Eagles on the hunt for a new breed

From left; Beaconsfield Superules President Darren Hansen, Gembrook MP and sponsor Brad Battin, and coach Shane Mooney want locals over 35 to experience the many benefits of playing football again. 269642

By David Nagel

We would all agree…it’s the perfect time to get off the couch and get active!

Beaconsfield Superules – a club for footballers 35 years and over – has been an integral part of the local sporting landscape for the best part of two decades.

Players have flocked to Perc Allison Reserve over the years to continue their deep love and passion for the game.

But football – just like many other pursuits in life – has been affected by the impact of Covid, with the Eagles now looking to bolster their numbers to keep a magnificent tradition going strong.

“We had a whole year off and then only played six games last year…Covid has impacted a lot of sporting clubs and ours is no different,” said club president Darren Hansen.

“We’re looking to get some new players down to the club, and most importantly their families.

“We are very much a family-focussed club. It’s a club focussed on blokes, partners, wives and kids, it’s not a football club that just stands around drinking beer.

“It’s a family club, a community focussed club and we want new players to come and experience the same enjoyment and friendships that we have over the years.

“I can guarantee…if you come down to Beaconsfield, you won’t regret it.

“We’re a very proud club with a strong culture and tradition.”

Beaconsfield Superules competes in the AFL Masters Southern Division.

In 2022 it plans on fielding two teams in over 35’s – seniors and reserves – and teams in over 45’s, 50’s and 55’s.

“You can be the fittest bloke, or the un-fittest bloke, it doesn’t matter…it’s footy for fun at Beaconsfield for the players and the families,” Hansen said.

Gembrook MP Brad Battin is a huge supporter of the Superules concept and was a keen footballer in his day.

Standing on Perc Allison Oval again brought back some mixed emotions.

“I got Beacy knees here at Perc Allison Oval…when the stones used to show through the surface,” Mr Battin said.

“I played at Berwick juniors and went to Beacy when I was under 16s, went into the under 17s, and I actually did my back on this ground in about 1992. I was out for two years, and never came back to footy.”

Battin is also a massive advocate for Men’s Health…mental health in particular.

“I love footy and it’s not about the return you get by putting a sign up at the ground, it’s about blokes getting out on the ground, of all ages, keeping active and keeping them moving,” he said.

“Men’s health, mental health, across the whole board, is so big and one of the best preventions is staying out with your mates and having a kick of the footy.

“Most of the guys here, if you sat them down in a room they wouldn’t say a thing.

“But put a football in their hands and all of a sudden they will pop up with ‘I’m having trouble at home’ or ‘I’m having trouble at work’…that type of thing.

“Sport is so important in keeping ourselves healthy…both physically and mentally.

“When you have a footy club promoting those things, and everyone talking about it, everyone wins.”

Mr Battin said he had great admiration for the passion of the players at the club.

“I’ve been here for a quiet one with the boys on a Thursday night, and been to their awards nights, and they’ve got smiles on their faces like the youngest junior players have,” he said.

“The best outcome you will get is you play the game and enjoy it, but even if you can’t get out on the field come down and run some drinks, help behind the bar, clean the clubrooms, volunteer in some capacity and you’ll get enormous reward and satisfaction from it.

“You will get more out of it than you put in, but the more you put in the more you will get out of it.

“You also get to meet some wonderful people to share the journey with.”

Beaconsfield coach Shane Mooney, now in his fifth year at the club, said Superules accommodates for all levels of footballers over-35 – from those still super-competitive to those who have never touched a football before.

“Footballers never die, once you’re out there you get into it, but it’s done in good fun and we have some terrific rivalries with some of the clubs we play against,” Mooney said.

“After the game it’s about catching up, talking about how good we use to be and having a bit of a laugh.

“We’ve had people come down in their late 40’s, people that have never touched a football before, and they have a ball. One player won a trophy in just his second year of playing.”

Mooney said the impact of Covid has hit the club hard.

“In the (over) 35s we have struggled to get numbers. We were a really strong club before Covid but we’re struggling a bit right now.

“For anyone out there, who is thinking about it and hasn’t played football before, we’re a very friendly club and we won’t push anyone past their limits.

“Come down; do as much as you can, even if it’s just getting to training initially.

“I’m sure everyone who makes the effort will thoroughly enjoy the experience.”

Beaconsfield Superules train at 6pm on Wednesday nights at Perc Allison Oval.

Those interested in getting active, and getting involved in a wonderful sporting organisation, can contact club president Darren Hansen on 0419 163 868…or just rock up to training and make yourself known.