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As list managers and recruiters begin to think about 2017, which players over 30 will remain at their respective clubs next season, and who is set to hang up the boots?
Adelaide
Scott Thompson (33) Going – Depending on how deep the Crows can get into September, it will be a line ball call whether Thompson pulls on the jumper for another season.
Gut feeling says he is retiring, as a 300-game player and a champion of the Adelaide Football Club.
Brisbane
Daniel Merrett (32) Gone – The Big Sauce announced his retirement this week, leaving the game with 198 games to name.
Always gave his all and will be remembered fondly for his loyalty to the Lions through some tumultuous years.
Carlton
Andrew Walker (30) Gone – The high-flying utility has succumbed to his body and played his last game, against the Saints at the MCG.
Walker was an exciting footballer who perhaps never really fulfilled his potential, but nonetheless carved out a good career in the navy blue.
Kade Simpson (32) Staying – Simpson has enjoyed perhaps his finest season and is a certainty to play on next season. He has had a brilliant career and there seems to be another chapter yet to write.
Michael Jamison (30) Gone – Another Blue to retire before the end of the season, Jamison has battled with injury for several years now but was still able to carve out 150 games in an honest career at the club.
Collingwood
Dane Swan (33) Going – The Brownlow medalist’s stellar career is almost certain to be done after a horrific leg injury in Round 1 of the season. Although not official as of yet, Swan is said to have told the people close to him that he can no longer stand the rigours of elite football.
258 games, a Brownlow, a premiership, best and fairest, and AFLPA MVPs, Swanny has done it all in football.
Essendon
Jobe Watson (31) Staying – The banned Bomber is likely going to extend his career after serving a drug ban. Jobe is a fine player and will have a point to prove for his club in 2017.
Brent Stanton (30) Staying – Another banned Bomber, Stanton has recently re-committed to the club in 2017. Stanton has been a consistent and valued member of the Bombers for over a decade and still has a lot of football left.
Brendan Goddard (31) Staying – The stand-in skipper has a couple of years left and is playing good football. Goddard will really benefit from having some senior players back and will break the 300-game mark next season.
Adam Cooney (31) Gone – The former Dog and Brownlow Medal winner hung up the boots this week, after a career spanning 250 games. Battled a lot of injuries but his class and influence could never be questioned.
James Gwilt (30) Staying – 50/50 to remain at the club but I’d say the Dons would be keen to keep Gwilt on their list as a handy depth player. Has been solid since being picked up from the Saints three years ago.
James Kelly (33) Going – The top-up recruit has been wonderful for the Bombers in a tough season. Kelly will retire just short of 300 games, in a career of three premierships at the Cats.
Matthew Stokes (32) Going – Another top-up recruit from Geelong, Stokes has provided valuable depth but is no chance of retaining his place on the list next season. Has two more games to break the 200-game barrier.
Ryan Crowley (32) Going – The former Docker turned top-up Bomber has battled with injury but been a positive for the young group. Won’t retain his spot next season and will end his career just shy of 200 games. It has been an underrated and entertaining career.
Mark Jamar (33) Going – The former Demon who also joined as a top-up will be gone next season, but may join the Bombers as an assistant coach.
Nathan Grima (31) Going – Was a strange choice as a top-up, as injury concerns plagued his career at the Kangaroos. Never flourished due to his body, he only played 88 games in a career spanning over a decade.
Fremantle
Zac Dawson (30) Staying – A much-maligned player, but Ross Lyon simply loves Zac. The big defender with the slight frame may be a chance of more WAFL time in 2017, but yet again it is Lyon, so he may just play every game.
Danyle Pearce (30) Staying – Not as zippy as he once was, but the wingman is still playing solid football. His remarkable durability has seen him already play 246 games of AFL football, and there is every chance that there is another 100 games left in the tank.
Tendai Mzungu (30) Going – Has been overtaken but has been a solid contributor since being taken as a mature-age recruit from the WAFL. At 30, Mzungu could appeal to a club in the flag window, so by no means is his AFL career finished.
David Mundy (31) Staying – The champ is still playing outstanding football and will lead the Dockers in 2017. Question marks always remain about his pace, but Mundy is a class act and has at least two years left in him.
Matthew Pavlich (34) Gone – The greatest player in Fremantle history is gone at the end of the season in a sensational career spanning over 350 games. His loyalty, skill and leadership will see him become an AFL Hall of Fame member in the future. Thanks for the memories, Pav.
Aaron Sandilands (33) Staying – Big Sandi still has more to give in what is most likely his last season in 2017. This giant has been a one-of-a-kind ruckman and is perhaps Freo’s second-greatest player.
Michael Johnson (32) Staying – There are lingering concerns over Johnson’s body, but when in form he is one of the competition’s best. Should stick around for next year at least and depending on whether he can gain continuity at AFL level again, 2018 will be discussed.
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