Golden oldies: Assessing every AFL club's veteran players aged over 30 for 2021
Turning 30 usually signals the twilight of a footballer’s career. But it’s different for some. We look at every club’s veterans and assess whether they will play on next year.
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There are more than 80 players in the AFL who will be 30 or older by the start of Round 1.
Some of them are Peter Pan types, who continue to shine, look like they can go on for several more years and seem to turn back the clock with each new season.
Others are very much in the twilight of their careers, so enjoy their performances while you can.
We have gone through every club’s crop of players who are 30 or older and assessed whether they are likely to continue in 2022 or hang up the boots after this season.
*Age as of start of Round 1 (March 18)
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ADELAIDE
Tom Lynch
Age: 30
A veteran and natural leader, Lynch was again hampered by injury in the back half of 2020, and managed only six goals from his 13 games. Has begun a part-time assistant coaching role with the club’s AFLW side under Matthew Clarke. Is a restricted free agent at season’s end.
Future: UP IN THE AIR
David Mackay
Age: 32
Will enter his 14th season in Crows colours in 2021. Played 10 matches in 2020, which brought his games tally to 230 – the 11th-most in club history. Contracted until the end of 2021 and would be surprised if he gets an extension.
Future: FAREWELL SEASON
Rory Sloane
Age: 30
Having celebrated his 200th game in Round 1, the club captain had an injury-interrupted 2020 season, but returned to play in the three consecutive wins in September. Will be keen to help lift Adelaide off the bottom of the ladder as part of the rebuilding midfield. Contracted until the end of 2023.
Future: PLAY ON
Taylor Walker
Age: 30
Having stepped down from the captaincy, Walker was instead able to concentrate on his own game and mentoring the young forwards. But wherever there was “Tex”, there was a legion of his vocal doubters. He shook that off to kick 15 goals from 14 games, taking his total club goal haul to 441, surpassing Tony Modra as the Crows’ all-time leading goalkicker.
Future: FAREWELL SEASON
BRISBANE LIONS
Grant Birchall
Age: 33
Joined the Lions last season having left Hawthorn as a restricted free agent after winning four premierships. He was able to overcome a string of knee, hamstring and calf injuries at his new club, and played 16 games, averaging close to 13 touches across half-back. Due to list management, he was delisted then picked up again in December’s rookie draft.
Future: FAREWELL SEASON
Daniel Rich
Age: 30
Was instrumental in Brisbane’s stunning qualifying-final win over eventual premier Richmond, racking up 20 touches and kicking an electrifying goal. Is now a bona fide veteran in the side. Contracted until the end of this season.
Future: PLAY ON
Mitch Robinson
Age: 31
About to enter his 13th season in the AFL, the 210-game veteran played 19 matches in 2020, kicking five goals and averaging 13.74 disposals and 3.47 marks. Out of contract after this season.
Future: UP IN THE AIR
Dayne Zorko
Age: 32
Zorko is celebrating his 10th season with the Lions in 2021 and is closing on his 200-game milestone (he is 15 games shy). The captain kicked nine goals from 17 matches in 2020s COVID-shortened season, which was the smallest goal tally of his career by far. His role is important in terms of mentoring the next generation of Lions midfielders.
Future: PLAY ON
CARLTON
Eddie Betts
Age: 34
The much-loved small forward is now rookie-listed at the Blues in what will no doubt be his final season at AFL level. Traded back to Carlton from Adelaide for 2020, he kicked 13 majors. Since debuting for the Blues in 2005, he has played 331 games, booted 613 goals and won about a million hearts. Is coming into the back end of pre-season with a calf complaint.
Future: FAREWELL SEASON
Ed Curnow
Age: 31
Played every game for the Blues in 2020, averaging 18.8 disposals, 4.2 clearances and 307 metres gained. He was also ranked No. 1 for tackles and No. 2 for inside-50s. Would be hoping to play his 200th game this season with his tally sitting on 182. Contracted until the end of this year.
Future: PLAY ON
Levi Casboult
Age: 30
Continued his renaissance by playing all 17 games in 2020 – only the second time since he debuted in 2012 that he has been able to do that. He kicked 16 goals for the Blues. Out of contract at the end of the year.
Future: UP IN THE AIR
Liam Jones
Age: 30
A key figure for the Blues’ backline, Jones recorded more “one percenters” than anyone else in the competition while putting doubts about his playing future behind him. Contracted until the end of 2022.
Future: PLAY ON
Marc Murphy
Age: 33
Approaching his 16th season with Carlton, having played all 17 games in 2020 and will be wanting to play his 300th game in 2021 (his tally sits on 285). The former captain averaged 18.4 touches and 3.7 marks last year. Re-signed for the 2021 season saying he still had years left in the tank.
Future: UP IN THE AIR
COLLINGWOOD
Mason Cox
Age: 30
The American forward kicked 14 goals from 11 games last season and triggered a one-year contract extension. Divides opinion as to whether he should be in the Magpies’ best 22, but showed his value with a three-goal performance in the club’s upset elimination final win over West Coast in Perth.
Future: UP IN THE AIR
Levi Greenwood
Age: 32
Played six games in 2020, returning in Round 13 after rehabbing a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Was important in the Magpies’ elimination final win over West Coast. Signed a one-year contract extension late last year but this may be his last hurrah.
Future: FAREWELL SEASON
Jeremy Howe
Age: 30
The star defender played only four games in 2020 after a serious knee injury felled him in Round 4. Inked a new one-year deal in January, keeping him at the club until the end of 2022.
Future: PLAY ON
Chris Mayne
Age: 32
Despite being reborn as a wingman, the veteran played 14 games in 2020, suffering a facial injury that kept him out until finals. Had only six touches in the Magpies semi-final loss to Geelong. Contracted to the end of 2021 and it could be his swan song.
Future: FAREWELL SEASON
Scott Pendlebury
Age: 33
Heading into his 16th season in the black and white after a record-breaking 2020. Last year he claimed the Magpies games record (316 and counting) from Tony Shaw (313) and then surpassed the club captaincy games mark set by Nathan Buckley (161), having been skipper since 2014. Out of contract after this season.
Future: PLAY ON
Jordan Roughead
Age: 30
Played 17 games for the Magpies last year and will head into the 2021 season – his third with Collingwood – still in the side’s best 22, starting at full-back. Contracted until the end of 2022 after inking a two-year extension in August.
Future: PLAY ON
Steele Sidebottom
Age: 30
Life in the hub made the 2020 season difficult for the veteran, who elected to remain in Melbourne after the birth of his daughter in September. The vice-captain played nine games in 2020 and will be warmly welcomed back for season No. 13.
Future: PLAY ON
ESSENDON
Cale Hooker
Age: 32
The veteran played eight games in 2020, mainly in defence, and battled injuries but was able to notch his 200th match in Round 15. Will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of 2021.
Future: UP IN THE AIR
Michael Hurley
Age: 30
The veteran defender is contracted until the end of 2022 but his football future is in question after being left hospitalised by a hip infection. Continuing his recovery but his health will take priority rather than a return to the field. Hopefully he is back soon.
Future: PLAY ON
David Zaharakis
Age: 31
The most experienced player in the Dons side with 217 games under his belt. He averaged 14.2 disposals and kicked nine goals from his 10 matches in 2020, before being felled by a quad injury. Contracted until the end of this year.
Future: UP IN THE AIR
FREMANTLE
Stephen Hill
Age: 30
After an injury-affected 2019, Hill bounced back to play 12 of the Dockers’ 17 games last year. He is out of contract at the end of the season and turns 31 in May, so a deal may depend on how he fares this campaign.
Future: UP IN THE AIR
David Mundy
Age: 35
The evergreen Mundy finished equal-third in the Dockers best and fairest count last year and would be eyeing his 350th game after signing a contract extension to keep him at Freo until the end of this year. It will be his 17th AFL season.
Future: UP IN THE AIR
Michael Walters
Age: 30
Finished inside the top 10 in the club’s best and fairest count after averaging 17.64 disposals in his 14 games. Contracted until the end of 2022.
Future: PLAY ON
GEELONG
Patrick Dangerfield
Age: 30
Last year’s All-Australian captain is showing no signs of slowing down and is contracted until the end of 2024. That is a four-year window to try to secure a maiden premiership.
Future: PLAY ON
Tom Hawkins
Age: 32
Claimed the Coleman Medal and was an All-Australian last season then signed a two-year contract extension in November. Jeremy Cameron’s arrival from GWS should take some of the pressure off Hawkins and help extend his career.
Future: PLAY ON
Lachie Henderson
Age: 31
Has played seven, six and 14 games in his three seasons at the Cats but been an important member of their backline and featured in last year’s losing grand final. Sam De Koning is waiting in the wings.
Future: UP IN THE AIR
Shaun Higgins
Age: 33
The skilful midfielder/half-forward joins the Cats from North Melbourne on a two-year deal. It is unlikely he will play beyond that but he is set to have two last cracks at a premiership.
Future: PLAY ON
Josh Jenkins
Age: 32
Will again provide key-forward depth after playing just one game for the Cats last season. Would be a surprise if he was on Geelong’s list in 2022.
Future: FAREWELL SEASON
Joel Selwood
Age: 32
Led Geelong back to a grand final last year but could not secure a fourth premiership medal. A warrior and champion of the game, Selwood is out of contract at the end of this coming season but it feels like he has more in the tank.
Future: PLAY ON
Isaac Smith
Age: 32
The wingman arrives from Hawthorn on a two-year deal and hoping to secure his fourth flag. His 10 matches last season was the lowest return of his career.
Future: PLAY ON
Rhys Stanley
Age: 30
Comes out of contract at the end of the season and will be hoping for a strong year to obtain another deal. The South Australian played all four finals and should be able to stave off competition from Darcy Fort again.
Future: PLAY ON
Zach Tuohy
Age: 31
Tuohy played 19 games last season, maintaining his durability despite his tough-as-nails approach. Geelong will look to give Jordan Clark more opportunities at halfback, but Tuohy has re-signed until the end of 2022 so is staying for a while yet.
Future: PLAY ON
GOLD COAST
Jarrod Harbrow
Age: 32
The inaugural Sun and club games record holder will almost certainly bow out at the end of next season. He has been a tremendous servant for Gold Coast but is coming to the end and will again serve as a mentor at Metricon Stadium in 2021.
Future: FAREWELL SEASON
Zac Smith
Age: 31
Smith did not play a game for the Suns in his return season on the Gold Coast. With Jarrod Witts as the club’s first-choice ruckman and a need to develop a young successor, Smith is probably entering his last campaign.
Future: FAREWELL SEASON
Rory Thompson
Age: 30
Thompson, a foundation member of the Suns squad and Gold Coast local, needs some luck after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in August for the second straight year. He is contracted until the end of 2023 though so has plenty of time to get back on the field.
Future: PLAY ON
GWS
Phil Davis
Age: 30
Played 10 games in 2020 – the second-fewest season tally of his 11-year career. Has been enormous for the Giants both in defence and as their former co-captain but short-term contracts, health depending, are probably on the cards from here.
Future: PLAY ON
Matt de Boer
Age: 31
Featured in 13 of the Giants’ 17 matches last year and continued to be a valuable role player. He is out of contract after this season and will likely need a strong campaign to continue.
Future: UP IN THE AIR
Lachlan Keeffe
Age: 30
Turns 31 in April and out of contract at year’s end so how the Giants fare after missing the finals last season may determine if Keeffe earns another deal. Played 13 matches in 2020.
Future: UP IN THE AIR
Shane Mumford
Age: 34
Mumford has already retired once and it is difficult to see him playing beyond this season. He featured in 10 games last year but could revert to being a back-up in 2021.
Future: FAREWELL SEASON
Sam Reid
Age: 31
It would not be an off-season without Reid falling off the Giants’ list then landing back on there again. Played every game in 2019 but just three last year and might be time to pull the pin after this campaign.
Future: FAREWELL SEASON
HAWTHORN
Keegan Brooksby
Age: 30
Featured once for the Hawks last season after joining via the Supplementary Selection Period and signed a one-year contract at the end of the campaign. May be his last campaign though, unless he can get more games.
Future: FAREWELL SEASON
Luke Breust
Age: 30
Has been spoken about for the past few years as a potential target for clubs in the premiership window but the triple premiership forward has shunned free agency to stick with the Hawks. Earlier this month he re-signed with Hawthorn until the end of 2023.
Future: PLAY ON
Shaun Burgoyne
Age: 38
The league’s oldest player will hang up the boots at the end of the year, bringing to an end a decorated career that began way back in 2001. Featured 13 times last season and would become the fifth player in league history to reach the 400-game mark if he added 11 more this campaign.
Future: FAREWELL SEASON
Jonathon Ceglar
Age: 30
Signed a three-year contract in 2019 until the end of 2022 and played 13 of the club’s 17 matches last season. There is not yet an obvious successor so looks likely to share duties with new captain Ben McEvoy for now.
Future: PLAY ON
Ben McEvoy
Age: 31
Showed he was still an important player for the Hawks by finishing fourth in their best and fairest after featuring as a key defender and rucking last season then was rewarded with the captaincy. If he maintains his form, another one-year deal beckons.
Future: PLAY ON
MELBOURNE
Mitch Brown
Age: 30
Played five games last season – his first at the Demons – and earnt another one-year deal. Will help the club’s forward line depth but feels like he needs to cement a spot to get another contract.
Future: FAREWELL SEASON
Michael Hibberd
Age: 31
Missed just three games last season but remained without a deal for 2021 until after the campaign. Should be a first-choice halfback again this year. How Melbourne fares after consecutive without finals may determine the club’s list approach to some of its older players like Hibberd.
Future: PLAY ON
Nathan Jones
Age: 33
Needs 13 games to break Hall of Famer David Neitz’s club record of 306 matches for the Demons. It is no certainty after just eight in 2020. Regardless, this will almost certainly be the three-time best and fairest winner’s final campaign.
Future: FAREWELL SEASON
Neville Jetta
Age: 31
The tenacious back pocket has played a total of just 13 games the past two years after battling injury and poor form. Signed a three-year deal during Melbourne’s 2018 campaign that ended in a preliminary final and would probably need a big season to get another contract.
Future: FAREWELL SEASON
NORTH MELBOURNE
Todd Goldstein
Age: 32
Goldstein has two years remaining on his contract and is one of few veterans left at the Kangaroos after their off-season clean-out. The ruckman stood tall for the second-bottom side last season, finishing fourth in its best and fairest.
Future: PLAY ON
Aaron Hall
Age: 30
Played 15 of 17 games for the Kangaroos last season in his second campaign at the club. Not many veterans left at North after its clean-out.
Future: PLAY ON
Robbie Tarrant
Age: 31
Played all bar one match last campaign and been a pillar of consistency in defence for the club for several years. Tarrant is out of contract after this season and, after reportedly weighing up his future last spring, he may seek to finish his career at a contender.
Future: SHOULD MOVE
Jack Ziebell
Age: 30
The Kangaroos captain’s priorities will be helping the club climb the ladder and having an injury-free campaign after playing just eight times last year due to hamstring issues. His five-year deal from 2015 expires after this season and he may be on short-term contracts from here.
Future: PLAY ON
PORT ADELAIDE
Travis Boak
Age: 32
Boak is showing no signs of slowing down after finishing runner-up in the Brownlow Medal last year and winning the club’s best and fairest in 2019. The ex-captain keeps himself incredibly fit and is contracted until the end of 2022.
Future: PLAY ON
Charlie Dixon
Age: 30
Coming off a career-best season, in which he was rewarded with All-Australian selection and kicked 34 goals from 18 matches. Re-signed in September until the end of 2023 so not going anywhere.
Future: PLAY ON
Tyson Goldsack
Age: 33
Rookie-listed at the end of last year so he could be a veteran player in the SANFL but not expected to feature in the AFL team. The former Collingwood defender is also a development coach at the Power.
Future: FAREWELL SEASON
Robbie Gray
Age: 32
Gray is out of contract at the end of the season and is in the twilight of his decorated career. The four-time All-Australian, who turns 33 at the end of March, is coming off a patchy 2020 campaign but as someone who is so smart close to goals, he probably has another year left after this one.
Future: PLAY ON
Hamish Hartlett
Age: 30
The Power vice-captain is also out of contract at the end of this year but will feel he has plenty to offer after featuring in every game for the first time since 2015. The arrival of Lachie Jones and Miles Bergman’s improvement ensures pressure for spots at halfback, where Hartlett has been a mainstay in recent seasons.
Future: PLAY ON
Tom Jonas
Age: 30
The defender was outstanding in his first season as Port Adelaide’s sole captain after sharing the role with Ollie Wines in 2019. Jonas has two years remaining on his contract and will be hoping to end the club’s 17-year premiership drought this season.
Future: PLAY ON
Steven Motlop
Age: 30
Out of contract at the end of the campaign and likely needs a strong season to earn another deal. Motlop was enigmatic again last year but crucial in the qualifying final, kicking three goals against his former side Geelong.
Future: UP IN THE AIR
Tom Rockliff
Age: 31
Rockliff remains a midfield mainstay for the Power and is coming off an eighth-place finish in the best and fairest, but the club will be trying to get more on-ball opportunities for youngsters such as Connor Rozee, Zak Butters and Willem Drew. If he has a strong season, a short-term deal beckons.
Future: UP IN THE AIR
RICHMOND
David Astbury
Age: 30
A knee injury restricted the key defender to nine games last year but four of them were the Tigers’ finals and he nabbed a third premiership medal. He is out of contract after this season but it will be a surprise to see him not there in 2022.
Future: PLAY ON
Trent Cotchin
Age: 30
The three-time premiership skipper is tied to the club until the end of 2022 and will be hoping to add more silverware to the collection at Punt Rd. Remains an important player for the Tigers, particularly in big games.
Future: PLAY ON
Shane Edwards
Age: 32
It feels like it will be up to Edwards if he wants to play on beyond this season because he continues to have a big influence on matches. After playing just six minor-round games last year because he returned to Melbourne mid-season for the birth of his first child, he featured in all four finals and finished third in Norm Smith Medal voting.
Future: PLAY ON
Bachar Houli
Age: 32
The halfback won a third flag but did not re-sign with the Tigers until after the season. Houli turns 33 in May and with Richmond needing to give more youngsters a taste, he may be entering the last season of a terrific career.
Future: FAREWELL SEASON
Jack Riewoldt
Age: 32
The veteran spearhead can reach the 300-game milestone if he features in 17 matches this year but may decide 2021 will be his swan song. Riewoldt did not miss a clash last season, overcoming quiet stretches to play a role in another premiership.
Future: UP IN THE AIR
ST KILDA
James Frawley
Age: 32
The Hawthorn premiership defender was set to retire before St Kilda convinced him to continue. Looms as a one-season depth play for the Saints.
Future: FAREWELL SEASON
Jarryn Geary
Age: 32
The hard-nosed Saints captain led the club brilliantly last season, as it ended a nine-year major-round drought and made the semi-finals. Played 16 games but he could be coming to the end. Fracturing his fibula at training last month has set him back for 2021.
Future: UP IN THE AIR
Dan Hannebery
Age: 30
The ex-Swan is contracted to the Saints for another three years. He and the club will want a better run with injuries after managing a total of 13 games in his first two seasons at St Kilda.
Future: PLAY ON
Shaun McKernan
Age: 30
The former Bomber and Crow offers key-position depth but, like Frawley, will it only be for one season? McKernan turns 31 in September and has an opportunity to add to his 78 games at the top level.
Future: UP IN THE AIR
Paddy Ryder
Age: 33
Joined from Port Adelaide on a two-year deal and was important in the Saints’ charge to the major round before injuring his hamstring in the elimination final. St Kilda football boss Simon Lethlean has spruiked Ryder’s fitness over summer, saying he looks the best he has seen him, but how the ruckman’s body copes with the rigours of the season will have a big say on his future.
Future: UP IN THE AIR
SYDNEY
Lance Franklin
Age: 34
The most talked about contract in football – Franklin’s nine-year, $10 million deal – has another two seasons to run but he has not played since Round 23, 2019. Does he see it out? It could go either way. Sydney has pleased with his pre-season work and is going to be cautious with his return, particularly after a minor calf setback.
Future: UP IN THE AIR
Tom Hickey
Age: 30
With Sam Naismith recovering from his anterior cruciate ligament injury, Hickey is primed to be the Swans’ number-one ruckman. The four-club journeyman is contracted for three years.
Future: PLAY ON
Josh Kennedy
Age: 32
Will turn 33 in June and the Swans are in a rebuilding phase, but still offers plenty in the midfield, along with his leadership. If his body allows, he should be able to go another season beyond this one. Coming off playing 12 games in 2020.
Future: PLAY ON
Dane Rampe
Age: 30
The Swans co-captain has at least a couple more seasons in him, given he is contracted until the end of 2022. An ultra-reliable defender who still has plenty to offer.
Future: PLAY ON
Callum Sinclair
Age: 31
Signed a two-year deal at the start of 2019 and would probably need to have a strong season to receive an extension given his age and the arrival of Hickey. Has played at least 13 games in each of his five campaigns with the Swans.
Future: FAREWELL SEASON
WEST COAST
Shannon Hurn
Age: 33
The 2018 premiership captain needs to play five matches to surpass Dean Cox’s West Coast games record but will this be his last season? Although Hurn’s disposal efficiency, smarts and leadership are still of enormous value, whether he chooses to continue beyond this campaign is another question.
Future: UP IN THE AIR
Josh Kennedy
Age: 33
Every time it seems as though Kennedy is on the brink of retirement, he shows his quality and why the Eagles need him if it is to win another flag with this group. Kicked 3.4 in West Coast’s losing elimination final and played 17 of 18 games, but this might his last campaign ahead.
Future: FAREWELL SEASON
Nic Naitanui
Age: 30
The Eagles ruckman is fit, firing and tied to the club until the end of 2022. Bounced back to his best last year, producing an injury-free campaign that led to his second All-Australian selection.
Future: PLAY ON
Jack Redden
Age: 30
The South Australian midfielder comes out of contract at the end of the season and will be eyeing a strong year after finishing last season on the sidelines with a fractured thumb. May have to accept one-year deals from here on.
Future: UP IN THE AIR
Luke Shuey
Age: 30
The Eagles captain looks set to retire a one-club player because he does not come out of contract until after the 2022 campaign. Remains a pivotal member of the club’s midfield.
Future: PLAY ON
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Stefan Martin
Age: 34
Joined the Bulldogs on a one-year deal from Brisbane to provide ruck support for Tim English. Martin featured just eight times for the Lions last year and might only be at the kennel for 2021.
Future: UP IN THE AIR
Easton Wood
Age: 31
The 2016 premiership skipper is the only Bulldogs player over 30 and is contracted until the end of 2022. His leadership remains crucial despite handing over the captaincy to Marcus Bontempelli.
Future: PLAY ON
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