It is time to honour the AFL’s elder statesmen.
The youngsters get the Rising Star award and can be picked in the 22Under22 side so we feel those over 30 need to be acknowledged.
With that in mind, the SEN Drive team of Bob Murphy and Andy Maher have put together the 30 Over 30 for season 2021.
This is based on 2021 form only (NOT CAREER ACHIEVEMENT) and only players who turned 30 prior to the season beginning (on March 18) are eligible.
For example Dustin Martin, who turned 30 mid-season, is NOT eligible.
Without further ado, here are the first six counting down from 30.
SEN’s 30 Over 30 for 2021:
30. Eddie Betts
Carlton
It certainly wasn’t Betts’ most prolific season, but he still had an impact for the Blues at times. He finished with 27 goals (more than double last year’s output) which had him second at the club behind Coleman Medallist Harry McKay. At the ripe old age of 34, he was top five at Carlton for score involvements and goal assists and top two for tackles inside 50 in his final season.
29. Ed Curnow
Carlton
Curnow was solid individually in what was another tough year for the Blues. He averaged over 22 disposals and more than three tackles and three clearances. The 31-year-old was second only to Sam Walsh for total disposals and could quite possibly sneak into the top five in Carlton’s best and fairest.
28. Lachie Henderson
Geelong
Having been delisted in 2019, and then picked up again via the rookie draft, Henderson has made himself a central figure in Geelong’s defence. He played 14 matches last year, including four finals, and has been an extremely consistent performer across 18 home and away games this year. The 31-year-old former Blue has enjoyed arguably his best season in Cats colours and will need to step up further in the absence of Tom Stewart this finals campaign.
27. Ben McEvoy
Hawthorn
In his first year as Hawks captain, McEvoy has been a key figure for a young and developing side. He has spent more time as a ruckman in 2021 after being tried in defence last year. The leadership of the 32-year-old has been a feature of his game this year.
26. Jack Ziebell
North Melbourne
Ziebell was shifted to the half-back line by David Noble and it was a very positive move indeed. The 30-year-old Kangaroos skipper had a career-best season for disposals (530 at an average of 25) and was second in the league for rebound 50s. He also avoided a full season of inside midfield damage to his body, which could prolong his career.
25. Todd Goldstein
North Melbourne
The 33-year-old has been a remarkably consistent player across his 14 seasons and 273 matches. The 2021 season was no different for Goldstein who again started things off in the middle for North Melbourne. He was third in the competition for hit-outs and was a constant presence throughout, playing all 22 games.
The 30 Over 30 schedule:
Tuesday - 24-19
Wednesday - 18-13
Thursday - 12-7
Friday - 6-1