Sport
9 October, 2025
All Australian honours for Loader
PURA Pura’s Wayne Loader had a great time of it at the recently concluded AFL Masters Carnival in Darwin, where he captained the Victoria Country over 50 team.
The 53 year-old, playing in the competition for the third time, was not only named as best and fairest for the Victoria Country team, he was also named as the competition’s best and fairest and was named in the over 50 All Australian team.
Loader also won the competition best and fairest award in 2023.
“It was a surprise to win two years ago and even more of a surprise this year,” Loader said.
“But it’s a great honour and has capped off a great couple of weeks.”
The Vic Country team had a first up 14 point loss to Tasmania, followed by a 15 point loss to Western Australia and finally a 15 point win against South Australia.
“We were a bit stiff against Tassie and WA, they both just had a couple more accomplished players and a bit more leg speed.
“We had our chances against both though.”
The Darwin heat was also a factor.
“It was a struggle in the hot, humid conditions,” he said.
“We played the game against Tasmania at 8.30am and the others at 11.20am, the sun was draining and just doesn’t let up.”
Loader also played two games for the Vic Country over 45s in Darwin, featuring in the 46 point loss to Tasmania and kicking two goals in the 65 point win over New South Wales.
The games were played at AFL venue TIO Stadium and at the Gardens Oval, both of which Loader described as having “really nice set ups and great to play on.”
Loader added that despite being highly competitive, there was a fantastic camaraderie amongst the teams.
“Most of the better states are highly competitive and play hard, but it’s a friendly competitiveness.
“There’s a great bunch of blokes from all teams and we’ve formed great friendships.”
Loader plays fortnightly for the Ballarat Diggers in the Vic Country AFL Masters competition while he also played six senior games for Woorndoo Mortlake in 2025.
“I’ll definitely be lining up for the Diggers next year, we’re after some recruits, a few ex-footballers would be nice.”
The 2026 AFL Masters Carnival will be held in Newcastle, with Loader keen to go again.
“It’s great to have a holiday around the footy, I’m not really a good spectator so I’ll be available again.”