Footy that is older and wiser

But newly appointed skipper Andrew Simmons said the side was still looking to bolster its squad, which currently boasts players aged 35 to “nearly 60”.

“Numbers are fairly good but it’s hard to get people to commit fully, some still aren’t fully committed, we’re still looking for new recruits,” the skipper said.

“The door will always be open for everyone; you don’t have to be Mr Football to play, you don’t even have to have played football or done the preseason.

“We’re probably going to have a different team every week with, hopefully, a core playing group.”

The side was the brainchild of Ben Douglass, who sought expressions of interest last year, and the fun-loving yet competitive group will hit the big time next week when they follow the Yarrawonga Pigeons senior side for a twilight debut fixture.

Simmons, who played junior and reserves football at Yarrawonga as well as a stint at Eastlakes in Canberra, said trainings have ranged from a tough session under Yarrawonga premiership coach Chris Kennedy to one session where training was at the pub and didn’t finish until 10pm.

“We’ve had some good jokes and laughs but everyone’s also really nervous about round one and keen as mustard to see how we go,” he said.

The team has so far drawn players from as far afield as Cobram and Shepparton as well as Mulwala, Rennie and Tungamah.

It will play in the statewide Victorian Country league, usually on a Sunday at home, but with roadtrips to Echuca, Shepparton and – the longest - Moorabool near Geelong planned.

It is one of the few Masters sides to be fully sanctioned under an existing club and will benefit from those affiliations. If it is a success, the club hopes to start an Over 45s side in the future.

The side is keen to foster a family-friendly environment and is hoping “kids, wives, partners, grandparents” fill the “corporate boxes” in round one and beyond.

“The more the merrier,” Simmons said.

While Masters offers fitness, the skipper said the mental health benefits of camaraderie were a big benefit and theme for the group.

“Some guys haven’t played since juniors and it’s a great way to meet people because it can be difficult to meet people your own age in a country town,” he said.

“It’s a more manageable level of training and the games won’t be as do or die.

“For a lot of people, their kids might be getting a little bit older and they think they need to get fit again, and the best way is to kick a ball around with a mate.”

For those thinking of kick, training starts half an hour early on Wednesday to allow for the intraclub match.