By Chris Richmond
ROSS “Rossco” Twyford has run out for the 300th time for the Peninsula Raiders. This extraordinary feat, a first for any Raiders player, places Ross in esteemed company as one of very few players in Victorian Metro Masters history to achieve this milestone.
After already forging an impressive career at Dingley, Ross’s Raiders journey began in 1997, where his formidable skills as a fullback were quickly recognised. His competitive spirit and team-first attitude led to him being awarded the club’s Best and Fairest in 1998 and again in 2014. His leadership qualities also shone through as he captained the Over 35s team from 1998 to 2002 and the Legends team in 2014. He has missed just four games in 29 years—a testament to his exceptional durability and resilience.
Whilst Ross’s on-field contributions are monumental, it’s his off-field work that elevates him to legendary status. He served as Club Secretary from 2003 to 2016, and in 2009 was honoured as the inaugural Raiders Life Member. His tireless dedication led to his induction into the Raiders Hall of Fame in 2015, recognition as an AFL Vic Metro Life Member in 2018, and the distinction of becoming the first Raider Legend in 2023. His legacy is further cemented by the Raiders Best Club Person award, appropriately named in his honour.
For the past 30 years, Ross has been the beating heart of the Raiders, always welcoming new players and their families, and shaping the club’s positive and inclusive culture. His integrity and dedication are universally respected within the Raiders and the wider AFL Vic Metro Masters community.
The Raiders, founded in 1996, compete in the Vic Metro Masters competition. As the official AFL Masters representative team on the Mornington Peninsula, the club proudly fields both men’s and women’s teams for those aged over 35. For more information, search for “Peninsula Raiders”.
First published in the Mornington News – 10 June 2025
