As the Gisborne Masters Football Club approaches its landmark 40th anniversary season in 2026, the club is reflecting on a long and proud history while taking positive steps toward the future.
Formed in 1986, the Gisborne Masters Football Club became a member of Victorian Country Superules, now known as AFL Masters Vic Country.
What began as a group of past players “still having a kick” has grown into a family-friendly, inclusive club that welcomes newcomers of all backgrounds, abilities and experience levels.
While the club fondly remembers its past and honours the contributions of those who have gone before, it is equally important to embrace new opportunities as the Gisborne community continues to grow. With two senior football clubs now calling Gisborne home, the Gisborne Masters Football Club remains proud of its unique and independent identity, firmly anchored in the Australian Masters Football philosophy of ‘Footy for Fun’.
The club’s core values continue to be:
Respect
Mateship
Support
A family-friendly atmosphere
Welcoming and inclusive spaces
CLUB BRANDING UPDATE
At the 2025 Annual General Meeting, held on November 26 at Sankey Reserve, members overwhelmingly voted to adopt new club colours and a new logo.
This decision followed a detailed consultation period that began in August 2025, building on discussions from previous
AGMs.
As a result of this member-led process:
What is changing
Club colours:
Royal blue, red and white will transition to charcoal-navy, red and white
Club logo:
The long-standing Bulldog logo will transition to a new Storm logo
What is not changing
Club name:
The club will continue to be known as the Gisborne Masters Football Club
Club values:
An unwavering commitment to ‘Footy for Fun’, respect, mateship, support, a familyfriendly atmosphere, and welcoming spaces remains unchanged
The club acknowledges that change can be difficult, particularly within a passionate and engaged community.
It recognises the strong emotional connection many members, past players, and supporters have with the club’s history. It welcomes and invites respectful discussion and engagement as the club grows.
In keeping with Australian Football traditions during times of change, the club is proud to retain the traditional bulldog logo on the upper rear of the new playing jumper.
This will be accompanied by the words ‘Est. 1986’ as a lasting acknowledgement of the Gisborne Masters Football Club’s long and proud history, and of all those who have contributed to it over the years.
FUN, FITNESS AND FRIENDSHIP
The Gisborne Masters Football Club caters to individuals in their 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s who are seeking fun, fitness and friendship through Australian Rules Football.
Participation is encouraged at all levels—whether socially, through training, or by playing in matches—and members are free to be involved as much or as little as they choose.
With more than 35 years of history, the club is a proud member of the Victorian Country Masters Australian Football League and is well known for living the Masters Football philosophy of ‘Football for Fun’.
The Club gathers at Sankey Reserve, Gisborne, every Wednesday at 6.30pm throughout the year.
Training sessions typically run for about 60 minutes, followed by a barbecue and refreshments available from the licensed bar.
More information on the club’s history, culture, and activities can be found at: gisbornemastersfc.com
