As we cross the halfway mark of season 2019, it’s time to have a look at which veterans are excelling despite entering the twilight of their careers.
Last week we looked at the top 10 players aged 23 and under, however, this time we've turned out attention to those in their 30s.
This countdown is based on players' 2019 achievements.
Here are Zero Hanger’s top 10 players aged 30 and over:
For what has been a frustrating season to date for the Kangaroos, their flashy on-baller in Higgins has continued to rack up possessions in midfield. Higgins sits 16th in the league for average disposals at 28.6 a game, along with over 400 metres gained per match.
A player that has flown under the radar in 2019. Kennedy has been one name on Sydney's short list of players who have shown up this season. The tough on-baller currently sits in the top 10 for clearances at 6.4 an outing, with the Swans also heavily relying on his two-way game with averages of 6.1 tackles and 4.2 inside 50's a match.
The youngest to make this aging list of stars, Hooker's season has been a standout under John Worsfold. Hooker ranks elite in disposals, rebound 50's, marks, contested marks and intercept possessions for key-defenders in 2019 and has been a reliable backbone for the Bombers' 2019 campaign.
Injuries have impeded the Tigers' back-line in the first half of 2019, with their ongoing injury crisis proving how heavily they rely on Houli's run and chase in defence. Houli managed to collect over 30 touches on four separate occasions in his first eight games for the year, adding to his high-pressure, off-ball threat.
A standout two-way runner who is having a breakout year with the Hawks at the age of 30. A tall, accurate mover of the footy is exactly what the Hawks were after this season, as midfield stocks were hindered following Tom Mitchell's knee injury in the preseason. Henderson is averaging a staggering 469.1 metres gained from 27.3 touches a match in 2019 as an outside runner.
Sitting second in the Coleman with 35 goals from the opening 12 rounds, Hawkins is enjoying his 2019 campaign, with Geelong sitting pretty on top of the ladder and flag favourites heading into the final bye round. Hawkins has managed to kick four goals in each of his last five outings, as he looks to add a Coleman medal to his trophy room.
The 'Little Master' just doesn't look like slowing down. The oldest in our list and fifth oldest in the league, Ablett has flourished in a new role for Geelong at the age of 35-years-old. Playing predominately forward in a new-look Geelong side, Ablett has kicked 22 goals from 11 games, including a four-goal haul against North Melbourne in round eight.
Hurn looks destined to add a second-consecutive All-Australian selection following a career-best 2018 season, where he captained the Eagles to their fourth premiership. Hurn has been lethal for West Coast out of defence in 2019, disposing of the ball at an 87.8% success rate. The 'General' of the Eagles' back six, Hurn has been as reliable as ever with his movement on and off the footy.
Pendlebury is averaging above 28 touches a game for the eighth time in his last nine seasons with the Pies. Most players look to slow down once they turn 31, but for Pendlebury, his numbers in 2019 haven't looked like dropping off. An ANZAC Day medal outing in round six has been a major highlight in 2019, accumulating 38 touches - his most since round 16, 2013.
It's fair to presume nobody saw Travis Boak's 2019 campaign pan-out like it has so far. The ex-Port skipper currently ranks fourth for disposals (32.3) and sixth for contested possessions (15.1) a game, leading from the coalface for his side. Boak averages over 450 metres gained and 6.8 clearances per match, a category he ranks 8th in the league for. Nine matches of 30+ touches in 2019 have seen the 30-year-old tagged as a 'Brownlow smokey', as he'll look to add a third All-Australian selection to his illustrious career at Port Adelaide.