7 minutes ago, leave it to deever said:

I'm a good deal older than you Nasher but I remember thinking how Fletcher was still playing for the Don's past your age. I have no idea how he did it. Its probably easier for a fullback who probably doesnt run as much as other positions but he was still a freak of nature.

Yep. Shaun Burgoyne is nearly a full year older than me and I really struggle to wrap my head around how he’s done it for so long. Obviously work ethic and mental strength play a part, but there must be an element of physical pot luck in there too. Ageing is inevitable, for most of us anyway!

If you are Judd, 20yo

If you are Hawkins. 33yo

different for everyone. Managing injuries is key

1 hour ago, DubDee said:

If you are Judd, 20yo

If you are Hawkins. 33yo

different for everyone. Managing injuries is key

TX Dubdee.

I was checking out Ablett Snr stats and he bloomed in his 30s as well.

It's clearly different for strong bodies full forwards. They add more bulk and learn more tricks.

A look at most Brownlow recipients suggests mid 20s.

My interest in the topic is wondering how we will fare in the next few seasons. All signs point to success.

Edited December 6, 20213 yr by leave it to deever

haydon bunton snr was an interesting one.

won a brownlow in his first 2 seasons of vfl, then another later, then went to wafl, which was no slouch of a comp in those days and won 3 sandovers in 4 years.

vfl brownlow:    1931 (age 20)  1932 (age 21)  1935 (age 24)
wafl sandover:  1938 (age 27)  1939 (age 28)  1941 (age 30)  

27 minutes ago, leave it to deever said:

TX Dubdee.

I was checking out Ablett Snr stats and he bloomed in his 30s as well.

It's clearly different for strong bodies full forwards. They add more bulk and learn more tricks.

A look at most Brownlow recipients suggests mid 20s.

My interest in the topic is wondering how we will fare in the next few seasons. All signs point to success.

Agreed.  The sweet spot for us is certainly the next 3-4 years.  hopefully longer with good list management

8 hours ago, Nasher said:

Yep. Shaun Burgoyne is nearly a full year older than me and I really struggle to wrap my head around how he’s done it for so long. Obviously work ethic and mental strength play a part, but there must be an element of physical pot luck in there too. Ageing is inevitable, for most of us anyway!

The money must also help... how many players retire and go straight into another job paying 6 figures?

There must be a level of motivation associated with going around again if you know you're going to be bringing in a healthy salary for your family for another year.

Of course you must be a damn good player to begin with and as you say a lot of luck with physical conditioning is required. 

9 hours ago, Nasher said:

Obviously work ethic and mental strength play a part, but there must be an element of physical pot luck in there too.

… as well as genetics. 

I find it hard to believe that players peak around age 26.

What takes them so long?

I was able to peak at about 11 years of age - but unfortunately, very quickly lost it from there.

players peak when they win flags