With lockdown restrictions easing, there’s now plenty happening for the Hunter AFL Masters! Check out the details in the latest members update:

Training Sessions: Subject to NSW Health guidelines, we hope to recommence our Sunday training sessions at Lambton Park in the next few weeks. These will kick off at 4pm, and be followed by a refreshing drink at the Lambton Park Hotel. Please note that we may need to restrict numbers and follow check-in protocols, so please keep an eye on our digital and social platforms for more information.
- Rules for fully vaccinated people in NSW | NSW Government: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/stay-safe/rules/fully-vaccinated#toc-sport-and-exercise
- Rules for people who are not fully vaccinated | NSW Government: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/stay-safe/rules/not-fully-vaccinated#toc-sport-and-exercise

Presentation Night & AGM: After our initial plans for Presentation Night were scuttled by lockdown, the committee has decided to combine the Presentation Night with the AGM. This event will be held in early December, with more details to follow. We hope this format will give the award winners the recognition they deserve, and encourage members to attend our AGM. It also means we get to catch up in-person rather than online.

Newcastle AFL 9s: We had an enormous amount of interest in the AFL 9s spring season that kicks off next week, with enough players to fill three teams. However, we have a VERY small number of spots available, so get in touch at communications@huntermaf.org.au if you’re keen, or we can add you to a reserve list for when we are short. The competition organisers are also putting together a composite team of players who couldn’t source their own team, so if you’re keen to join them, get in touch via their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NewcastleAFL9s/

Balmain Xmas Cracker: The Xmas Cracker game has become an AFL Masters tradition, where the Tigers host social games of footy to finish the year. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, 11th December from 8am at Mahoney Reserve, Marrickville. There will also be a women’s game on the day from 11am. Both matches are open to all Masters players, where teams are organised on the day, but it would be great to have a large contingent of Hornets show up! Just be wary if you catch a ride with Jase Dean, because he stops on the way to put some mayo on it and you might only get there 5 minutes before the start… The event is free, and there are post-game drinks and a BBQ, with a small club donation appreciated to cover costs. Please be aware that these games will be subject to the NSW Health guidelines for community sport. More info: https://www.facebook.com/balmainafcmasters

AFL Masters NSW Carnival: Start planning your travel and accommodation! To make up for the fact most of us couldn’t get to Perth for the National Carnival, AFL Masters NSW will host an AFL Masters Carnival in Coffs Harbour from January 22-26 next year. The carnival will be open to teams from Sydney and regional NSW, as well as ACT and SE Queensland. While the format is still to be decided, it would be fantastic to have strong numbers from the Hunter turn up and defend our reputation as one of the strongest Masters associations in the state.

Club Sponsors: As lockdown restrictions ease, now is a great time to get out there and support our sponsors in the lead up to Christmas. Lambton Park Hotel, Terrace Meats, Bodyworx, Regional Australia Bank, Jim’s Car Detailing Adamstown, and Murray Consulting are all open and ready to do business, so hit up our sponsors page on Team App if you want to get in touch: https://hunteraflmasters.teamapp.com/sponsors?_list=v1

Phew!! There’s a big going on, but how good is it to have some footy and social functions coming back?? As always, please get in touch with one of our friendly committee members if you have any other questions or suggestions.

Hunter AFL Masters committee