AFL Chief Executive Andrew Demetriou today announced triple Essendon premiership player Jack Jones and Geelong pair Joe Sellwood and Wayne Closter would be inducted into the AFL 200 Club at tomorrow night's annual dinner, to be held in the Jim Stynes Room at the MCG, after honorary membership for the trio was approved.

The AFL 200 Club honours all players in the history of the game who have reached a combined 200 premiership / finals / pre-season / state / international matches, with various rights for every member, including attendance at all AFL games.

Mr Demetriou said the AFL had considered a submission that Jones, Sellwood and Closter had each suffered significant interruptions to their career due to war / active service, and had been denied the chance to qualify for the 200 Club for this reason only, when examining their careers.

Sellwood, 96, is the game's oldest-living premiership player, having played in Geelong's 1937 victory over Collingwood. He played in 181 games for Geelong and Victoria between 1930-45, albeit that Geelong withdrew from the VFL competition for two full seasons in 1942-43. Sellwood also worked in essential industry during the Second World War, further reducing his playing availability in 1939-41 and 1944-45.

Jones, 82, had his VFL debut with Essendon delayed until 1946, after completing active service, but still went on to play 175 matches, including the 1946, 1949, and 1950 premierships among his seven Grand Finals.

Closter, 62, had his career interrupted by active service in Vietnam, playing 191 matches between 1964-75.

Mr Demetriou said the AFL was delighted that all three men had accepted 200 Club Membership.

""The AFL seeks to recognise and celebrate our history at all times and it was appropriate that we consider a number of men whose careers were affected by their service for the country,"" Mr Demetriou said.

""Joe, Jack and Wayne all could have reasonably expected to qualify for the 200 Club, when you look at their careers around their service, and we are delighted that each will accept membership of the 200 Club at tomorrow night's annual induction function at the MCG,"" he said