FORMER West Coast goalsneak Phil Matera has revealed he was a shattered man after being dropped from the Eagles side on the eve of the 2005 AFL Grand Final.
Speaking on Perth radio yesterday, Matera said he did everything required of him in fitness tests in the lead-up to the season decider but failed to win back his spot. West Coast lost to Sydney in an epic by four points.
"I did everything they wanted me to do; they gave me fitness tests and I passed them," Matera said on Radio West. "He (Worsfold) obviously didn't need me that day."
Matera believed he had overcome a groin injury following West Coast's thrilling two-point victory over the Swans in the qualifying final in Perth. As it turned out, that was his last game in the AFL. He retired from football following the grand final.
Matera, brother of club great Peter and Wally, won West Coast's goalkicking five times, was All-Australian in 2003 and played 179 games in nine seasons at the club. He kicked 389 goals and was awarded life membership (150 games) at West Coast.
DARREN MONCRIEFF
AboriginalFootball@westnet.com.au
Monday, August 4, 2008
Last Modified on 04/08/2008 23:10