The Debate Over AFL/VFL Records and the Legacy of Non-Victorian Players
The Australian Football League (AFL) is a league steeped in history, tradition, and passionate fanbases. However, not all fans share the same perspective on how the league’s records are compiled and presented. One of the most contentious issues revolves around the use of the term “AFL/VFL” in official records, which many non-Victorian fans view as an oversight or even a slight against players from outside Victoria.
A Historical Context
When the AFL was established in 1990, it was essentially an expansion of the Victorian Football League (VFL). This historical foundation is why the term “AFL/VFL” appears in records, reflecting the league’s origins. For some, this is a simple acknowledgment of history. For others, it feels like a deliberate exclusion of achievements by players from other states, particularly those who played in competitions like the SANFL (South Australian National Football League) or WAFL (West Australian Football League).
This debate has been reignited recently, thanks to Collingwood champion Scott Pendlebury’s milestone of 433 matches, which places him ahead of North Melbourne’s Brent Harvey as the games record holder under the AFL/VFL designation.
A Moment of Recognition
Pendlebury’s achievement has sparked renewed discussion about the value of non-Victorian records and their place in the game’s history. While many acknowledge his brilliance, some fans feel that players like Craig Bradley — who played over 460 senior games across both the SANFL and AFL — deserve equal recognition.
“I don’t think there’s anyone in football who would deny Scott Pendlebury’s place in history,” said commentary legend Bruce McAvaney. “He’s such a compact, brilliant architect in the way he goes about his football. I’ve got nothing but admiration for him.”
However, the conversation often shifts to questions about the broader implications of how records are counted. Fans argue that players from other states, who may have played more games overall, are overlooked simply because their careers were not confined to the AFL/VFL.
The Case for Non-Victorian Players
Craig Bradley is just one of many players from outside Victoria whose careers span multiple leagues. His 375 games for Carlton and over 80 for Port Adelaide in the SANFL make him a standout figure in Australian Rules football. Similarly, South Australian player Peter Carey played 448 league games in the SANFL, including three premierships and All Australian selections.
In Western Australia, the debate is no less intense. Players like Mel Whinnen and Brian Peake, who played hundreds of games for teams like West Perth and East Fremantle, are often excluded from the AFL/VFL record books despite their significant contributions.
Adelaide sports journalist Andrew Capel acknowledges the frustration felt by these players. “Some wouldn’t care, but others do feel aggrieved because they’ve been great long-term servants of the game,” he said. “I’m sure every time you see these stories, they do jump up and say, ‘What about me?’”
Despite this, Capel believes that including SANFL and WAFL records in AFL tallies may not be the right approach. “I respect both sides of the argument, but I would leave it the way it is,” he said. “The fact is that [the AFL] is an expanded VFL competition, which is why it’s called ‘VFL slash AFL’.”
The Importance of Acknowledging All Contributions
McAvaney agrees with this perspective, while also acknowledging the complexity of the issue. “There are still 10 Victorian teams in the 18-team competition. We sort of joined their competition — they didn’t join ours,” he said. He also pointed out that the AFL record book does include achievements of players like Bradley, Carey, and others.
“If you look at the AFL season guide, on page 640 under ‘most national games at senior level,’ Craig Bradley’s number one and Peter Carey’s number two,” he added.
A Red Herring or a Valid Concern?
While the debate over Pendlebury’s record may seem like a red herring, it highlights a deeper issue: the need to recognize and celebrate the contributions of all players, regardless of where they came from. Pendlebury’s achievement is undeniably impressive, but it doesn’t diminish the legacies of players like Bradley or Carey.
As the years pass, the sore points of this debate may soften. For now, however, the conversation continues — and that, according to McAvaney, is part of what makes sport so compelling.
“Debate in footy, and sport, is always a good thing. Some of it makes me smile,” he said. “But some of it — I think, ‘Well, we better get on with it guys because I reckon we’ve had that conversation for a long time.’”
