‘Never too old’: 83-year-old footballer still getting a kick

Source : ABC NEWS

Robert Johnstone has just two rules when he crosses the white line to enter the football field.

“The first rule is don’t fall over, because you’re out of the game and you look a fool,” the 83-year-old says.

“The second rule is get a kick.”

Mr Johnstone, affectionately known by his teammates as “Robbie J”, lives in South Australia’s Riverland, but has also lived in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.

He was a latecomer to Aussie Rules football and only picked up the game in his 70s.

And despite his age, he’s not ready to give up the sport he’s fallen in love with.

“I’d never tried a group sport. I’d been a loner. I did a lot of fun-run walking and stuff,” Mr Johnstone says.

“Now I can’t walk past a footy without wanting to kick it.

Still quick off the mark

Mr Johnstone plays for his local team, the Riverland Superdogs, who compete in South Australia’s AFL Masters league.

The league only allows players age 35 and up, and has competitions across Australia.

Mr Johnstone has the title of oldest player in the competition.

“There’s an element of danger to it, and I’ve still got that little bit of ego; I want to be out there,” he says.

Riverland Superdogs president Rob Romeo has played alongside Mr Johnstone for almost 10 years.

He says even in his old age “Robbie J” has grown, becoming a better, more refined player.

“He’s usually the first one at trainings,” Mr Romeo says.

“Things have slowed down slightly over the years, but there was a time when he would put us to shame.

“He’s like a little kid, just trying to get a little bit better at kicking, and we’d just say, ‘Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Just come out and enjoy yourself.'”

‘No-one keeping score’

While there is no finals series or a premier in the AFL Masters, the competitive spirit and camaraderie has brought players back season after season.

Mr Romeo says the Superdogs don’t care how good prospective players ae, as long as they are willing to give it a go.

He encourages anyone over 35 looking for community involvement and exercise to consider it.

“As a kid, you go to footy because your mates go, and this is no different,” he says.

“It opens up your friendship web, whether you come from broken relationships or whatever else that may have happened in your life.

“The exercise also helps with mental health.”

Inclusivity the key to success

Former AFL Masters and West Adelaide chief executive Conny Wilson also resides in the Riverland.

She has seen “Robbie J” up close on a number of occasions, and says he embodies inclusivity, which AFL Masters is all about.

“As an aging society, these are great opportunities for people to either reconnect with past teammates or for people looking for friendships to come out and try,” Ms Wilson says.

“It’s also been exceptionally well received by women, who growing up didn’t have the opportunity to play football.”

Mr Johnstone’s passion for the game also extends to his adopted state, seen in his distinctive mullet, transforming from grey to SA’s iconic red, blue and yellow for the annual AFL Masters state carnival, which he will play again this year in the over-65s.

While the octogenarian doesn’t expect to dominate his competition at the carnival, he is confident he can once again make his mark.