New start for veteran footy stars at Pumas
Retired AFL players are being encouraged to dust the boots off and get involved again, thanks to a new initiative proposed by Springwood Pumas Australian Football Club.
The club, based at Lowe Oval in Sports Drive at Underwood, hopes to relaunch 2 men’s Masters teams in the 2025 season and possibly a women’s side further down the track if enough players can be recruited.
The Pumas’ last Masters team disbanded in 2017, when player numbers dwindled and only a few volunteers were left to run the team and administration.
Club stalwart and Masters enthusiast Ross Free says it’s time to get back on the field, particularly now that juniors through to Masters are united under the one committee at the Pumas.
‘Playing footy is a great stress reliever, irrespective of what age you are, and it is great to engage with mates, new and old,’ Ross says.
‘We all feel better after playing a game, albeit a little sore these days.’
Division 3 Councillor Mindy Russell says Logan City Council encourages people of all ages to live active and healthy lifestyles and no one should think they are too old to get involved.
‘Masters competition in any sport is a great way to keep playing, perhaps at a slower pace, while also enjoying the health and social benefits of being part of a team,’ Cr Russell says.
‘If the Pumas get a Masters team on the field next season, I will definitely be cheering for them.’
The Pumas are hoping to field teams in the 35 to 45 years division and the over 45s.
Games are not played for competition points in Masters AFL … just bragging rights.
Masters’ rules are modified to reduce rough play and tough tackling. Games are played fortnightly to allow better recovery.
Training is one evening a week. Anyone interested in playing Masters AFL should contact Ross Free on 0418 188 623.
Photo at top: Cr Russell (with ball) at Lowe Oval with Pumas AFL Masters enthusiasts (from left) Ross Free, Ricky Tantucz, Kirsty Tietjens, Daniel Newby and Michael Wardlaw.
‘We all feel better after playing a game, albeit a little sore these days.’
Division 3 Councillor Mindy Russell says Logan City Council encourages people of all ages to live active and healthy lifestyles and no one should think they are too old to get involved.
‘Masters competition in any sport is a great way to keep playing, perhaps at a slower pace, while
also enjoying the health and social benefits of being part of a team,’ Cr Russell says.
‘If the Pumas get a Masters team on the field next season, I will definitely be cheering for them.’
The Pumas are hoping to field teams in the 35 to 45 years division and the over 45s.
Games are not played for competition points in Masters AFL … just bragging rights.
Masters’ rules are modified to reduce rough play and tough tackling. Games are played fortnightly to allow better recovery.
Training is one evening a week. Anyone interested in playing Masters AFL should contact Ross Free on 0418 188 623.
