Well there’s a big, big sound set to come from the south of the town this weekend, it will be the sound of the mighty Goulburn Valley Giants kick-starting their season.
The ground will be a-shaking when the Giants host the Bendigo B-52s at Kialla Recreation Reserve on Sunday afternoon, their opening game of the new AFL Masters campaign.
Masters footy is a competition specifically for people over the age of 35. With no official scores kept during games, new Giants president Steve Neff said Masters footy was all about having fun with your mates.
“It’s about mental health and mateship and getting out and participating,” Neff said.
“We all talk crap to each other and we all rib each other, it is a really fun environment.
“I played here last year and I loved it.”
With the club still finding its feet following the COVID-19 pandemic, Neff said the Giants were looking for more players and their families to get involved – and everyone was welcome.
“Because of COVID, last year, as the first year back, was a development year where we got back into that routine again,” he said.
“We are looking for any blokes over 35 that are interested in getting involved with a good club, regardless of ability. We had some guys at training that have never played footy before and just wanted to give it a try.
“We are a family club, we encourage families to come along. My grandkids and kids come and watch me play and give encouragement – it’s that social connection.
“We encourage family and partners to come, we want them involved. We all support each other, we are a big family.”
The Giants compete in the AFL Masters Vic Country League, taking on teams from Echuca to Samaria and from Albury to Melton.
The team trains on Wednesday nights at Kialla Recreation Reserve, with games played every fortnight.
With the Giants always ready to welcome new players, Neff encouraged people to head down and give it a crack.
“Come down and have a look. Meet everyone and have a go,” he said.
“It is a very worthwhile club to get involved with. It is so enjoyable.
“The expectation is to just be yourself. You don’t have to be an ex-AFL footballer. Footballing ability is secondary, we put the person first.”