Stuart Coster has issued a call-out to prospective AFL Masters Vic Country players.
Goulburn Valley Giants stalwart Stuart Coster has issued a call-out for prospective recruits to join the Victorian Country AFL Masters set-up ahead of the upcoming National Carnival tournament.
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The 37-year-old is among those planning to take part in the prestigious competition, which is slated to be staged in Newcastle, New South Wales, between September 27 and October 3.
A celebration of Masters football in Australia, the garland annual event attracts teams from all over the country in the Over 35s, Over 40s, Over 45s, Over 50s and Women's divisions.
Alongside this festival of football, the carnival also is renowned for being one of the best social events in the sporting calendar, with competitive spirit coupled with camaraderie between the teams making for a warm atmosphere at the event.
Now, footy figure Coster has called for players aged over 35 in the Goulburn Valley region to register their interest in representing their state on the big stage in Newcastle later in the year.
The star will play in the Vic Country Over 35s team at the tournament, while it is expected that his Giants colleague Steve Tate will coach the side at the National Carnival.
“The Carnival is a week of Masters footy where we play against teams from across Australia, hoping to win the ultimate title,” Coster said.
“It’s a men’s and women’s competition, open to all levels of experience - whether you’re looking to extend your career beyond senior footy or you’re looking to start a career in your mid-30s or later, it works really well.
“We pride ourselves on footy for fun and inclusiveness, along with involvement in the sport and giving people the opportunity to keep going even if they’re too old.”
GV Giants Club President Steve Tate could lead the Victorian Country AFL Masters side into battle.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Coster, who has extensive experience in both a playing and coaching capacity, highlighted the benefits of playing competitive sport, while outlining the community aspect of football.
“It’s absolutely important to continue in sport, or any community organization really,” he said.
“We support everyone around us, whether it be with physical or mental health, we’re really big on staying involved - we’ve built a family around our football community.
“We’re not just there to play, we’re there to build relationships and friendships and it’s a really good platform to do that.”
Previously, coach Coster led the Victorian Country AFL Masters Women’s team at the Heath-Lovett Cup, held in Penguin, Tasmania on 28 February.
In an Over 35s game against a strong Tasmania side playing in front of a home crowd, Vic Country eventually fell to defeat despite a performance combining effort and defensive intent throughout.
Despite this loss, Coster was proud of the efforts of his players on the occasion, speaking with pride about their showing - while expressing how much he enjoyed the experience.
“I’m very passionate about building women’s footy and building it, it was a great, fun experience,” the former Yarrawonga ace said.
“What I hope to bring to it is not just skills but also the fitness and fun side of it - while we want to get out there and win, we want to enjoy the sport for what it is.”
In this vein, Costner is also looking to set-up an AFL Masters QuickKick Program targeted at women aged 35 and above to help build their basic football skills, teamwork and fitness with the hope of establishing a women’s masters side in the future.
Men’s players over 35 can express their interest in joining up with the Victorian Country AFL Masters team ahead of the National Carnival on Facebook, or the side’s dedicated Play HQ page.
Alternatively, prospective men’s team recruits can attend training at Kialla Main Oval, with sessions taking place on Wednesday nights at 6pm.
