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.
4Max Gawn (34 years)
Melbourne's anchor and still the AFL's best ruckman, the big Demon continues to defy Father Time and dismantle opposing rucks while leading his club to one of their better starts in recent memory. Still the number one ruckman in the AFL, Gawn is having his best statistical season to date in terms of possessions and leading all ruckman in clearances all the while backing it up with his impactful playmaking ability. He'll be remembered as an all-time great, not just for his ability but also for his longevity.
