Fremantle midfielder Michael Barlow says age is no longer a barrier for mature players wanting to get into the AFL.
Barlow was 22 when he was drafted by Fremantle in the 2009 Rookie Draft and is now on the cusp of playing his 100th game.
Along with Geelong premiership forward James Podsiadly, Barlow was among the first mature-aged recruits to have an impact in the AFL and make recruiters think twice about dismissing older draftees.
Mature-aged recruits have now become commonplace with many clubs seeking their already developed bodies and maturity.
“Mature-aged recruits are starting to become a lot more common,” Barlow said.
“In my era they were few and far between.”
Barlow said Fremantle had given mature age players a chance such as Hayden Ballantyne and Lee Spurr.
“This club is great at creating opportunities for mature age players,” he said.
“I don’t think age is used as an excuse when they go to the recruiting table.”
Barlow said he made the most of his opportunities because in the AFL, they may be limited.
“Your time in the game can be fleeting,” he said.
“It does feel just like yesterday that I was recruited to this club.
“I’ve had so many fantastic moments and so many challenging moments but they all happening so fleetingly.”
