More than a thousand AFL Masters players are expected to pull on their footy boots in Perth this year to represent their state at the 2020 AFL Masters National Carnival. It will be the first time Western Australia has hosted the annual event since 2003, with the eight-day men’s and women’s competition to run from September 26 to October 4, 2020.
“The AFL Masters is one of Australia’s great amateur sporting carnivals – providing participants the chance to share their love of the game and take part in some friendly competition. With more than 1,000 visitors from around the country expected, the family-focused Carnival will also provide a welcome boost to the State’s hotel, hospitality and tourism sectors.” Western Australian Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray commented.
The Minister went on to explain that the competition is Australia’s largest mass participation Australian Rules football carnival with an average 40 teams taking part. There will be day and night games played across two women’s categories of over 33 years old and over 40, and six men’s categories from over 35 to over 60.

“Events like the AFL Masters Nationals Carnival are a great drawcard to entice more visitors to our State and is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to extend their stay into a holiday. I look forward to welcoming this event back to WA after 17 years and encourage visitors to explore transformed Perth and our diverse regional areas.” Western Australian Tourism Minister Paul Papalia commented. Minister Papalia pointed out that the event is supported by the State Government through Tourism WA. Mass participation events form an important part of Tourism WA’s events strategy because they help attract more out-of-state visitors to the State. Last financial year, Tourism WA supported a range of mass participation events which attracted more than 10,400 out-of-state visitors – who spent more than $21 million. Participants will be offered a range of activities including Swan Valley winery tours, golf days, high teas and kicking competitions.