the State of WA, we have come a long way in a relative short space of time, catering to demand for new markets including over 300 women, an Over 70s Demonstration Match on Monday and two Indigenous Showcase matches next Friday night at Fremantle Oval.”

“WA has proven once again to be one of the most popular holiday destinations for our AFL Masters participants with its wonderful climate, great array of accommodation choices and tourist attractions.”

“When you combine that with the excellent facilities at the South Fremantle and East Fremantle Ovals then our 2024 National Carnival has always been primed for success,” said Eurell.

The AFL Masters National Carnival is supported by the Western Australia Government and features on the Tourism WA events calendar. Western Australia Deputy Premier and Tourism Minister Hon. Rita Saffioti said, “we’re an AFL-mad state in Western Australia, so I can’t think of a better place to be hosting this year’s AFL Masters Carnival.”

“Hosting the 2024 AFL Masters Carnival in Fremantle will bring thousands of visitors to our beautiful port town Fremantle, boosting the local economy and attracting patrons to our tourism and hospitality businesses.”

“Mass participation events, like the AFL Masters Carnival, are a key component of our government’s overarching events strategy, as they bring large numbers of people to our State, activate shared spaces and create a fantastic community atmosphere.”

Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge said that the region is pleased to welcome the second biggest ever AFL Masters National Carnival to Fremantle.

“We are excited to host a Masters Carnival of this calibre in our wonderful city, one of the few places you can enjoy football right next door to a thriving entertainment precinct.” Mayor Fitzhardinge said.

“Our sporting venues and local businesses are ready for all the action – on and off the field!”

“Best of luck to all the Masters competing here in Fremantle.”

AFL Masters is open to both men and women players aged 35 and over, with women’s Masters being the largest growth area of the sport.

Queensland are the defending champions in the Womens 35s, Mens 35s, Mens 40s and Mens 45s divisions, whilst Western Australia is vying for a hat trick of titles in the Mens 50s. Vic Metro Over 65s Mens are looking to extend their unbeaten stretch in the age group whilst their Over 60s Mens counterparts have lost just once in eight years.

“With a home Carnival, we expect that Western Australia will have one of its strongest Carnivals ever,” said AFL Masters Western Australia President Nathan Dixon.

“We are excited to welcome all the States and Territories to Fremantle, but all bets will be off once the siren sounds to start each match. Expect the typical Western Australian spirit to shine through this week.”

In addition to match days, the participants are also taking part in a significant social program, including a range of tours to popular destinations for players, officials and their families to experience the best of Fremantle and Western Australia. From a sold-out golf day, a SeaLink Cruise on the Swan and a visit to Rottnest Island through to a packed Gala Night finale at Optus Stadium, the estimated economic benefit of the Carnival week to Western Australia is expected to exceed $6M.

AFL Masters General Manager Dr Adrian Raftery said the event was a chance to showcase how well Western Australia puts on a show, as well as highlight other tourism opportunities across the State.

“It is terrific for our AFL Masters players, officials and supporters to visit the West for what will be a big week of sporting fun and friendship – a real festival of footy and I can’t wait to see the sunset in the west,” he said.

For more information visit the AFL Masters National Carnival webpage carnival.masters.afl/  

Above photo: David Broadway, AFL Masters