Obviously, the smaller the player, the bigger the need for a nickname!

Let me redress that?

When Xavier Taylor becomes captain, they'll call him 'E'.

XTC.

Write up by poster from the Vic country trial game in early May

Matthews showed plenty of X-factor on Sunday and proved to be very dangerous at the fall of the ball from the packs, while also being strong around the contest, especially against bigger opponents. His follow-up work was excellent while he also showed great vision and composure to set up his teammates for a few goals. A highlight of his game off the ball was where he continually showed his endeavour to chase with his closing speed to ensure his opponent earned his kick. His goals came at crucial moments in the game, which included an excellent set shot kick on the half time siren and a goal early in the third quarter to get things going for Vic Country in the second half. Matthews showed great kicking power and was hard and fast on a lead inside forward 50. He came off halfway through the last quarter with what looked to be an ankle injury

Stats: 10 disposals, 4 goals, 2 behinds

13 hours ago, cstyles99 said:

Not saying this is why we picked him, but he’s best mates with Bailey Humphrey

After seeing BH post it’s def a plus and gives us 1% added equity in the hunt for him — but Thomas is a jet who reminds me of Papley (finishing) & Bedford in his running and relentlessness!

10 hours ago, Ethan Tremblay said:

Maybe he’s Philipoo…?

If Matthews stayed on the same trajectory that he was on prior to his PCL, I wonder what pick he would’ve gone for. Anyone have any idea?

Seems like 15-30

13 hours ago, Timothy Reddan-A'Blew said:

...and, steadily, one for which Casey Fields ain't so foreign!

Gippy RULES!

Don’t sleep on this — clearly a sub-strategy in recruitment and I for one LOVE this.. mates with X already, top 20 lock 6m ago this screams JT SPECIAL & a fwd line with Mathew’s, 2x Pickett is gonna be a sight let me tell you NOW..

1 hour ago, spirit of norm smith said:

Conspiracy theories abound.

Dees will push to get Bailey Humphrey by offering 2026 MFC 1st round + GCS 1st round draft picks. Perhaps back from Suns … Humphrey and Suns 2027 2nd round pick

Are we allowed to trade GCs pick back to them? Maybe we move it for another 1st rnd and trade that.

33 minutes ago, Mickey said:

Are we allowed to trade GCs pick back to them? Maybe we move it for another 1st rnd and trade that.

We can as long as it’s not in the same trade period

https://www.zerohanger.com/who-is-tom-matthews-the-inside-word-on-melbournes-afl-draft-bolter-171102/

Great replacement for Spargo. The difference being that he can kick the ball some distance and actually kicks goals.

“His point-of-difference is that he's so dynamic,” Recruiting Manager Jason Taylor said.

“His speed to get after opposition and provide pressure and tackle is outstanding really.

“He can sit on heads, he can kick goals, he's creative, so he's got a fair bit to his game.

“He's a really dynamic athlete, his testing is off the charts, his speed and endurance is really good.

“He's going to take some time though, recovering from that knee, and he's got time on his side.

“We'll get that right, and we're really excited by what he can be down the track.

“He does add a dimension to the forward line that's different to Kade Chandler, potentially Latrelle (Pickett) and Bailey Laurie.

Edited November 20, 2025Nov 20 by dazzledavey36

JT putting in the work early for next year. If it gets us Humphries then it's a home run.

Seriously though, happy to add new dimension to the small forward stocks. Faster version of Spargo?

He certainly comes highly recommended, I was a bit stunned when JT called his name out at pick 30 but having read up on him like half the posters on here I am very happy with this pick.

Welcome to the MFC young Thomas “Tank” Mathews, get that knee right and look forward to seeing you out on the “G” sometime next year.

49 minutes ago, stinga said:

Great replacement for Spargo. The difference being that he can kick the ball some distance and actually kicks goals.

Let’s see him play an afl game before we assume he’s got the Spargoat covered.

That said, it’s not what he does with the ball that excites me compared with Charlie. I want to see flat out speed and aggressive tackling. That’s something injuries took out of Spargo’s game and our forward line aside from Kozzie really lacked.

Is he over his injuries or is he likely to be in the rehab group over summer?

2 hours ago, Timothy Reddan-A'Blew said:

Obviously, the smaller the player, the bigger the need for a nickname!

Let me redress that?

When Xavier Taylor becomes captain, they'll call him 'E'.

XTC.

When interviewed on SEN he said that he does not have a footy nickname but his family call him Reggie (middle name Reginald after a grand father)

Can anyone post the SEN interview? I can't seem to find it.

2 hours ago, dazzledavey36 said:

“His point-of-difference is that he's so dynamic,” Recruiting Manager Jason Taylor said.

“His speed to get after opposition and provide pressure and tackle is outstanding really.

“He can sit on heads, he can kick goals, he's creative, so he's got a fair bit to his game.

“He's a really dynamic athlete, his testing is off the charts, his speed and endurance is really good.

“He's going to take some time though, recovering from that knee, and he's got time on his side.

“We'll get that right, and we're really excited by what he can be down the track.

“He does add a dimension to the forward line that's different to Kade Chandler, potentially Latrelle (Pickett) and Bailey Laurie.

thats a very strong recommendation by Taylor. Given the wraps how did he last till pick 30 ? Pickett and Dovaston were getting some write ups but why not this guy ? intriguing.

Just now, Bay Riffin said:

thats a very strong recommendation by Taylor. Given the wraps how did he last till pick 30 ? Pickett and Dovaston were getting some write ups but why not this guy ? intriguing.

Injury and being 170cms ‘tall’ I would say

3 minutes ago, rpfc said:

Injury and being 170cms ‘tall’ I would say

Rpfc, Mathews is listed as 172cm same as Kozzie Pickett. Plays a bit like Kysaiah as well, apparently takes a big grab as well and loves to tackle.😁

Aussie Rules Rookie Me Central

Thomas Matthews Draft Profile

Gippsland Power skipper Thomas Matthews is a livewire small forward who applies relentless pressure and kicks goals in bunches.

Tom is listed as the captain of the Power. Being a junior footy captain is a very high recommendation.

Think this has been posted before but a good clip of him taking a nice mark and converting before embracing teammates, including our own ricky mentha.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_ZzdfovObC/

Edited November 21, 2025Nov 21 by Random Task

2 minutes ago, Random Task said:

Think this has been posted before but a good clip of him taking a nice mark and converting before embracing teammates, including our own ricky mentha.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_ZzdfovObC/

Jamie Elliott like..

4 hours ago, layzie said:

JT putting in the work early for next year. If it gets us Humphries then it's a home run.

Seriously though, happy to add new dimension to the small forward stocks. Faster version of Spargo?

And hopefully a version of Laurie that can actually perform at AFL level.

Must have played in some impressive performances in South Australia.