A glorious day for football greeted the two teams from Waroona and Rossmoyne at Gate C at Optus Oval on Sunday 20^th May. 

A real buzz of excitement worked its way through the players, eager to get into uniform and out on to the hallowed turf. We were ushered through to the changerooms near the Richmond rooms and shown where we can and cant go. The spare changerooms are nicely laid out with plenty of cupboard and shelving space, and the shower block, well... very spacious. After instructions from Michelle and the Chairman, the players entered the arena to the slow clap of the 5 spectators standing near the race.  Wow it is a big ground and an amazing sight from ground level.

The game got under way at a frantic pace, with Castle troubling the scorer twice from what can only be described as an umpiring decision for the crowd. Both teams welcomed the quarter time break to get their breath back and down some much needed water.  The conditions were perfect with a sunny temp of 28degrees and no wind. 

The crowd started to grow quickly with plenty of support or instruction (we will call it support anyway) for the men in green, both the field umpires and the goal umpires. Some of the Eagles spent time on the sidelines admiring the skills and then having happy snaps as they began their warmup.  Andy and Troy put their full skills on display and impressed their Coaches, so much so they were awarded the game balls.  

In the end the game was played in the best way Masters football can be played with no serious injuries, no niggle and just an enjoyable game with the final score a draw.  We welcomed some of our league sponsors (Burley, Minuteman Press, EWA Electrical Wholesale Distributors, and PBF) to join us on the ground and experience the game close up and stay on to watch the Eagles Richmond game.

Thanks to the Board members who attended, some of which umpired the game to free up tickets for the sponsors. Special mention to Sporty and the two Boyds for volunteering their time as umpires. An enjoyable experience for both teams, with lots of smiles and plenty of rehydration fluids as we watched the Eagles take care of Richmond from within the Richmond cheer squad.

Thanks to the West Coast Eagles and Michelle Phillips for your support and the opportunity for AFLMWA to demonstrate what our game is all about.