Matthew Eagles has experienced a whirlwind migration to Victoria’s cooler climate to play at North Ballarat in the Peter Jackson VFL this year.
The 26-year-old forward/ruckman enjoyed a 61-goal season for Yeronga South Brisbane in the Queensland Football Association in 2015, winning the QFA South competition’s best and fairest award.
In February, the Adelaide native moved from Queensland down to Melbourne to feature in Foxtel’s ‘The Recruit’, a 10-part reality television series that follows a group of local football players competing against each other for a guaranteed spot on an AFL club list.
With the 10 weeks of filming completed in May and a wait of several months before the winner is announced live on air, Eagles has joined the Roosters to continue his progression towards a potential AFL career.
“It’s good to be playing at a higher level than I was back home,” Eagles said.
“There’s a bit more structure with game plans and just a bit more professionalism. I was only playing amateurs back in Queensland and having a muck-around, so it’s good to be in a professional environment and focusing on footy a bit more.
“Getting used to the Ballarat weather will be a bit tricky though. It’s a big change coming from Brisbane, so I’ve pretty much bought a new wardrobe.”
Eagles signed with North Ballarat shortly before making his VFL debut four weeks ago when the Roosters lost to Port Melbourne by nine points at Eureka Stadium.
The 200cm, 99kg big man slotted in as ruck support for Orren Stephenson and Rowan Marshall, recording 11 disposals, 15 hitouts and a goal.
He said triple-premiership-winning ruckman Stephenson had helped him make an easy transition to the club and was helping him fine-tune his ruck craft.
That much was evident two weeks ago in Round 9 when Eagles had 13 disposals and kicked a remarkable goal out of mid-air in a ruck contest during a 27-point loss to the Box Hill Hawks.
“I felt comfortable with the team; I felt like I’d been playing there for a while,” Eagles said after his debut game.
“The coaching staff were good and didn’t put any pressure on me – they just said to have fun. It was a good standard of footy. There was a bit more space and the skills were a lot better (than in the QFA).
“I just need to get my head around the different game style. Back in Brisbane I was just sitting in the goal square and waiting for it to come to me pretty much.”
While Eagles enjoyed an “unreal” experience as part of ‘The Recruit’ – receiving tutelage from legendary former AFL coach Mick Malthouse and ex-Hawthorn sharpshooter Ben Dixon – he said the biggest asset he could offer the Roosters and any interested AFL clubs was something that probably can’t be taught.
“I learnt a lot from Ben Dixon in terms of skills and a little bit on my goalkicking... but he was really impressed with my aggression,” Eagles said. “You can’t really teach that.
“Obviously my height and ability is handy, but determination and aggression is something recruiters look for.”
Last Modified on 14/06/2016 12:05
