2025 AFL Masters National Carnival
Each year the AFL Masters Carnival is held in a unique location around Australia. Designed to be easily incorporated into a family holiday there is a healthy balance of football, tourism options and carnival events for the whole family.
Attracting over 60 teams from across Australia, players compete in age groups ranging from Over 35’s to Over 65’s. To play in the National Carnival, players must turn 35 or older in that current year.
The dates for the 2025 AFL Masters National Carnival in Darwin are Sunday, 28 September – Saturday, 4 October.
** REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW OPEN** See below for the link to PlayHQ.
National Carnival - Players
Player registrations for the 2025 National Carnival are now open here. For more registration information, please contact your state representatives, or visit our Team App site.
National Carnival - Umpires
Registrations for umpires to register their interest for the 2025 National Carnival are now open here. For more registration information, please visit our Umpires Portal, or visit our Team App site.
AFL Masters NT
Click here to visit the Official AFL Masters NT website to find out more about Masters footy in Northern Territory.
2026 AFL Masters National Carnival
2026 AFL Masters National Carnival – Coming to Newcastle!
Where Footy Meets the Coastline
We are thrilled to confirm that the 2026 AFL Masters National Carnival will be hosted by New South Wales in the vibrant coastal city of Newcastle from Sunday 27th September – Saturday 3rd October, 2026.
Newcastle has been chosen as the ideal location, offering:
• Perfect climate – mild temperatures to enjoy playing footy at its best.
• Picturesque setting – from stunning beaches to scenic landscapes, it’s the perfect backdrop for the Carnival.
• Food & culture – a city packed with great dining options, bars, and attractions for everyone to enjoy.
• Plenty to explore – whether you’re into history, surf, or local events, Newcastle has it all.
The NSW team are already hard at work to deliver an unforgettable Carnival experience, showcasing everything the region has to offer.
👉 Stay tuned and follow our socials — more announcements and event details will be released in the coming months.
When is the AFL Masters National Carnival being held & where can I get more info?
The 2025 Carnival will take place in Fremantle and dates are Sunday, 28 September to Saturday, 4 October.
We have a dedicated AFL Masters National Carnival website with details of registrations, fixtures, accommodation specials.
Registrations for the 2025 National Carnival are now open.
Player and umpire registrations for the 2025 National Carnival are now open. Head to the PlayHQ registration site & select your State or Territory. For more registration information, please contact your state representatives, or visit our National Carnival Team App site.
What is the National Carnival experience?
Find out what the 2024 Carnival was like here.
The 2024 AFL Masters National Carnival brought together 1417 footballers, across 64 men and women teams, from across the country to celebrate our great game.
The 2024 AFL Masters National Carnival was the first time we have held the Carnival in Fremantle.
AFL Masters National President
Congratulations to the Fremantle Organising Committee for your tireless work in preparing one of the biggest ever AFL Masters National Carnivals in terms of participant numbers since it was first played in 1983.
AFL Chief Executive Officer
