Retire or play on? The verdict on the 111 players over 30 in the AFL

The Blues are on the verge of a list overhaul, and with more speed and youth needed, it’s time to cut bait with one of their warriors, writes Mick McGuane. See the verdict on 111 names.

Many footballers are defying their birth certificates and playing significant roles at AFL level well into their 30s these days.

As professional athletes who dedicate time and effort to their jobs – with the support of high performance and sports science staff – age is just a number for some.

Just look at how the likes of Scott Pendlebury (37), Dayne Zorko (36), Patrick Dangerfield (35) and Steele Sidebottom (34) have performed this year.

Of the 808 players on AFL lists, 111 are 30 or older as of today.

We got AFL analyst Mick McGuane to take a look at all of them and give his verdicts as to who still has fuel in the tank for 2026 and who should be waving goodbye to AFL football at the end of the season.