he port city is gearing up to welcome thousands of players and families this week as WA’s largest amateur AFL carnival kicks off on Sunday.

More than 1400 players and 2500 visitors are expected in Fremantle for the 41st AFL Masters National Carnival — with the youngest player tipped at 35 and the eldest registered an 82-year-old.

General manager Adrian Raftery said the games represented “a lot more than footy” for attendees.

“There is so much excitement,” he said.

“For some the AFL Masters National Carnival is the one time of year when they play footy, with the added bonus of playing for their State and potentially become national champions or be named All-Australian.

“It is the annual family holiday for many and most have not been to Perth, especially when our last non-COVID affected carnival in WA was in 2003.”

The tournament will have 64 teams across eight age brackets aiming to become AFL Masters national champions.

“With the two being so close, the decision was to have one in Perth and one in regional WA.

“Whilst Fremantle is fairly close to Perth, the decision was made to host there this year after we were devastated in 2020 initially and then again in 2021 when it was Perth’s turn.”

Off-field events and attractions are planned across the district, including a sold-out golf day at the Royal Fremantle Golf Club, a visit to Rottnest Island and a SeaLink cruise on the Swan.

A gala night finale will also be held at Optus Stadium, with the overall expected economic benefit to the State from the carnival sitting at $6 million.

The games are open to both male and female players aged over 35, with women’s Masters having the largest growth.

Original article can be found here in Perth Now.