{
  "id": 8302727,
  "title": "'Never too old': 83-year-old footballer still getting a kick",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/never-too-old-83-year-old-footballer-still-getting-a-kick",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-18T20:21:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-19/83-year-old-footballer-afl-masters-footy-south-australia/107124310"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Robert Johnstone, an 83-year-old footballer from South Australia's Riverland, continues to play the sport he has fallen in love with despite his age. Known affectionately as \"Robbie J\" by his teammates, he was a latecomer to Aussie Rules football, picking up the game in his 70s. Johnstone plays for the Riverland Superdogs, who compete in South Australia's AFL Masters league, which only allows players age 35 and up.\n\nThe league has competitions across Australia, and Johnstone holds the title of the oldest player in the competition. While there is an element of danger and his teammates are quicker than him, Johnstone remains determined to be out on the field. Riverland Superdogs president Rob Romeo notes that Johnstone has grown as a player and is still eager to learn and improve, enjoying the camaraderie and exercise the sport provides.\n\nThe AFL Masters league fosters community involvement and mental health benefits for older adults, including former AFL Masters and West Adelaide chief executive Conny Wilson, who sees the game as an opportunity for people to reconnect with past teammates or make new friendships. Johnstone's passion for the game extends to his adopted state, and he proudly wears his South Australian colors during the annual AFL Masters state carnival, where he will once again compete in the over-65s division.",
  "summary": "Most people wouldn't take up a new sport after turning 70, but one footballer is proving age is just a number.",
  "key_points": [
    "83-year-old Robert Johnstone plays football despite age",
    "Riverland Superdogs president notes Johnstone's growth",
    "AFL Masters league benefits older adults' mental health"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News",
        "title": "'Never too old': 83-year-old footballer still getting a kick",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/never-too-old-83-year-old-footballer-still-getting-a-kick-8304063",
        "published": "2026-09-18T20:21:36.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}