62-years-young: Football legend, Keith Rogers still showing young men how to play

A football legend in the top end, 62-year-old Keith Rogers talks to NITV News about the secret is to his lengthy career - one that sees him running around for the Ngukurr Bulldogs as one of their key players.

Keith Rogers, an A-grade footballer for the Ngukurr Bulldogs in the AFL Big Rivers League.

Keith Rogers, an A-grade footballer for the Ngukurr Bulldogs in the AFL Big Rivers League. Source: Casey Bishop

At the age of 62 Mambali and Numamurdidi man Keith Rogers still manages to lace up the boots each weekend and run out onto the football oval to play the game he loves. 

An A-grade footballer for the Ngukurr Bulldogs, which competes in the AFL Big Rivers League around the Katherine region, Mr Rogers credits his prolonged football career to his active and healthy lifestyle. 

"Yeah, I'm fit. I still do workout here for myself," Mr Rogers told NITV News.

"I do push-ups, sit-ups, I run around and jog around early in the morning and the afternoons. I don't smoke, I've never smoked because I don't trust it."

"I watch what I eat, and I always tell the young fullas, 'you gotta watch what you eat if you want to stay healthy'."

Mr Rogers, who's been playing football since he was a "young boy", said the body still "feels fresh" after so many years. This allows him to continue lining up in the centre - a position that calls for the most running during a game.
Keith Rogers cops an elbow to the face as he lays a tackle during a match at Nitmiluk Oval.
Keith Rogers cops an elbow to the face as he lays a tackle during a match at Nitmiluk Oval. Source: Casey Bishop
However, his football knowledge allows him to make an impact where he is needed on the field. 

"I play ruck rover and centre, I help out in the backlines….but anywhere really. They chuck me anywhere, and I'll go there."

"I love tackling… big boys too. I just pull down anyone. They won't break my tackle," Mr Rogers laughed.

Mr Rogers also works at the local radio station as a broadcaster, and said he loves to spread positive messages to the people of his community when he is on the airwaves. 

"When I get on the radio I tell anyone, don't do this and don't do that.

"Be somebody. If you want to be somebody, you have to focus on something."

Mr Rogers said he's travelled around over the years, playing football in different places such as Adelaide, Darwin and Katherine, and says he does not plan on hanging the boots up anytime soon.

"I reckon I can still go. I'm a pretty fit man, and my heart is pumping good."

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2 min read
Published 25 June 2020 10:12am
By Douglas Smith
Source: NITV News


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