Australia's Top 25 Most Famous AFL Players to Play Local Footy
From Brownlow Medal winners and AFL premiership legends to some of the biggest names Australian football has ever seen, local footy has attracted its fair share of superstars over the years.
While most AFL players hang up the boots after retiring from the big stage, others find themselves back where it all began, playing in front of a few hundred spectators at country and suburban football grounds.
Some return to their hometown clubs, others take on coaching roles, while a few pull on the boots for special appearances that attract enormous crowds.
At Mad Monday, we've put together our Top 25 Most Famous AFL Players to Play Local Footy, ranking some of the biggest names to have appeared in community football across Australia.
Australia's Top 25 AFL Players to Play Local Footy
| Rank | AFL Player | Local Football Club |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gary Ablett Snr | Drouin, VIC |
| 2 | Gary Ablett Jr | Drouin / Creswick, VIC |
| 3 | Lance Franklin | Dowerin Tigers, WA |
| 4 | Dustin Martin | Port Douglas Crocs, QLD |
| 5 | Matthew Pavlich | Beverley, WA |
| 6 | Brendan Fevola | Yarrawonga, VIC |
| 7 | Dane Swan | Westmeadows, VIC |
| 8 | Cyril Rioli | Tongala, VIC |
| 9 | Paul Kelly | Wagga Tigers, NSW |
| 10 | Tony Modra | Encounter Bay, SA |
| 11 | Brent Harvey | North Heidelberg, VIC |
| 12 | Jason Akermanis | North Broken Hill, NSW |
| 13 | Trent Cotchin | Port Douglas Crocs, QLD |
| 14 | Shane Crawford | Dowerin Tigers, WA |
| 15 | Tom Hawkins | Finley Cats, NSW |
| 16 | Anthony Koutoufides | Broken Hill, NSW |
| 17 | Travis Cloke | Hurstbridge, VIC |
| 18 | Steve Johnson | Wangaratta, VIC |
| 19 | Gary Rohan | Port Fairy, VIC |
| 20 | Dyson Heppell | Leongatha, VIC |
| 21 | Zach Tuohy | Bacchus Marsh, VIC |
| 22 | Seb Ross | Colac, VIC |
| 23 | Marlion Pickett | Melton South, VIC |
| 24 | Neville Jetta | Fitzroy Stars, VIC |
| 25 | Wayne Weidemann | Coolamon Hoppers, NSW |
Mad Monday's editorial ranking is based on AFL fame, career achievements and public profile, rather than performances at local level. The list includes appearances before and after AFL careers, as well as special appearances. Some individual club connections remain subject to verification.
Gary Ablett Snr: The Greatest Name in Local Footy?
Few footballers have ever attracted the attention that Gary Ablett Snr did.
Before becoming one of the greatest players in VFL/AFL history, Ablett played country football with Drouin in Victoria.
The Geelong legend went on to kick 1,031 VFL/AFL goals, win three Coleman Medals and establish himself as one of the most spectacular players the game has ever seen.
His connection to country football earns him the number one position on our list.
Buddy Franklin: From 1,066 AFL Goals to Country Footy
Imagine turning up to your local football ground and seeing Lance 'Buddy' Franklin running around.
The Hawthorn and Sydney Swans superstar is one of the most recognisable names in modern AFL history.
After an extraordinary 354 games and 1,066 goals, Franklin made a special appearance for the Dowerin Tigers in Western Australia in 2026.
It was a huge occasion for a small country football community and another example of the incredible drawing power former AFL champions can bring to local clubs.
Dustin Martin: Richmond Royalty Heads to Port Douglas
Three premierships, three Norm Smith Medals and a Brownlow Medal.
Dustin Martin's AFL achievements speak for themselves.
The Richmond champion's appearance with the Port Douglas Crocs in Far North Queensland demonstrated how much excitement a superstar footballer can generate outside the AFL.
For country football supporters, the opportunity to watch a player of Martin's calibre at a local ground is something special.
Paul Kelly: Wagga Tigers
The Riverina has produced some outstanding Australian footballers, but few have achieved more than Paul Kelly.
The former Sydney Swans captain played 234 AFL games, won the 1995 Brownlow Medal and became one of the most respected players of his generation.
Kelly's connection with the Wagga Tigers is another reminder of the extraordinary football talent to emerge from regional New South Wales.
We've ranked him ninth on our list.
Brendan Fevola: A Country Football Favourite
Brendan Fevola has arguably become one of the most recognisable former AFL players associated with country football.
The former Carlton and Brisbane Lions forward kicked 623 AFL goals and won two Coleman Medals.
Following his AFL career, Fevola became a major attraction at Yarrawonga in the Ovens and Murray Football League.
His involvement in country football helped attract attention, spectators and media coverage to the competition.
Wayne Weidemann: Coolamon Hoppers
Not every former AFL player heads to country football for a one off appearance.
Some become an important part of their local club's history.
Former Adelaide Crows player Wayne 'The Weed' Weidemann is a perfect example.
Weidemann joined the Coolamon Hoppers in the Riverina Football League and helped lead the club to its 2000 premiership as captain and coach.
He also won Coolamon's Best and Fairest award in 1999 and 2000.
It's the type of contribution that makes former AFL players so valuable to country football clubs.
Why Former AFL Stars Are Great for Local Football
Across Australia, local football clubs are the backbone of their communities.
From the Riverina and the Ovens and Murray to country Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland and suburban Melbourne, thousands of volunteers dedicate their time to keeping clubs running.
When a former AFL superstar joins a local team, the benefits can extend well beyond what happens on the field.
Their appearances can generate bigger crowds, increase canteen and bar revenue, attract sponsorship interest and create unforgettable experiences for junior players.
But perhaps the greatest benefit is the attention these appearances bring to community football.
For a small country club, having a Brownlow Medallist or AFL premiership champion pull on the jumper can become part of club history.
Who Have We Missed?
Australia has produced thousands of AFL footballers, and plenty have continued playing at local level.
Our Top 25 is based on the fame and achievements of the players during their AFL careers, not necessarily their success in country football.
Do you reckon we've missed someone who deserves a spot?
Let us know which former AFL superstar played for your local club.
About Mad Monday
Mad Monday is an independent Australian owned group travel company specialising in Footy Trips, end of season celebrations, cricket trips, netball trips and bucks trips.
We help sporting clubs across Australia organise memorable end of season trips, with accommodation, custom team singlets, merchandise, group activities and events.
Whether your club is based in a major city or a small country town, we can help organise your next trip.
Planning your club's next end of season Footy Trip? Visit Mad Monday and get your FREE and QUICK quote today!