Meet the 83-year-old footballer who refuses to retire

At 83 years old, Robert Johnstone shows no signs of hanging up his football boots. The Riverland resident, affectionately known as "Robbie J" by his teammates, continues to play for the Riverland Superdogs in South Australia's AFL Masters league.

"The first rule is don't fall over, because you're out of the game and you look a fool," Mr Johnstone says. "The second rule is get a kick."

Despite being a latecomer to Aussie Rules football, picking up the game in his 70s, Mr Johnstone has fallen in love with the sport. He says he's always trying to improve and is constantly working on his skills.

"I'd never tried a group sport. I'd been a loner. I did a lot of fun-run walking and stuff," Mr Johnstone says. "Now I can't walk past a footy without wanting to kick it. It's just magic to be out there with like-minded spirits."

Mr Johnstone plays for the Riverland Superdogs, who compete in the AFL Masters league, which only allows players aged 35 and over. He holds the title of oldest player in the competition.

"There's an element of danger to it, and I've still got that little bit of ego; I want to be out there," he says. "You've just got to accept the fact that everyone's quicker than me, but I do have some little wins."

Riverland Superdogs president Rob Romeo has played alongside Mr Johnstone for almost 10 years. He says "Robbie J" has grown into a better, more refined player with age.

"He's usually the first one at trainings," Mr Romeo says. "Things have slowed down slightly over the years, but there was a time when he would put us to shame. He's like a little kid, just trying to get a little bit better at kicking, and we'd just say, 'Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Just come out and enjoy yourself.'"

The AFL Masters competition focuses on camaraderie and community involvement, with no finals series or premier. Mr Romeo encourages anyone over 35 looking for exercise and social interaction to consider joining.

"As a kid, you go to footy because your mates go, and this is no different," he says. "It opens up your friendship web, whether you come from broken relationships or whatever else that may have happened in your life. The exercise also helps with mental health."

Conny Wilson, former AFL Masters and West Adelaide chief executive, says Mr Johnstone embodies the inclusivity that AFL Masters is all about.

"As an aging society, these are great opportunities for people to either reconnect with past teammates or for people looking for friendships to come out and try," Ms Wilson says. "It's also been exceptionally well received by women, who growing up didn't have the opportunity to play football."

Mr Johnstone's passion for the game extends to his adopted state, evident in his distinctive mullet, which transforms from grey to SA's iconic red, blue and yellow for the annual AFL Masters state carnival.

While the octogenarian doesn't expect to dominate his competition at the carnival, he is confident he can once again make his mark.

"I rarely get pinged for holding the ball, that's a badge of honour," he says.