Strong Albany Vikings contingent represent WA at national Masters competition, four winning over-50s title

Albany-stacked WA Masters outfits competed in the AFL National Masters competition in Maroochydore in Queensland earlier this month.

The Albany Vikings had 11 players pull on the black and gold in the men’s over-45s, over-50s and over-55s teams as WA dominated the national championships and secured the over-50s title.

Albany’s Ian Beeck, Brett Hall, Will Piercey and Gavin Boyce were all instrumental in WA’s triumph as they went on to defeat Tasmania 8.15 (63) to 3.2 (20) to win the over-50s grand final on Friday, October 6.

The Black Swans stormed out of the blocks in the opening quarter keeping Tasmania scoreless while booting four majors themselves to help set up the 43-point win.

WA kicked off their campaign on October 1 with a commanding 43-point victory over the home State.

The Black Swans conceded just one goal to Queensland on their way to an 8.8 (56) to 1.7 (13) win.

Their second game came against a fierce Victoria Metro side who proved to be their toughest opponent.

The Vics squandered numerous chances in front of the goal and entered the three-quarter-time break leading 4.6 (30) to four goals straight.

Their inaccuracy left the door open for WA heading into the final stanza and the Black Swans made them pay.

WA went on to boot four goals to nil and claim an 8.1 (49) to 4.7 (31) victory to book themselves a place in the decider.

Winger Ian Beeck kicked eight goals for the tournament which gained him his second All-Australian selection, his first coming in 2021.

The WA men’s over-40s featured a strong contingent of Albany representatives with locals Mick Pratt, Jason Lockhart, Sean Maguire and Jason Lee playing and all being key contributors.

Their side bounced back from a big loss on day one to record an 11-point win over Victoria Country before thumping Queensland 12.5 (77) to 1.0 (6) in their final match.

Other Albany players to represent the State included Joe Galantino and Robert Field in the over-55s and Simon Deegan in the over-45s.