By Hayley Wildes
One might think football careers end when your mid-30s roll around, but Superules football is proving you can play well into your 50s if the passion still burns.
Superules is football for the over 35s and recently Beaconsfield – in the last round of the season – celebrated what may just be the most impressive games milestone haul in a single match ever.
Col Cameron (200 games), Peter Lowe (150 games), Collin Ross (150 games), Paul La Roche (100 games), Shaun Stirton (100 games) and Darren Hansen (100 games) all reached major milestones on August 12.
With 800 combined games played, it was a moment to savour for the club.
Football has brought those involved with the Beaconsfield Superules together, but it’s about much more than the game that keeps everyone coming back.
It’s the comradery and mateship that makes the group special.
Cr Collin Ross, Mayor of the Cardinia Shire Council, has been involved with the Beaconsfield Superules since 2004 and he has seen the positive physical effects firsthand.
“I think a lot of guys that have played football earlier in their lives really enjoy that team and club atmosphere,” he said.
“We’re a long time retired from football, so when you can keep doing an activity with people that you enjoy being around, it’s a whole lot easier than trying to go out there by yourself – it gives a purpose to keeping fit and active.”
He also talked about the importance of Superules for mental health.
“A lot of guys go through divorce, partners who pass away or family members going through tough times, and the comradery around the guys is really welcoming,” he said.
“It really is an incubator for men’s health. If people feel physically good about themselves, they’ll more likely feel mentally good about themselves.”
With Superules providing an opportunity to play the game they love, there will likely be many more milestones to come for the men from Beaconsfield.
