The AFL Masters Vic Country men's and women's sides are heading to Tasmania this weekend to compete in the inaugural Heath-Lovett Cup against AFL Masters Tasmania on Saturday 28 February.
AFL Masters is a football format for players over the age of 35, with a special addition of AFL Legend Kevin Sheedy who will make the trip across the Bass Strait as a newly appointed “Super for Health” Ambassador focusing on the benefits that AFL Masters football can offer to support mental health of men and women of all ages.
The inaugural Heath-Lovett trophy has been kindly donated by the Burnie Trophy Centre and is being named in honour of two living legends of AFL Masters football, Leigh Heath from Tasmania and Tony Lovett from AFL Masters Vic Country.
There will be at least five games played on the day being an over 35s reserves, over 45s, over 50s and then the two main games, an over 35s AFLW and over 35s "Heath-Lovett Cup" game. Post match entertainment will take place at the Bridge Hotel.
The “friendly” games are an opportunity to showcase Masters football at its highest level to quash the myth that competitive AFL football has to stop as players hit their mid 30’s.
Although the games will be played with full contact rules they will also be played in the Masters spirit which focusses on footy for fun, minimising injuries and conflict and trying to ensure that everyone can turn up for work on Monday.
The event also has the support of AFL headquarters, with the hope to boost participation in Tasmania for all ages and harness the growing support for Masters as a way to keep families involved in community football.
Tasmania Football Club CEO Brendon Gale welcomed the Heath-Lovett Cup.
"Football is a game that can be played at all stages of life, the Heath-Lovett cup is shaping up to be a competitive game that will not only be played at a high standard, but importantly be played in the spirit of Masters footy," Gale said.
"The Devils are proud to see growth in football participation in Tasmania at all levels since the launch of the club in March 2024, pleasingly this growth is not only at the junior levels, but also for our more mature football players."
"Initiatives like the Heath-Lovett Cup not only celebrate footy and mateship, but also community, we are looking forward to a great game, celebration and hopefully a win for Tassie."
AFL Masters Vic Country Vice President David O’Brien said:
"I’m proud to support the Heath–Lovett Cup and the spirit behind it. Initiatives like this play an important role in strengthening relationships across our federation, fostering social connection for regional Victorians, and bringing members together with a shared purpose," O'Brien said.
"Most importantly, they create more meaningful opportunities for Masters-aged footballers to represent their states, stay connected to the game, and continue contributing to the strong sense of community that underpins Masters football."
Vic Country jumper sponsor AABD Concrete representative Daniel Bausch has kindly supported special jumpers being made for the occasion. He is grateful to the role Masters has played in his life and considers Masters football to be, like concrete, the foundation for a fulfilled and active life of footy into your 40s, 50s and 60s.
Mr Bausch said:
"If you get in whilst your body is actually relatively young at 35, the foundation is set and your body will be hard and strong for many years whilst others are still complaining about injuries they did in their twenties. The growth of non-contact masters football also allows those with concussion or other long term injuries to stay fit and involved in footy with minimal risk or contact injuries."
VicCountry are also proud to welcome additional sponsors including Super for Health which specialises in providing trusted, ethical solutions for early superannuation access.
Super for Health CEO Rob Harwood added:
“We are pleased that our board member and VicCountry player Luke Vassallo has been able to bring AFL Legend Kevin Sheedy on board with the VicCountry AFL Masters and we are proud to support the tour with a particular focus on the mental health and wellbeing of middle aged footballers.”
Additional VicCountry Masters sponsors include Gisborne Tyrepower, Wendouree Car Service Centre, Green Pipes Plumbing, Sports Gear Australia, Meredith Cheese and Jim’s Pool Care.
The matches will feature a number of players from the current Australian over 40s and 50s teams including Captain Adam Hunter, 45s Coach Scott Carter and wil be broadcast live on DuffTV https://www.dufftv.com.au/.
It is the combination of skill, humour and old school footy values that make Masters football such an entertaining spectacle for the whole family. Entry will be free with a Gold Coin donation to the Due South Veterans Centre in support of veterans and mental health with a range of smaller sponsors offering prizes for a raffle.