AFL MASTERS - VIC METRO

Yes, clubs are actively recruiting! If your closest Masters club does not have a women’s team, there are still may be opportunities to train with the club. Contact a neighbouring club to join with an existing women’s team to play as a fill-in or join in with their training sessions. 

The 2026 season features 10 home and away games, played fortnightly on Saturdays over winter, plus 2 weeks of finals. 

Games will be played in a carnival like atmosphere with double or triple headers at each venue. The fixture aims to minimise travel where possible, however the competition spans all across the Vic Metro region with teams located in Werribee, Peninsula, Sunbury and Preston.  

With only one age group at this stage, there is a lot of variety in players’ ages. To be eligible, a player has to turn 35 by 31 December. In terms of experience, there are many players over 35 who were not offered any football opportunities as a young kid. This means that the competition welcomes all players brand new to football with great enthusiasm. Estimates are 30-40% players have played footy before, and 60-70% who are new to the game as a 35s player. There are brand new players in every team, some who played a bit and then retired, and a smaller group of players who have significantly more game time.

Yes! The Women’s 35s football community is super friendly and always ready to talk about footy. The objectives of the women’s competitions are ‘footy for fun – a safe place for everyone’; community sport which is safe and inclusive, and fosters positive experiences for the players, teams, clubs, supporters and community.  

Reach out to your local club to connect with their Women’s Football Representative, join a training session, or contact AFLVM staff for more details about the women’s competition. 

Our competition has a lot of peer support and tips in this space. The AFL offers clubs help with some resources that can assist with first impressions, inclusive language, female friendly facilities and coaching women. https://www.play.afl/clubhelp/women-girls/  

• Word of mouth, social media and peer support
• Flyers and posters at local businesses, gyms and community footy games.
• Promote with parents at AusKick or in school communities
• Come and try days help people to check out your club
• Beneficial to have women coaching and visible in the club, and ensuring the club environment is supportive of all player levels and abilities

Some other helpful resources include:

• First Impressions at your Club Checklist
• Quick Wins for an Inclusive Club
• Coaching Women and Girls