Simon and Justin Madden were awarded life memberships of the AFL Players' Association on Tuesday night.

The brothers accepted the honour at a function at the Melbourne Convention Centre to celebrate the AFLPA's 40th anniversary.

Former Carlton premiership player David McKay and former West Coast president Neil Hamilton also received life memberships.

The Madden brothers were both presidents of the association, McKay was the original vice-president, while Hamilton was the first advisory board chairman and remains involved in the AFLPA.

AFLPA president Matt Finnis said it was important for the organisation to pay tribute to those critical to the development of its culture and objectives.

"They weren’t just interested in carving out better conditions for the players. They actually and genuinely believed that by providing the league with a coordinated voice for players to work in partnership with, the game would be richer and better,” Finnis said.

Simon played 378 matches between 1974-1992 including the club’s 1984 and 1985 premiership success.