Kyle Matthews has continued to endure. However, last weekend it was a different endurance that saw Matthew’s make his stellar return to senior VFL football to captain the Casey Scorpions to a win in a near best on ground performance as Brendan Lucas reports.
Matthews - who had not played a senior game since 2009 - suffered life-threatening injuries in 2010 after being assaulted outside the Geebung Polo Club in Melbourne; knocked unconscious on the side of the road.
However if things could not get worse for the young Scorpions captain, two injuries sustained one after the other earlier this year have tested Matthews' motivation to play the game that he loves most, football.
“Well [the season] started off and I thought I was coming into a bit of fitness, because I started pre-season early then tore one hamstring, came back two games later and tore the other one which got pretty frustrating,” Matthews said.
Scorpions coach Brad Gotch believes the level of perseverance Matthews has showed over the years demonstrates his high level of work ethic and desire to compete at the highest level.
“I was star struck when I first saw him in a practice game a couple of years ago. He was playing in one of our earlier games against the Bullants, and I had no idea who this player was. The way he tackled, jumped up and went again was like he was playing for four premiership points.”
Matthews made his return to the Peter Jackson VFL last weekend in a 100-point demolition against top four aspirants the Northern Bullants.
The dominant win secured a Qualifying Final this week against undefeated Port Melbourne, whilst Matthews added 18 possessions, five goals and seven tackles to his name in only three quarters.
“We had to rest him in the last quarter because he was a little bit sore, but when you play like that it’s great to see,” said Gotch on Matthews’ return.
The Scorpions are charging into September and Matthews wants nothing more than to be a part of the team.
He believes what coach Brad Gotch has done for the side this season is create balance, helping the players to get the most out of their games.
“He’s been good with the side and helping out around the club, he is excellent when it comes to helping the players get the most out of their training,” said Matthews.
“At the moment I’m just happy back playing football,” a cheerful Matthews said after the Casey Scorpions huge win.
Asked about whether he could be drafted to play AFL, Matthews said he just wants to focus on playing some consistent football throughout the finals and not look too far ahead.
“I don’t think so, I’m still young, if it happens it happens,” he said.
Last Modified on 31/08/2011 22:55