AFL 2020: The 18 players who might call it quits after 2020
Lachie Henderson was on the scrap heap at the end of last season but a last minute rookie listing kept him at Kardinia Park. Has he done enough in 2020 to warrant another contract? Jon Ralph assesses the future of 18 ageing stars.
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To finish your AFL career in front of empty stadiums after a couple of decades of top-level footy would be devastating.
But that’s the reality facing some of greatest players.
The AFL’s oldest player in Shaun Burgoyne, 37, is keen to go on but after another soft-tissue injury might be coming to the end.
Gary Ablett is intent on retiring, as is Shane Mumford, who will roll into a ruck coaching-development role at the Giants.
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News Corp understands Marc Murphy’s one-year contract extension is about to be signed to secure him through to 2021.
The fourth-oldest player, Fremantle’s David Mundy, is keen to go on again according to his manager Anthony McConville.
But despite his rich form as a 35-year-old there have been no talks yet on a new deal.
Carlton ruckman Matthew Kreuzer is also out of contract and unlikely to play again this year as recovers from a foot injury he suffered in Round 1.
The former No.1 draft pick fractured the fifth metatarsal in his foot against Richmond. He is rehabbing in the Blues’ Queensland hub and keen to play on, but the Blues are yet to make a call on his future.
West Coast’s Andrew Gaff has an exit clause on his contract but he is certain to roll into the next part of his deal that takes him through to 2024.
News Corp understands West Coast is fully aware of his intention to remain, meaning he will void the clause that could have seen him move back to Melbourne.
GWS defender Zac Williams has put a significant price on his head for Victorian clubs interested in his services, with the Suns keen but told he was unlikely to move north.
Port Adelaide’s Jack Watts has another season on his contract despite reports and is just returning to full fitness after last year’s broken leg and some time out of the COVID bubble because of a family funeral.
FIGHTING FOR THEIR FUTURES
Shaun Burgoyne (Hawthorn)
The AFL’s oldest player has succumbed to hamstring issues again for the Hawks and had mixed results in his new role playing as a half forward. Might be tough to secure another deal from here.
Lachie Henderson (Geelong)
Was seen to be on footy’s scrap heap but won another season as a rookie and has now played four games in a row as a key back. Looked early on like he was part of a tall rotation with Blicavs, Stewart, Henry, Kolodjashnij and Taylor but all played against the Saints on Monday night. Still only 30 and may have saved himself with serviceable performances.
Justin Westhoff (Port Adelaide)
The great survivor has been dropped twice now and the Power are getting good service from Peter Ladhams, with Scott Lycett now recovered from injury. Turns 34 in six weeks after 278 largely excellent games.
Shane Mumford (GWS)
Will retire after a two-year cameo at the club after coming back to football in 2019 and transition back into his ruck coach-development coach role at the Giants.
Kade Simpson (Carlton)
The 36-year-old continues to perform but fans are keen to see more youth in the side. Liam Stocker is a ready-made half back but is back in Melbourne. Fox Footy’s David King was adamant the club shouldn’t cut too deep on Sunday. His teammate Marc Murphy is close to a one-year deal, while Levi Casboult will re-sign.
Matthew Kreuzer (Carlton)
Is keen to play on but has had a 2020 wipe-out with a foot injury that will likely prevent the 31-year-old from returning this season. The exciting form of Tom de Koning on Sunday was welcome as a ruck-forward, but surely Kreuzer is worth a one-year deal as insurance at the least.
Tom Bellchambers (Essendon)
Sam Draper has been thrust into the No.1 ruck spot and continues to perform but 31-year-old free agent Bellchambers has still enjoyed solid form this year. Worth keeping him in the mix alongside Draper and Andrew Phillips in 2021.
Gary Ablett (Geelong)
Geelong is adamant that Ablett will retire at the end of this year, even if his form clearly warrants him playing on in 2021. That is his decision, not theirs, with even Chris Scott hoping Ablett would reconsider his decision.
Harry Taylor (Geelong)
Has only missed a single game this year averaging 11 possessions and while he has been his usual solid self he says this isn’t definitely his last year, hoping to extend his career once more. All he can do is keep being picked in the best 22.
Jarrod Harbrow (Gold Coast)
Finished fourth in the best-and-fairest last year and while the Suns will see how he finishes his year everything points to him playing on again. The Suns would love more pace off half back but Zac Williams isn’t interested in a move north. Pearce Hanley is in the same boat in waiting for a new deal but was dropped recently.
Paul Puopolo (Hawthorn)
Hasn’t been seen at AFL level since Round 6 and with only one goal this year the pressuring forward’s career will come to a close after a fabulous run including three premierships. Not bad for a tradie who turned himself into one of footy’s best pressure players.
Nathan Jones (Melbourne)
Has played the last four games after only one appearance in the first seven weeks and while his possessions tallies are low - with no game more than 14 touches - he’s playing his role right now. Turns 33 in January so still probably his last season.
Bachar Houli (Richmond)
His form remains spectacular in the four performances so far after another high Norm Smith finish in last year’s Grand Final. Out of quarantine on Thursday and keen to play against Gold Coast on Monday. Certain to play on but as yet still uncontracted.
Jarryn Geary (St Kilda)
The Saints captain is happy to wait on another one-year extension, having only just turned 32 in June. Having to find new roles as a defensive forward but holding up his end of the bargain. Will go on next year but will he hand over the captaincy? Saints to offer Jake Carlisle a new deal.
Josh Kennedy (West Coast)
Was considering whether this year was his last but the club is now keen for him to go on and he wants to as well so will sign on for another season into 2021. Andrew Gaff has committed to his deal through to 2024.
Heath Shaw (GWS)
Last year was to be his swan-song if the Giants won a flag but instead he went around again. Might have lost some of his zip as a tight-checking defender but still worth his spot in the team. Could the Giants afford to lose both of Shaw and free agent Zac Williams, although Lachie Ash is the half-back succession plan.
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Eddie Betts (Carlton)
The ninth-oldest player in the competition should play on, his manager Garry Winter telling the Herald Sun last week the Blues were ecstatic with his role at the club. Hasn’t kicked a goal for three weeks but is still clearly in the Blues’ best side.
David Mundy (Fremantle)
Keeps rolling on with impressive form, including a 23-possession, one-goal performance in the win over Collingwood. No reason why he won’t suit up again and is keen to go on in 2021 despite just turning 35.
His flexibility means he isn’t keeping others out.