Matera hangs up the boots.

[Brettstigers]

I always liked Matera - crucified bigger opponents and for a short stuff was the Weagles forward line for a long time. Liked him because he was different - did it on ability. Actually I think he was a lot like Patrick McEnroe but with more comparable ability to his older brother. How anyone can hate a guy (see above) that just has a go I am not quite certain. Must have been crushing to miss a final and then realise injury is not going to let you get up this year or indeed any other year.

Interesting to think that Richo probably would have retired by now if he had to travel as much as the West Coast players.

 

[nackers]

goodone imo i thought both him and his brother were arogant. i also remember sitting at the mcg watching after he kicked a goal the smart ars used to give it to ,not just richmond players but players of other teams i thought he rode on his brothers coat tails a fair bit imo i dont think he was that gooder player ;D ;D ;D ;D

 

[Darth Tiger]

So the little *smile* has finally flushed himself.

Very Good pocket player, probably better than KB when KB became a permanent forward later in his career.

Didnt mind his demeanour on the field as it used to get under opponents skin and create advantage for him to exploit.

His offensive and defensive pressure in the forward line should become the benchmark for any RFC candidate of the small forward role.

 

[West Aussie Tiger]

All i can say is thank christ!! Good riddance to bad rubbish...would love to knock that guy out!!

 

[Tigermad2005]

Who cares? I only see yellow and black.

 

[TigerMasochist]

Only hate the good players that carve us up, don't notice the ordinary ones.
Matera played as a midget key forward in an average forward line and was a good player.
West coast will miss him we won't.

 

[nitrotiger]

As I said in an earlier post....He was the difference .......not being in the weagles side won the swannies the flag.....l

 

[Otis]

As I said in an earlier post....He was the difference .......not being in the weagles side won the swannies the flag.....l

i agree with that

gun forward, west coast will miss him

 

[BBC]

Matera was a terrific player and this is awful news for the Eagles.

I am surprised so many detest him. To me he was a very fair but smart player. I never saw him as a sniper or stager or whinger.

I liked the fact that he was so little and yet had a great career. His marking on the lead was terrific.

 

[biglinds]

I've been a great admirer of the little pocket rocket. Won eagles goal kicking 5 times. Sad to see a player cut down by injury,just couldnt see himself putting up with the pain for another year.He still battles to get out of bed.

The end of the Matera era,all the best Phil