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 17 minutes ago17 min by dazzledavey36