Fremantle will host the 2024 AFL Masters National Carnival for the first time.

The 41st Masters Carnival will be just the fifth occasion WA has staged the event.

The announcement was made last night at the conclusion of the 2023 AFL Masters National Carnival at Maroochydore in Queensland.

Over 70 teams across seven age brackets will descend on Fremantle in October next year with the aim of becoming AFL Masters National Champions.

AFL Masters is open to both male and female players aged 35 and over, with Women's Masters being the largest growth area of the sport.

AFL Masters President Steve Eurell is excited about the carnival arriving to Fremantle.

“Our AFL Masters National Carnival is as much about being a family holiday than the footy for our Participants,” Eurell said.

“We expect the Fremantle region will prove to be one of our most popular locations with its wonderful climate, great array of accommodation choices and tourist attractions.”

The ability to cater for an event of this size also helped Fremantle to secure the Carnival.

“When you combine that with the excellent facilities at the WAFL grounds at Fremantle and East Fremantle Ovals then our 2024 National Carnival is primed for success,” he said.

AFL Masters Western Australia Chair Nathan Dixon echoed those sentiments as the best of WA, both on and off the field, is showcased to the rest of Australia.

“After a tremendous decade of growth, Western Australian Masters footy is in a great position,” Dixon said.

“Both our men’s and women’s teams performed well on the Sunshine Coast this week, and we will be even stronger next year on our home turf.”

“Apart from top quality ovals at South Fremantle and East Fremantle, we have been putting together a spectacular week of activities including golf at Royal Fremantle, the Hall of Fame Function at the WA Maritime Museum and a visit to Rottnest Island,” he said.

“It’s one trip that has to be made.”

Western Australia’s Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism Rita Saffioti said that mass participation events like the AFL Masters National Carnival are a key component of the WA Government and Tourism WA’s events vision to make the state one of the leading events destinations in South East Asia.

“Hosting the 2024 AFL Masters Carnival is a real win for WA’s tourism sector as it will attract thousands of out-of-state guests to our state, giving them a chance to explore all our incredible destinations and experiences,” Minister Saffioti said.

"I’m excited to welcome all of the players, participants and their supporters to our beautiful state next year.”

The AFL Masters National Carnival is supported by the WA Government, through Tourism WA.

Western Australia’s Sports Minister David Templeman is excited about the opportunity to host the 2024 AFL Masters Carnival, one of the biggest football mass participation events in Australia.

“I’m excited to welcome the best AFL Masters players next year to our beautiful state for an epic week of football for men and women aged over 35,” said Minister Templeman.

“WA is football-mad state and will welcome the players, participants and supporters with welcome arms as they enjoy playing footy and exploring our beautiful city and surrounds.”

AFL Masters General Manager Dr Adrian Raftery anticipates that next year’s version will see the biggest AFL Masters National Carnival ever held in Western Australia.

“There is a whole generation of AFL Masters players across the country, including myself, who have never had the chance to play in Western Australia before with the last pre-COVID Carnival being held over there in 2003,” said Raftery.

“Next year’s AFL Masters Carnival provides an amazing opportunity to give yourself a free kick by extending your stay in the West to delve deeper into the wonders of the stunning Fremantle, The Pinnacles, Margaret River and Bunbury.”

For more information, view the announcement video https://youtu.be/BYOl57QcQR0

or visit the AFL Masters National Carnival webpage:  http://carnival.masters.afl