The best local footy veterans still getting a kick at senior level
Some are closer to 40 than 30, all have plenty of games behind them, and they’re still doing the job at senior level. Here are some of the best veterans of local footy.
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Two weeks ago the team at Leader Local Footy named 100 of the best “young guns’’ in metropolitan Melbourne football.
Now it’s time to hold up in lights the great veterans of the suburban competitions.
The players with years of experience behind them.
The golden oldies still showing up the youngsters.
There’s more than 60 star players on this list. Let us know in the comments any we’ve missed.
Daniel Beddome, Chirnside Park
The last of the traditional full forward breed, the man-mountain known as “Dipper’’ hung up the boots at the end of 2017 after a decorated career with Wantirna South, but came out of retirement this season to serve as a playing-assistant at Chirnside Park. Beddome kicked 598 goals for the Devils across a 15-year career (a club record), featuring in the 2004, 2008 and 2014 premiership sides. He’s listed in the Devils’ team of the decade (2000-09) at full forward and is a life member. Has continued to give defenders a difficult time in Division 4 this season, kicking 21 majors from nine appearances.
Adam Bentick, St Bernards
The former AFL and VFL onballer returned to St Bernard’s mid-season and was named in the best in two of his four matches. The 36-year-old has been an outstanding player since joining the amateur competition in 2013, sharing the Woodrow Medal as Premier section best and fairest in 2015. Played 16 games in 2019 and was named in the best 13 times, coming equal fourth in the Woodrow. Has had a tremendous career – premiership captain of Calder Cannons, 68 AFL games for Carlton – and it might not be over yet.
Adam Booth, Mulgrave
The evergreen premiership Lion continues to produce consistent, quality performances for his side and is showing no signs of slowing down. Has booted more than 600 career goals across more than 251 matches – and holds the club record for most games played – breaking the record this season. Featured in all 18 matches in 2019 and was named among the best in 11 of those, booting 29 majors for the season. Named on the half-forward flank in the 2019 team of the year. One of the greatest to have ever pulled on a Mulgrave jumper, and was part of the club’s 2010 senior flag.
Anthony Brannan, Keysborough
A running player with a splash of class, Brannan, 36 in December, reached his 200th senior game this year. He’s on 202 now, 143 at Keysy and 59 at St John’s Old Collegians in the VAFA. Brannan also played 42 in the reserves at Noble Park; it’s hard to believe he didn’t crack it for a senior game for the Bulls, but he says training with players like Peter O’Brien and Benn Logan made it worth it.
Stephen Brewer, Caroline Springs
At 37 and after 260 senior games across multiple competitions, the former state league name is still tearing it up for the Lakers in the WRFL’s Division 1. A premiership player with Port Melbourne and a VFL team of the year representative in 2009, the midfielder made the move to the WRFL from East Malvern ahead of 2019, having earned selection in the Southern league’s team of the year. He also enjoyed a decorated stint with Greenvale in the EDFL where he won two best and fairests and featured in three grand finals, winning a flag. And he made the team of the year on three occasions.
Jason Butina, Albion
A five-time senior best and fairest winner at Albion, where he’s played since the age of nine, Butina is now 37 and has played about 380 matches for the WRFL Division 2 club. Can play either end of the ground, winning a best and fairest in both the full back and full forward positions. The club great is showing no signs of nearing the end as he closes in on 400 games, having appeared in 11 of a possible 12 matches this season. Butina also played for the WRFL representative side in 2014.
Michael Cardamone, The Basin
The champion small forward returned to the Eastern league this season following a stint with VAFA Division 3 outfit Aquinas in 2019, where he booted 30 majors from 10 appearances on the way to a premiership. He serves as playing-assistant at The Basin, and has kicked more than 600 career goals, including 300 in the past decade across stints with Forest Hill, The Basin, and Coldstream, which he coached to finals in 2017. He’s a three-time Division 4 team of the year representative in the Eastern league, having claimed honours in 2012, 2013 and 2018, highlighted by his 57-goal ’13 season in which Forest Hill played off in the Division 4 grand final.
Matt Carnelley, Keysborough
The veteran goalkicker booted his 1000th goal this year and at the age of 37 remains a dangerous player in second division of the Southern league. His road to four figures began at Rowville and took in stops at Glen Waverley Hawks, Ringwood in 2014 and Forest Hill. “Hammer’’ arrived at Keysy in 2018 and has found another happy home in front of the sticks.
Gary Carpenter, Chelsea Heights
Carpenter is the son of legendary Mornington Peninsula Nepean league footballer Dale “Possum’’ Carpenter, but he’s made his own name in the game with plenty of skill and will. At 35 he was a standout out for his new club, the Southern league Demons this year, and it’s clear he has a few more good years to give.
Nat Caruso, Greenvale
One of the most consistent midfielders in the EDFL for the past decade. Caruso coached Northern Saints to an EDFL Division 1 premiership in 2013, winning the grand final best-on-ground McWilliam Medal, before joining Greenvale for 2016. A Division 1 Hutchison Medal runner-up, an EDFL representative and two-time team of the year honouree.
Robbie Castello, Westmeadows
The Tigers suffered a major blow when 35-year-old Castello ruptured his Achilles at work in May this season. The reigning Hutchison Medallist was in rare form before being struck down, kicking 15 goals in five appearances – including a bag of seven against Rupertswood. Castello has more than 250 games to his name in a stellar career that has seen him captain VFL outfit Werribee and captain-coach Maribyrnong Park.
James Charge, Mooroolbark
The big ruckman has quite the footy CV. Made the move back to Heights Reserve ahead of 2021 from Outer East top-flight club Olinda-Ferny Creek where he’d spent the previous four seasons. The four-time Yarra Valley/Outer East league representative featured in the Bloods’ 2017 premiership side in a season where he tied for the top division’s best and fairest award, claimed a third team-of-the-year nod and topped the club goalkicking for a second consecutive time. Charge also played at Lilydale from 2002-2008 and Mount Evelyn from 2009-2011 before crossing to Mooroolbark from 2012-16.
Cameron Cloke, Hurstbridge
Serious head knocks saw Cloke step away from the game earlier this year but when on the field he continued to be a dominant force at age 36. One of the finest to have stepped on to the field in the Northern Football League with a Rosbrook Medal and two premierships to his name. The former Collingwood, Carlton and Port Adelaide big man also has three EDFL premierships (two with Craigieburn and one with Jacana) and league goalkicking trophies in the cabinet.
Adam Collett, Prahran
The 36-year-old crossed to Prahran last year as a playing assistant coach to Matt Boland. He will, however, always hold a high standing at Power House, where he was captain for seven years, was a best and fairest and made more than 200 senior appearances. Collett played under-age football at Dromana and senior football at Rosebud before linking with Power House when he moved to Melbourne with work.
Danny Corp, Hampton Rovers
The midfielder is 36 and his coach, Anthony Quon, describes the premiership Rover and best and fairest as a “gun’’. Corp came through the Rovers juniors and went on to play at the Sandringham Dragons in the TAC Cup in 2003-04 and then Sandringham and Frankston in the VFL. Since then he’s played many good games for the bayside club, totting up some big possession counts and bags of goals.
Elliot Costello, South Melbourne Districts
Costello – “Goblet’’ to everyone at his club – has played a stack of football for South Melbourne Districts and added 10 games to his tally this year. He’d be up to 300 matches if not for injuries and the occasional trip overseas. At 36 he’s held his own this year for a team that will play in the finals if the season resumes. “The coach still picks me because I’m the most competitive blokes in the team!’’ he said with a laugh. Costello has played all of his football at South – he started as a 10-year-old in the juniors – and had his best years in the senior team as a backman.
Mathew Cravino, Avondale Heights
Spent time at Williamstown before joining Avondale Heights in 2013 and has played 128 games since. An Essendon District representative player from 2014-2016, two-time club best-and-fairest winner, club captain and still a key member of the Heights’ line-up. The midfielder played all 12 games this season.
Bronik Davies, Northcote Park
One of the fiercest competitors in local football. Returned to the Northern Football League after stints with Preston (VFL) and West Adelaide (SANFL), winning two Rosbrook Medals and captaining the Cougars to the 2012 premiership. Only managed five games this season but remains a key part of Northcote Park’s best 22.
Steve Dinnell, South Croydon
The midfielder has a long and storied association with South Croydon, spanning more than two decades. Played his juniors at South Croydon before winning a spot on the Eastern Ranges list, where he took out the best-on-ground honours in the club’s 2002 premiership. State league football came calling soon after with a year at Box Hill before seven seasons with North Ballarat from 2004-2010, featuring in two flags. Returned to Cheong Park in 2013 where he completed the fairytale in 2017, playing an integral part in the Bulldogs’ top-flight premiership. Still so reliable, and a freak for his age.
Ricky Dyson, Banyule
Returned to Banyule full-time this season after coaching commitments with Essendon’s VFL team limited him to just five appearances in 2019. The 35-year-old featured seven times as the club won a second straight Division 2 minor premiership. A Division 1 premiership player-coach at Bundoora in 2017.
Aaron Edwards, St Kilda City
At 37 the former AFL forward and VFL JJ Liston Trophy winner is still keeping backmen busy. Edwards joined City this year and has kicked 53 goals from 12 matches, including bags of 10 against Oakleigh District and Mordialloc. Played a lot of good football at Pines in the Mornington Peninsula Nepean league after finishing a 94-game AFL career that began at West Coast in 2005.
Daniel Flaherty, PEGS
Flaherty joined the VAFA club in 2000. More than two decades on he’s still a force at senior level. A few years ago strong-marking forward “Fez’’ was named the club’s greatest player, in recognition not only of his sustained excellence at PEGS, but his performances for the VAFA. His career also took in stints in the VFL for Coburg and Bendigo Bombers, and in the QAFL. Flaherty is 40 and has played more than 400 senior games. He says the two hours playing on Saturday is the highlight of his week. A champion of amateur football.
Marc Frizell, Skye
Frizell, 38, was a late starter to football. He had been concentrating on his cricket before joining the Bombers in 2006. He’s been a senior regular since and, having played more than 250 matches, now holds the club games record, as well as life membership. Frizell, fit, strong and determined, was a playing assistant coach of Skye this year.
Dean Galea, Keilor
One of the most consistent goalkickers of the 2000s. Galea has played more than 250 games at VFL, EDFL, WRFL and SANFL level, winning the “Frosty” Miller Medal twice with Port Melbourne. He joined Avondale Heights in 2014 and shared the Premier Division leading goalkicking award with teammate Patrick Rose before crossing to Keilor in 2016 where he topping the goalkicking charts every season until 2019. A six-time team of the year honouree, four-time EDFL representative. Has kicked 511 goals in 119 EDFL games and at 35 booted 20 majors from six matches this season.
Jeff Gobbels, Balwyn
The Balwyn captain is the club’s “go-to’’ man in attack – and was during the club’s golden run of four flags in five seasons. The former WAFL player has been as complete a forward as we’ve seen across the past two decades, more than capable at ground level, quick on the lead, great set of hands and a defensive side to his game. Let’s not forget his booming right boot, though — and his 60m torp for goal on halftime of the Tigers’ 2013 grand final win.
Won the medal as best-afield in Balwyn’s 2012 premiership victory.
Ryan Goodes, Keysborough
The brick-hard left-footer is far closer to 40 than 30 yet he remains superbly fit and continues to carry a heavy load in the midfield. Goodes started his senior career at Clayton in 1999, played in the Magpies’ 2001 premiership and joined Keysy in 2009. “Bomber’’ served as captain in 2013-14 and was senior coach in 2015-16. Now, with 328 senior games behind him, he’s just the elder statesman of the club.
Brent Harvey, North Heidelberg
Only entered the Northern Football League at age 38. Now 43 and Harvey is still running amok for North Heidelberg. After 432 AFL games, Boomer won the Division 2 league B&F in his first season and helped the Bulldogs win the premiership and promotion, then a Division 1 preliminary final before coaching the club to another preliminary final in 2019. A return in 2022? Surely.
Shane Harvey, North Heidelberg
The greatest goalkicker in Northern Football League history, Harvey booted his 1000th goal for the Bulldogs in Round 3 this season. He did it in style with eight majors against Hurstbridge. At 38, he has done it all, winning a Rosbrook Medal, two Division 2 premierships, seven league goalkicking awards and 11 team of the year appearances. Booted 26 goals in 12 games this season and still a key part of North Heidelberg’s premiership push.
Kristan Height, Whitefriars
Height has just turned 38 but the former Hawthorn AFL rookie and Box Hill Hawks star continues to play excellent football as coach of Whitefriars in Division 1 of the VAFA. He’s been with the club since 2018 and took it to the premiership a year later, in the process winning the section best and fairest. That gave him four league medals; he’d earlier topped senior vote counts in the Goulburn Valley (Echuca), Ovens and Murray and Bendigo league. That is surely a record in local football.
Adam Iacobucci, Strathmore
Played more than 100 VFL games (Williamstown, Northern Blues) before arriving at Strathmore in 2012. The 35-year-old has since made 153 appearances for the Mores, helping the club claim the 2014 Premier Division premiership. A six-time team-of-the-year pick, five-time club best-and-fairest winner and an EDFL representative in 2015 and 2016, Iacobucci runs and runs, and few opponents can go with him, even as he enters the final bend of a fine career.
David Isbister, Keilor
A two-time premiership winner with the Blues, EDFL representative and Reynolds Medal runner-up in 2019. Even though he’s in the veteran class Isbister is still one of the most dangerous players in Premier Division. Played all 20 games as Keilor claimed an undefeated premiership last season and had made 10 appearances when the season was brought to a halt by a third lockdown.
Mark “Junior’’ Jamieson, East Brighton
The Vampires stalwart had his 38th birthday last Tuesday. And as he did his coach, Andrew Kahofer, noted he was “still getting the votes’’. Indeed, in 11 matches this year he’s been named in the best five times. Jamieson kicked off in senior football at Edithvale-Aspendale as a teenager. It was East Brighton’s lucky day when he hoofed it to Hurlingham Park. He has played close to 350 games, kicked more than 500 goals and figured in the 2004, 2012 and 2014 senior premierships. He was also an SFNL representative player.
Dan King, South Croydon
Ultra-reliable midfielder with a knack for standing up when it counts most. Tough, hard at it and has no trouble finding the football at the contest. Won the 2013 Chandler Medal and captained South Croydon to its 2017 top-flight premiership, taking the best-on-ground honours. Has won a string of best and fairest awards, and age hasn’t hampered the champion Bulldog as he still features among the club’s best regularly.
Brian Lake, Caroline Springs
The former AFL superstar is still owning the football field – as a 39-year-old in the WRFL’s Division 1. The three-time premiership Hawk and 2013 Norm Smith medallist landed at the Lakers ahead of the 2016 season where he helped lift the club to its first-ever senior flag. Plays both forward or back at local level, proving a difficult match-up at either end of the ground.
Daniel Keenan, Hurstbridge
Nearing his 40th birthday, Keenan provided one of the best good news stories of the local footy season when he returned to the field just six months after a serious Achilles injury in January. A two-time Rosbrook Medallist and five-time team of the year legend, the injury meant the Northern Football League’s games record holder could only add one game to his tally, which is now 403. Will he go around again?
Dean Limbach, Tullamarine
A premiership winner and leading league goalkicker with Craigieburn in 2018, Limbach made a successful return to the football field this season with the Demons. The 34-year-old spearhead booted 12 majors in seven appearances, bringing a smile to many a suburban football watcher. The former Richmond rookie-listed forward topped 100 majors in a season on several occasions.
Nathan Lovett-Murray, Fitzroy Stars
The son of former Stars’ captain Gary Murray and great grandson of Sir Douglas Nicholls, Lovett-Murray has significant ties to the football club and made his debut aged 38. The former Essendon star played nine games this season, providing some critical experience and leadership to the young Stars in a difficult season.
Ben Marganis, Doncaster
Think of Doncaster’s back six and it’s impossible not to think of this man. He’s been a stalwart for the Sharks in defence since the 2000s, just like his partner crime, Matt Schimmelbusch. Helped Doncaster climb the divisions, holding down the full-back position across three premiership campaigns (2011, 2013, 2015), where he took the opposition’s best forward more often than not – and there were plenty running around. Has earned a number of team of the year honours and has played more than 250 games.
David Marguglio, Mordialloc
“He’d be as fit as anyone at the club and he’s still got this pace,’’ Mordialloc coach Brendon Moore said of his wingman, who is 41 and has given the Bloodhounds stout service since 2013. He also had stints at Frankston Pines, in the Sandringham and North Ballarat VFL reserves, and at Doncaster East.
Trent Martin, Silvan
The 36-year-old playing-coach has flagged a desire to continue playing for as long as possible. “I’ll keep playing until I’m no good anymore … and I’ll keep coaching as long as they want me,” Martin said in 2020. Age hasn’t hindered his ability to find the football at the contest with his big-bodied presence, setting the standard for the young Cats each week. Received team of the year honours in 2019 and previously played for Croydon.
Cory McGrath, Moonee Valley
The former Essendon and Carlton player and Port Melbourne premiership winner is as evergreen as they come. Won the EDFL Division 2 league best-and-fairest at age 40 and two years later is still a dominant force for the Fog as they chase promotion. Retired in 2011 and unbelievably was playing SuperRules before joining Moonee Valley and starring against youngsters more than half his age.
John Meesen, Collegians
The 35-year-old former AFL ruckman joined the Lions as an assistant coach but ended up playing as the club took whack on the injury front. Meesen joined the VAFA from Modewarre, where he shared the Bellarine league medal and was co-coach of the premiership team in 2018. Had a successful time at Balwyn in the Eastern league too.
David Mitchell, Bundoora
Still one of the first picked even as the years pile up. Mitchell played his 250th match in 2019 and has been a star of the competition since arriving in 2006. Won the Rosbrook Medal in 2009 – in a three-way tie with Shane Harvey and Daniel Keenan – three Division 1 premierships from six grand finals and is a three-time team of the year player. Played 10 games this season as the Bulls finished second on the ladder.
Gary Moorcroft, Bundoora
Retired from the Northern Football League in 2019 after a stunning career that brought three premierships and more than 600 goals. Started 2021 with Bright but made a shock return to Yulong Reserve on the transfer deadline. Had played four games in the reserves and was on the cusp of a senior return following Sam Lloyd’s season-ending wrist injury when lockdown struck. Can he be the Bulls premiership hero again at 45?
Chris Muratore, Parkside
Leads Parkside with distinction at 35 years of age as playing-coach, having played more than 300 games across multiple leagues. The midfielder won the Alan Smith Medal for the best and fairest player in the WRFL’s Division 2 in 2014 — the same season Parkside won the flag – and co-coached the club in 2018 before taking the reins solo from ’19.
Leigh Odermatt, South Belgrave
Age hasn’t slowed down the triple EFL premiership star after featuring prominently in South Belgrave’s all-conquering Division 3 side in 2019. Topped the Division 3 goalkicking with 67 majors on his way to a top-five finish in the competition best and fairest, team of the year honours (to add to a collection of them) at centre half-forward and a five-goal best-on-ground performance in the grand final. All this following 45 and 53 goal seasons with Heathmont and Coldstream in 2017 and 2018. Other premierships include Heathmont (2011) and South Belgrave (2013, named best on ground) – and remarkably, both were won in extra-time following a draw. Still lighting it up as a fast bowler for Blackburn North in the BHRDCA, too.
Chris O’Keefe, Caulfield
The Bears playing coach turned 40, but he remains a fine player in Division 2 of the Southern league. He’s been reappointed coach for next year but he’s undecided about playing on. O’Keefe is among the most decorated players in the SFNL, having played in the VFL and won two league medals and played in premierships in the Western Region league.
Shaun Payze, Peninsula Old Boys
Possibly the most golden oldie of them all. The big forward played his 400th senior game – just the second VAFA player to do so – this year as he continued a senior career that began in 1998. The son of former St Kilda premiership player Travis Payze counts as his club’s greatest player, having won six best and fairests, kicked more than 1000 goals (including a century in 2005) and claimed a league medal.
Kris Pendlebury, Balwyn
At 35 years of age, Pendlebury continues to be the general down back for Balwyn, as he was through multiple premiership campaigns. Tough to beat one-on-one with his fantastic fist and aerial skills, he’s proven his worth as a swingman in recent years should the Tigers need it up forward, and he oozes leadership. Landed at Cherry Rd ahead of the 2014 season after a decade in the VFL playing across Bendigo, Collingwood and Werribee. Premiership player with Balwyn in 2015 and ’16.
Matt Polkinghorne, Mooroolbark
Tough inside midfielder who has resumed his role as a key to the Mooroolbark engine room since returning to the club via Wandin in 2018, where he featured in a flag and won the comp best and fairest. Premiership player with Mooroolbark in 2009 and is revered as a club-great, adding a fifth Mustangs best and fairest to his name in 2019. Getting on a bit, but age hasn’t slowed him down having had a stellar 2019 season. Suffered a knee injury this season but recently made a return.
Clayton Rogers, Airport West
One of the best defenders in local footy at age 40, Rogers is a marvel. Has won premierships in the NFL with Bundoora (2011) and in the EDFL with Airport West (2012 and 2018) and is approaching 250 senior games. Highlighting his longevity, Rogers played all 12 games this season in Division 2 as the Eagles finished second on the ladder.
Patrick Rose, Avondale Heights
On the verge of 900 career goals in a decorated career in the VFL, EDFL, WRFL and Ovens and Murray. Won the VFL’s ‘Frosty’ Miller Medal in 2011 and tied with Heights teammate Dean Galea for the EDFL goalkicking award in 2014. Passed 250 games this season and, at 35, returned to the Heights this season after starting the campaign with Taylors Lakes in Division 1, playing 11 matches across the two clubs. Needs three more games for 100 and eight more goals for 400 at Avondale Heights.
Robbie Ross, Vermont
Still one of the premier big men of the Eastern league as he turns 35 later this year. The commanding ruckman/forward has seven senior flags to his name – five with Vermont (2005, ‘06, ‘07, ‘09, 2019) and two with Outer East club Wandin (2015, ‘18). His association with the Eagles stretches back to 1994 where he started as a junior, and he’s since gone on to etch his name as one of the greats of the decorated club. He won the Eagles’ best and fairest in a premiership year in 2009 in a star-studded line-up, later heading to Wandin at the end of 2013 where he captained the 2018 premiership. Returned to Terrara Rd soon after the 2018 triumph, helping the Eagles to a second successive flag in 2019. He’s ranked equal 10th alongside Brad Cullen for most senior games played at Vermont (187) after seven appearances this shortened season, to go with 82 senior matches for Wandin from 2014-18 – 269 all up. And he could soon become just the ninth player in Vermont’s 101-year history to play 200 senior matches at the club.
Paul Savage, Waverley Blues
Became the first player in the Waverley Blues’ 22-year history to reach 250 senior games earlier this season, after debuting in Round 9 of 2002. Began as a dynamic-moving midfielder but has taken up a role closer to goal in his later years. He’s kicked around 250 goals across more than 250 games, including 15 this season from 11 appearances. Two-time premiership player with the Blues, two-time best and fairest and a former club captain.
Matt Schimmelbusch, Doncaster
The key defender has been a mainstay at Schramms Reserve since the mid-2000s and continues to be a rock down back for the Sharks. He played a crucial part in Doncaster’s rise from Division 3 to the top tier across three premiership-winning campaigns in 2011, 2013 and 2015. The son of North Melbourne great Wayne, Matt Schimmelbusch has won three Doncaster best and fairest awards to go with a host of team of the year honours.
Matt Sharpe, Waverley Blues
Has slotted back in at the Blues seamlessly after playing 2019 with East Ringwood. He’s a best and fairest winner with two clubs, winning one at the ‘Roos in 2011 and one at the Blues (2015). Continues to lead the way in a youthful Blues side where he’s played all 12 games this season, named in the best in six of those. Former East Ringwood captain and multiple team of the year representative.
Mike Smith, South Belgrave
The seven-time club best and fairest winner has enjoyed a decorated career across a number of clubs, and he’s still a potent weapon all these years later. Featured prominently in South Belgrave’s undefeated charge to the 2019 Eastern league Division 3 flag, in a season where he was named at full-back in the team of the year, adding to a string of previous honours. Has excited fans for years with his knack for taking hangers, plying his craft across Mooroolbark where he’s a former captain, Upper Ferntree Gully and Mount Evelyn.
Brent Stanton, Banyule
The 35-year-old is a key member of the Bears’ line-up when his coaching commitments at Carlton allowed. Played five matches this season, kicking 11 goals, and is a on-field general. Has featured 26 times over three seasons for his junior club, helping Banyule reach the NFL Division 2 grand final in 2019 and claim a second straight minor premiership this season.
Grattan Stephens, Chirnside Park
Anyone who has followed the EFL long enough would remember “Sticks’’ as a premiership player at Vermont and South Croydon during the 2000s, before a stint with Mooroolbark in recent times. And in 2019, the big man continued to exert his dominance in his first season at Chirnside Park, heading up the ruck division where he didn’t miss a beat, playing all 18 matches. He’s continued the good form into 2021, playing all 11 matches, featuring in the best on eight occasions. Continues to stand up to the rigours of senior football.
Chris Stewart, East Keilor
Among the greatest players to have graced local football, with a staggering 10 senior premierships to his name. A dominant big man, Stewart has won flags with North Heidelberg (2005), Maribyrnong Park (2009-10) and Deer Park (2013-2019). He captained four of the Lions’ WRFL titles and won three club best-and-fairests. At 35, he joined East Keilor for 2021 with another premiership in the offing if COVID-19 restrictions allow.
Brad Sutcliffe, Port Melbourne Colts
Sutcliffe is in his second stint at Port Melbourne Colts, but his resume also include three years with Port Melbourne in the VFL. When his senior games at the Borough, Colts, Avondale Heights and Westmeadows are tallied he’d be giving 300 games a nudge. Superbly skilled on both sides, Sutcliffe has won five best and fairests in senior football.
Matt Terech, Dingley
They call him “T Rex’’ and at 6’6 and 110kg he’s a mountain of a man in the Southern league. Terech, 38, retired at the end of 2019 season after stints at Hampton Rovers, Chelsea Heights, East Malvern and Seaford. But the Dingoes coaxed him into having a run in 2020 and when the season didn’t go ahead they applied the roll-over rule and took him into 2021. A first senior premiership motivates the big fellow.
Aaron Thornton, St John’s Old Collegians
Thornton, 37, joined the Dandenong club in 2015, crossing from Elsternwick, where he was captain and a leading goalkicker. He left St John’s in 2019, heading for Hampton Park, but he’s back at Thomas Carroll Reserve and back booting goals (he had 41 from 11 matches before the latest Covid interruption). Taking into account six seasons at Maroochydore he’s booted 933 goals from 284 games.
Adam Winter, Strathmore
The star forward has kicked more than 500 goals in 246 games for Glenroy and Strathmore in the EDFL. A five-time premiership player, the towering spearhead won four flags with Strathmore and helped Glenroy win promotion in 2017, claiming the Division 1 league goalkicking award along the way. At 38 years old, Winter returned to the Mores this season and has played three senior games.
Neil Winterton, Mitcham
The Tigers’ senior playing-coach is the longest serving mentor in the club’s history, where he’s led it for seven years. He’s had a decorated career, playing more than 150 games at Frankston in the VFL and won Mulgrave’s best and fairest in the Lions’ 2010 premiership. Led the Tigers to a flag in his first season at the helm in 2015, before winning another in 2019. Also had a three-year coaching stint with Bayswater, and still a proven performer, as a damaging midfielder.
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