DARREN MONCRIEFF
Monday, August 8, 2011
THEY were born just days apart, and later in football little could separate the amazing careers of Chris Lewis and Peter Matera.
Club champions and dual premiership players Lewis and Matera were among eight Eagles players honoured at the club's 25th anniversary celebrations in Perth on Saturday night.
The first of West Coast's many Aboriginal stars, the pair were inducted into the club's Hall of Fame.
The night was part of a week of celebrations for the West Australian club.
The Eagles were hastily formed in late 1986 and had quickly assembled a 32-man squad for the 1987 VFL season.
West Coast made its debut in round 1 against traditional club Richmond at Subiaco Oval with several debutants in the team. Chris Lewis was one of them.
WITH THE BALL ON A STRING: Chris Lewis, during the prime of his career.
At his peak, none were more sublime than the skills possessed by that of Lewis.
His 1990 season ranks as the best by the proud Nyoongar; his feats that season saw him win his first Club Champion award and earn him All-Australian honours.
Often targeted by opposition club's best stopper, Lewis was near unstoppable. His exploits in the Eagles midfield and later half-forward causing particular damage to opponents.
A fan favourite, Lewis assumed the role of club statesman later in his career.
Chris Lewis career
- Original West Coast Eagle (1987-2000)
- Debut: Round 1, 1987 v Richmond at Subiaco Oval
- 215 AFL games
- 257 AFL goals
- 1990 Club Champion
- 1990 AFL All-Australian
- Dual premiership player (1992, 1994)
- Three AFL Grand Finals (1991, 1992, 1994)
- Eagles 20th Anniversary Team
- Eagles Hall of Fame
BRING IT HOME: Peter Matera, with the 1992 premiership cup, premiership medal and Norm Smith Medal.
The man Lewis dubbed 'Roo' for his similarity to the way a kangaroo moves, Matera was a dynamic footballer.
His ability to turn games on their heads with his scintillating runs down the wings etched in football folklore.
Few can forget his fist-pumping celebrations when he booted a magnificent running goal in the 1992 grand final, one of five for Matera as the Eagles created football history by becoming the first non-Victorian team to win a VFL/AFL premiership after its defeat of Geelong.
Matera's brilliant game earned him the Norm Smith Medal, the first for an Eagles player.
Often remembered for his status as the league's best wingmen, Matera was reinvented as a half-back in the latter stages of his career and from which he would earn two of his five All-Australian selections.
Peter Matera career
- West Coast 1990-2002
- Debut: Round 1, 1990 v Collingwood at Subiaco Oval
- 253 games
- 218 goals
- 1997 Club Champion
- 1991, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997 AFL All-Australian
- Dual premiership player (1992, 1994)
- Vice-captain (1999, 2000, 2001)
- Eagles Hall of Fame
In 2005, Lewis and Matera were named in the AFL's Indigenous Team of the Century.
AboriginalFootball@westnet.com.au
Last Modified on 08/08/2011 21:44