SIXTY-one-year-old Corryong footballer Peter Shaw should be running the water or doing the boundary for the Demons.
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Instead, he finds himself playing senior football.
With the 2017 premier's numbers plunging as low as 14 this season, the retiree has been called up twice by senior coach Evan Nicholas.
"I've played a few quarters and am quite happy to help out," Shaw, affectionately known as Bert Einstein, said.
"They park me as far away from the ball as possible, usually in a forward pocket.
"I just run around and make a lot of noise.
"I try and get in the road so someone else can get it.
"I do a block here and there, I think I've had a kick and a mark so far."
Shaw played senior football for Corryong as a 15-year-old before moving to Melbourne and Adelaide and only returned to the Upper Murray 12 years ago.
He's also managed a season or two for rivals Federal along the way.
"Corryong had a fair few players then so I had a kick at Federal," he said.
"That sort of thing never worried me.
"You just want to have a game of footy."
While Shaw has no problems helping out the Demons in their time of need, he's fully aware the competition is in dire trouble with three clubs - Corryong, Border-Walwa and Federal - unable to field reserve grade sides this season.
Bullioh's reserves have only played one match four rounds into the season.
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"In the first week of the season we had a seconds side and I think eight of us ended up playing in both games," he said.
"I love it, but whole league is going to have to bite the bullet.
"There isn't enough people ... it's not just here either.
"Something needs to be done in a hurry from above.
"Country population is lower and the younger guys would rather play computer games, ride motorbikes or shoot deer or something.
"I'd much rather see talented 18-year-olds playing than running around myself."
Shaw says it's inevitable mergers will happen and called on the AFLNEB to assist with insurances to make the game more attractive.
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