CHAMPIONS WHO SHARE A HUNGER THAT MUST BE SATISFIED

THE dark coronavirus cloud could have one silver lining in sport. A batch of Australia’s sporting greats could extend their careers.

English Premier League megastar Kevin De Bruyne has postponed his retirement plans as the coronavirus shutdown makes him realise how much he’ll miss soccer.

Will some of Australia’s sporting stalwarts follow suit?

GARY ABLETT

Arguably the AFL’s greatest modern-day player said he would hang up the boots at the end of this season. But despite turning 36 next month, will the prospect of not playing again this year prompt a rethink for the dual Brownlow medallist?

CAMERON SMITH

The NRL’s mostcapped player admits he was close to retiring at the end of last season, before finding the hunger to continue. Turns 37 in June and now says he has no retirement plans when his 2020 contract expires.

BESART BERISHA

The A-League’s super-striker holds the record for most goals in the competition after returning to Australia with Western United in the suspended season. Turns 35 in July, but surely could play on.

EDDIE BETTS

The AFL’s most-loved player rejoined Carlton on a one-year contract for the stalled season. If the season is scrapped entirely, will the dynamic forward, who turns 34 in November, seek a fresh deal?

JOSH KENNEDY

The AFL goalkicking machine was a chance to call time on his career at West Coast at season’s end. The 32-year-old is now conceding that even if he wants to continue, potential cuts to player list sizes may make the decision for him.