As the AFL 2025 season approaches, it marks a significant turning point as many veteran stars prepare to retire from the game. West Coast has already bid farewell to premiership legends Jeremy McGovern and Dom Sheed, while Fremantle’s experienced forward Michael Walters has also announced his retirement.
Notably, while many players are faced with decisions regarding their future, amongst the oldest four players in the league, only one is more likely to retire. Scott Pendlebury and Todd Goldstein, both 37, appear set to continue, especially given Goldstein’s potential importance to Essendon amid injuries to other players.
At 36, Dayne Zorko has shown form, making the All-Australian team, while Travis Boak, the Port Adelaide record holder, is anticipated to hang up his boots this season after a career marked by significant achievements. Among the six 35-year-olds, Patrick Dangerfield is committed to playing through 2026, but Callan Ward’s future remains uncertain after an injury setback.
Several other seasoned players are grappling with end-of-career decisions. Collingwood’s Jeremy Howe is more likely to extend his career, whereas Adelaide’s Taylor Walker continues to perform well, suggesting he may play on after 2025. In contrast, Sydney’s Dane Rampe faces questions about his longevity due to ongoing injury issues.
For Collingwood, Steele Sidebottom, who recently excelled in the 2025 Anzac Day Medal, is likely to continue, while teammates Mason Cox and Tom Mitchell face uncertain futures as the club may need to cull older players. The same applies to Geelong’s Rhys Stanley and Mitch Duncan, who are poised to retire, while Mark Blicavs may remain due to his strong performance.
Fremantle’s Nathan Fyfe, a two-time Brownlow Medallist, is struggling with fitness issues, and his exit seems inevitable unless he makes a significant comeback. Bulldogs’ Liam Jones and Taylor Duryea, along with Hawthorn’s Luke Breust, may be nearing the end, although Gunston’s recent form might keep him on the field.
At Carlton, Sam Docherty may decide to retire after enduring multiple injuries, while teammate Nick Haynes appears to be in a better position to continue. Melbourne’s trio of 33-year-olds — Jake Melksham, Steven May, and Max Gawn — along with younger talent Tom McDonald, could find themselves making tough career decisions.
Adelaide’s improved performance has come from a blend of youth and veteran presence, but balancing the continuation of players like Brodie Smith, Matt Crouch, and Rory Laird with the likes of Walker could pose a challenge.
Other veterans potentially on the retirement list include Jamie Cripps, Sam Day, Dion Prestia, and several others. Conversely, players such as Jamie Elliott, Ryan Lester, and Adam Treloar might extend their careers into 2026, amid the changing landscape of the competition.