2009 National Draft - Matt Dea (Pick 44)
DOB: 13/10/91
Height: 186.3cm
Weight: 83.0kg
Club: Nth Ballarat Rebels, TAC Cup
What the recruiters say:Matt has been a late starter to football having played basketball at elite junior levels for Victoria and for the Ballarat Nuggets in 2009 where he averaged over 10 points and 3 assists per game.
Matt was spotted by our recruiters playing for Ballart-Clarendon College early in 2009 and they monitored his progress closely before he came to play 3 games for the North Ballarat Rebels in the TAC Cup. He impressed with a 13 disposal, 5 mark, 5 rebound 50 performance against the Calder Cannons in only his 2nd TAC Cup game.
Matt impressed with his aerial ability at centre half back in games for his school, with his spring and sure hands a feature. Then he was also prominent as a fast leading forward out of the goal square where he his power and lateral movement helped him to kick 3 goals in a one quarter burst.
After only 3 games with the Rebels, Matt was invited to the Victorian Screening day in October where he was impressive with a 2.93sec 20 sprint, 8.44 sec agility run and a solid 13.5 beep test score.
Matt still has a lot to learn about the game of AFL football but the club is genuinely excited about his further development. He has shown tremendous natural athletic ability in his games and a courageous edge to his play in defence. The skill required to play at the highest level is a great one however Matt has already demonstrated rapid progress in this area. He will be looked on to initially be developed as a rebounding defender in his early years.
Matt Dea in his own words:What type of player are you?
A very explosive player, who knows how to use their athleticism and size. Player with clean and strong hands, who can have an immediate impact.
Which AFL player do you feel you resemble, and why?
Sam Fisher of St Kilda, because of his ability to play at both ends of the ground. More so because of the impact he can have on aerial contests, with regard to his size and athleticism.
What are your strengths as a footballer?
Athleticism with a strong build. Strong hands, both at ground level and in the air. Good leg speed.
What parts of your game would you like to improve?
Game awareness and knowledge. The ability to know where to run in order to put myself in an attacking position. Also, my skills under pressure.
Which AFL team do you support and how did you come to barrack for them?
Essendon. My father supports them, hence I was not given much of a choice in the matter.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far, and why?
Shaun Moloney. He was the coach of my school football team and exposed me to the desire and intensity that is needed to play footy at an elite level. Furthermore, despite him not being the most skilled footballer, he showed me what is really needed to succeed in football – that being an intense passion and commitment.
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/Season2010/2009NationalDraft/MattDea/tabid/15519/Default.aspx
