Aaron Bruce played a critical role in Eastlake’s grand final win. He has played 314 games, with the grand final being his final game. Photo: Supplied.
For Eastlake veteran Aaron Bruce, it was perfect timing and the ultimate way to finish a great career in AFL Canberra football.
After making his first-grade debut with Eastlake when he was just 15 years of age in 2005, Aaron played 20 seasons straight to get to this moment in his career.
In his 314th game, Aaron, playing alongside his former AFL star brother Josh, led the Demons to a 37-point victory over the Queanbeyan Tigers at Phillip Oval 10-14-74 to 5-7-37 in the grand final game.
The Eastlake Demons Football Club won by 37 points over Queanbeyan. Photo: Eastlake FC Facebook.
It only became apparent to most while at the ground that it was to be Aaron’s final game. At 35 years of age, it was time to retire.
His decision to call it a day after the decider was a tightly held secret in the weeks leading up to the grand final.
“I didn’t tell my teammates until the Tuesday before the grand final. I wanted to make sure it wasn’t a distraction,” he said.
If anything, it motivated the Bruce brothers as they both were key to the victory.
Playing alongside his brother, Josh, in the 2025 grand final was a fitting way for Aaron Bruce to end his career at Eastlake. Photo: Supplied.
Aaron was named the Best on Ground and was awarded the Jesaulenko Medal.
“It feels epic,” he said.
“The sense of it all is just starting to sink in. The crowd, the team, the supporters. It was a great way to finish my career.
“It was great to do it with Josh. He didn’t need to come back after his AFL career and his battle with injuries. But we really wanted to do it together. I couldn’t have scripted it any better.”
Aaron’s career of 20 straight seasons of high-level football from 2005 to now, including 2008 with the Swans Reserves, is quite remarkable.
Speaking as the enormity of the moment has sunk in, he said he is ready for the next phase in his life, with a focus on family time.
As to the prospect of coaching in the future? Possibly helping out his kids’ teams one day, but essentially, it’s too early to think about.
Ainslie FC fought back to take the title against Belconnen. Photo: Ainslie FC Facebook.
In the AFL Canberra women’s grand final, Ainslie, despite suffering injuries to key players late in the game, withstood a strong fightback from Belconnen to win their second premiership in three years.
Ainslie skipper Greta Larkey was one of the late injuries for the tri-colours, but played such a key role in her time on the park to be named Best on Ground.
