Masters AFL booms in country Victoria: 819 players now across 16 teams
Victorian Country Masters AFL player numbers have almost doubled to 819 across 16 teams in five years.
David O'Brien, 55, has played about 860 games in his lifetime, all in Masters football over the past seven years. David O'Brien calls it "Footy Valhalla".
In Masters footy, no official scores are kept and goals barely matter, as long as you play, you win. Player numbers in the competition have almost doubled over five years, with 819 now registered across 16 teams.
The game is slower and less intense than elite competition, but offers something deeper: for regional men aged 35 to 54, the highest-risk group for isolation and suicide, Masters footy provides community and purpose.
Women's teams are planned but not yet running.
- 819 players across 16 teams
- Player growth
- Almost doubled in five years
- Growth timeline
- Regional men aged 35-54
- Target demographic
Why it mattersRegional men aged 35-54 face serious isolation and suicide risk; Masters football directly addresses this through team connection and ongoing play.
AustraliaCountry Victoria's regional communities gain a proven mental health intervention through accessible, non-competitive sport.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 10 h ago
