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Handballs, Pies, and Team Spirit: Mayflower’s AFL Grand Final Fun

Published
October 10, 2024

AFL Grand Final celebrations are a highlight at Mayflower, with each residence buzzing with footy fever, team colours, and delicious food.

From handball competitions and themed feasts to footy-tipping winners and jubilant Lions supporters, our vibrant communities come together to share in the joy of the game. Read on to discover how residents, volunteers, and team members at Mayflower Reservoir, Mayflower Brighton, Mayflower Retirement Living, and Mayflower Edith Bendall enjoyed the biggest day in the AFL calendar.

A senior resident sitting in a wheel chair, holding a red AFL football. He is getting ready to handball the ball through a target.
Pictured above is John, about to take his turn at the handball competition during Mayflower Reservoir's AFL Day celebration.

Footy Fever at Mayflower Reservoir

Dressed in their favourite team colours, everyone embraced the spirit of the day.

One of the highlights of the event was the fiercely contested handball competition, where residents showcased their skills, hitting targets with impressive accuracy.

While our team made a valiant effort, it was the residents who took home the trophies, proving that footy expertise comes with age! The excitement continued with the announcement of the winner of the Mayflower Footy Tipping Competition for 2024, sparking cheers from all corners of the room.

Of course, no AFL Grand Final celebration would be complete without the classic footy fare. The day ended with a delicious feast featuring pies and footy franks, a beloved tradition that brought everyone together over shared food and conversation.

A group of smiling people sitting at a large dining table in our cafe.
Pictured above: Our CEO, Stuart Rodney (pictured at the head of the table) alongside his family and residents of our retirement living community having a fabulous time.

Mayflower Retirement Living: A Grand Final Feast at Café VIBE

Over at Mayflower Brighton’s Café VIBE, retirement living residents gathered for a themed meal in the days leading up to the Grand Final.

The café was a hub of excitement as everyone, including CEO Stuart Rodney and his family, joined in the celebrations. With great food, lively conversation, and plenty of footy banter, Café VIBE embodied the sense of community that defines Mayflower Brighton. The retirement living residents were abuzz with excitement, and as proprietor Dhan said, "It’s a real vibe at Café VIBE!"

Two smiling gentleman pose for a photo. They are wearing brisbane lions scarves and hats, and holding a sign that says "go lions!"
Pictured here is lifelong Lions supporter Tony, with his son Neale, proudly sporting their team's colours.

AFL Spirit Shines at Mayflower Brighton

Mayflower is home to many avid AFL fans, and nowhere was this more evident than in the Mayflower Brighton. The community came together to celebrate the footy spirit with a sense of unity that captured the essence of the AFL season.

Brisbane Lions supporters were especially thrilled after winning the premiership, proudly wearing their team’s colours. Among them were lifelong Lions supporters Tony and his son Neale, who cheered on their team with joy.

Margorie smiling and holding up two sugar cookies. One is decorated as a Sydney Swans football jersey, the other is decorated as a Brisbane lions footbal jersey.
Pictured above is Margorie, who wanted both teams to win the premiership cup.

Mayflower Edith Bendall’s Footy-Themed Fun

At Mayflower Edith Bendall, everyone embraced the AFL Grand Final spirit in a vibrant celebration.

A very real looking 'AFL premiership cup' was on display, surrounded by footy-themed cookies and doughnuts in the colours of the Sydney Swans and Brisbane Lions.

Residents, visiting family members, and team members alike donned their footy colours, creating a lively and fun atmosphere.

As Mayflower Edith Bendall Care and Leisure Coordinator Natalie remarked, "Marjorie couldn’t decide what team to go for, so she is pictured enjoying one of each footy-themed cookie!"

Across Mayflower’s residences, the AFL Grand Final celebrations were a testament to the joy, unity, and excitement that footy brings to all. From games to food, the AFL spirit truly brought everyone together.