President's Welcome Melbourne 2002

I would like to welcome all to the 20th National Masters Australian Football (MAF) Carnival. It is fitting that for our 20th carnival we return to the city where our first carnival was played in 1983. Some of those who were there in 1983 are still going to carnivals, with some attending every carnival since and will be involved again this year.

At the first carnival only 6 teams competed with games being played at the Camberwell oval. How we have grown since. Six teams quickly grew into nine, from this base we saw Masterules, then Seniorules and Superseniors evolve to now, where we are looking at our first overseas tour to Ireland next month. Where will it go in the next 10 years?

The carnival has traveled widely since 1983 with all states and territories having hosted at least 2 carnivals. From 6 teams in 1983 to today where at the time of writing we are expecting 32 teams in 4 divisions and some 650 players. When umpires, officials and support staff are added the number of participants will easily exceed 750.

Among the players at that first carnival were some well known former players from a number of states which included several past VFL players, their number included this years Carnival Patron former Melbourne great Hassa Mann, thanks to Hassa for his involvement.

This year we are fortunate to have Royal Park as the venue; its close proximity to the city makes it ideal, thanks to the Melbourne City Council for making these grounds available and for their support of our carnival. As in many of the past carnivals we will again use 4 playing fields. Royal Park provides these at a single venue.
 

The Board is very pleased that we were able to come to an agreement with Vic Metro who have been contracted to provide the game day infrastructure and catering. Thanks to Metro for their cooperation and for their assistance in other areas of carnival operation.
 

In the early part of the year we bid farewell our Executive director John Morrison. John has made a very significant contribution to MAF / Superules Australia during his 6 years in the job that should not be forgotten. In wishing John well I would like to welcome our new General Manager Neil King. Neil comes to us with considerable experience in Sports Administration and while he has only been in the job a short time the board is confident that he will playa major part in our future endeavors.
 

Finally I would like to wish all participants an enjoyable and injury free carnival and a happy stay in Melbourne

TIM GLEESON
NATIONAL PRESIDENT