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Never too old to chase a kick |
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Saturday, 21 July 2007 |
By Gareth Trickey
GORDON McQueen is living proof you're never too old to play footy.
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Old stagers: Gordon McQueen, aged 66, rucks it out against Footscray District' Shane Verker, aged 60. Picture: Peter Ward
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The 67-year-old Mornington footballer will line up for the Southern over-55s representative side at the Masters Australian Football carnival in Sydney from September 30 until October 6.
McQueen has rubbed shoulders with former AFL and VFL stars during his 10 years of masters, or super rules, football.
Greats such as Ron Barassi, Bob Skilton, Wayne Harmes and Greg Williams have continued their illustrious football careers beyond the age of 35.
McQueen now plays alongside his 41-year-old son, Andrew, who is playing coach of the Mornington over-35s side.
"My son and I were always at the same club together. He'd be the first's ruckman and I'd be the second's ruckman," McQueen said.
"All of us guys in the super rules just love playing footy. With this older-age competition it is just as competitive but it's obviously a bit slower.
"The enjoyment and camaraderie are still there because you're still competing in a game of footy."
The super rules competition kicked off in 1980 in the Wimmera town of Nhill. The first interstate match took place the following year when Victoria took on Canberra.
The super rules competition has since taken off throughout Victoria and there are now more than 60 teams competing in metropolitan and country leagues.
The 2007 national carnival will be the 25th and will feature more than 30 teams from every state and territory.
"Vic Metro won the over-35 and the over-55s last year but Tasmania usually put up a good show and are fiercely competitive," McQueen said.
"Everybody who goes to these carnivals goes there with the intention of knocking off Victoria."
Victorian Metropolitan Super Rules competition chairman Ian Fletcher said the strength of the Victorian team was a testament to the popularity of masters football in the state.
"In the past four to five years the competition has grown by about a third," Fletcher said.
"What we've seen is a lot of people coming back to the game after many years out of football.
They're finding they get the fitness and (enjoy) the new social aspect. You can meet everybody your own age.
"All the competitiveness and egos are still there, but they're not as marvellous as earlier years."
Article first appeared: 21 July 2007 Herald Sun
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Herald Sun 
