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In the AFL, players’ impact goes beyond mere wins and losses. Number of career games played are held in high esteem as they are seen to be a reflection of players’ durability and time dedicated to the league.
Throughout history, players’ career games have served as a metric for the measurement of their contribution, influence and legacy within the league. From VFL to AFL, various iconic players have played pivotal roles in making footy what it is today.
In the following, we explore the longest careers in AFL history, delving into the remarkable journeys of these footy greats.
5 most AFL career games in history
1. Brent Harvey (432) - North Melbourne (1996-2016)
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When you think of longevity in footy, one name immediately springs to mind: Brent Harvey. The North Melbourne star overtook the former record holder, Michael Tuck, in round 19 of the 2016 AFL season. In honour of this, the Kangaroos wore the number 427 on their jerseys, and the number 50 on the 50-metre arc was replaced by 29, Harvey’s number for the entirety of his career.
In round three of the 1995 draft, Harvey was drafted by North Melbourne. Harvey quickly established himself as an essential player to the ‘Roos, playing in the 1999 premiership, earning an E. J. Whitten Medal in the same year.
He amassed a good number of accolades in his time, including the Syd Barker Medal (2003), the Jim Stynes medal (2003), two Brownlow medal nominations (2007, 2008), two Lou Richards medals (2007, 2008), four-time All Australian, more recently, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame. He was also captain of North Melbourne (2009-2011).
At the 2016 Syd Barker Medal night, Brent Harvey announced his retirement. He was the last-standing player who was born in the 70s to have played in the 90s.
2. Michael Tuck (426) - Hawthorn (1971-1991)
Hawthorn's Mr. Football, Michael Tuck, had a career that lasted an incredible two decades. As Hawthorn’s one-time captain (1986-1991), Tuck is a seven-time premiership-winning member and six-time Hawthorn Best and Fairest runner up. He had to play running half-back flanker and still averaged 17+ possessions per game in the last four years of his career.
His last game was in 1991 at the Grand Final, which ended in Hawthorn’s victory over West Coast and a premiership win.
3. Shaun Burgoyne (407) - Port Adelaide (2001), Hawthorn (2009-2021)
The first indigenous player in the VFL/AFL, the SANFL and the WAFL to hit the 400-game milestone, as well as the fifth player overall in the VFL/AFL, and the seventh player overall in elite Australian rules football, Burgoyne started his career at Port Adelaide in 2001 before moving to Hawthorn in 2009.
The defence player’s achievements include: a Showdown medal, Dream Team Australian rules football team (2008), four premiership games (one at Port Adelaide and three at Hawthorn), Hawthorn’s most consistent player (2014), Indigenous All-Stars Captain (2016).
4. Kevin Bartlett (403) - Richmond (1965-1983)
With an 18-year career, Bartlett's impact on the game cannot be overstated. Highlights from this legend’s career include: five premierships (1967, 1969, 1973, 1974, 1980), three Championship of Australia awards (1969,1973, 1974), a Norm Smith Medal (1980), five Jack Dyer medals, Immortal at Richmond Hall of Fame, Richmond’s Best Individual Performance of the Century as well as an Australian Football Hall of Fame induction in 1996.
5. Dustin Fletcher (400) - Essendon (1993-2015)
One of the league’s finest defenders, Fletcher’s career spanned 23 seasons. Right from his first games, Fletcher set a foundation for his reputation.
At 18 years of age, he won a Longest Kick competition; a prelude to what the rest of his career would look like. More of his achievements include; two Premierships (1993, 2000), two pre-season premierships (1994, 2000), two All-Australians (2000, 2007), a Crichton medal (2000), and an AFL Rising Star nomination in 1993.
