State representatives have been updated on the planning for the 2021 National Carnival at this year’s AFL Masters AGM & Delegates Meeting.
Held online via Zoom last weekend, proceedings were opened by AFL Masters President Steve Eurell, and following initial formalities, the Perth Organising Committee provided an update on the 2021 National Carnival, which featured the following highlights:
– Planning for the 2021 National Carnival is progressing full steam ahead. With the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine and easing of border restrictions, there is a strong sense from the POC that the 2021 carnival will go ahead and be one of best attended National Carnivals ever.
– Several local accommodation providers have blocked out vacancies for AFL Masters, and many accommodation deals include refund options if the carnival is postponed. Details of these deals will be provided in the coming weeks.
– Optus Stadium is firming as the venue for presentation night, with up to 1800 people expected for the event.
– More than 500 players from Western Australia have indicated an interest in playing in the Carnival.
– There will be two age divisions for the women’s competition: An over 34s division and an over 40s division.
– Carnival merchandise for will be available from early next month.
Another update is expected in late May/early June.
The meeting also heard a proposal to increase the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at the National Carnival, with either standalone men and women teams, or an All-Star showcase game, as suggestions for increasing participation.
The Board continues to work with states to help develop women’s football and grow participation at the National Carnival, and the meeting also accepted the nomination of Andrew Nielsen as Director for 3 years, and Gillon McLachlan and Susan Alberti AM as patrons.
