The saying ‘aged like fine wine' is one not normally found in the confines of AFL discussion. However, for these ‘old mates', the wine has never tasted better, with Scott Pendlebury's ANZAC Day performance last week showing the extent of treating age as just a number.
Some of the competition's all-time legends are still among the league's best despite being out of their primes, with some even now playing the best footy of their careers.
Here's my ranking of the top 10 players in the AFL who are aged 30 and above. I am basing this list on current form rather than assessing their careers and the age cut-off criteria will be turning 30 years before the 2026 season started.
9Toby Greene (32 years)
CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - JULY 23: Toby Greene of the Giants celebrates kicking a goal during the round 19 AFL match between Greater Western Sydney Giants and Gold Coast Suns at Manuka Oval, on July 23, 2023, in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)
The Giants wouldn't be the club they are now without the impact of their all-time game record holder. Greene is one of the more damaging small forwards in the competition, whether it is through creating pressure in the forward 50 or rising to the big moments when his side needs him most. His ability to also play in the midfield gives him a level of versatility not many forwards possess.
