Peter Matera facts for kids

Peter Matera (born 3 April 1969) is a famous former Australian rules football player. He played for the West Coast Eagles in the Australian Football League (AFL). Many people think he is one of the best players from Western Australia and one of the greatest Indigenous players ever.

Peter is a member of the Australian Football Hall of Fame. He was also named in the Indigenous Team of the Century. He won two AFL premierships and was chosen as an All-Australian player five times.

He was known for his amazing speed and how he could run with the ball. He is especially remembered for his incredible game in the 1992 AFL Grand Final. His performance in that game won him the Norm Smith Medal.

Early Life and Football Start

Peter Matera was born in Wagin, Western Australia. His mother was Indigenous (Noongar) and his father was Italian. He grew up with seven brothers and sisters.

Two of his brothers, Wally Matera and Phillip Matera, also became professional football players. Peter first played soccer when he was young. But he was inspired by his older brother Wally's success in Australian rules football.

Peter was chosen to play for the West Coast Eagles in the 1989 National Draft. Before that, he played for South Fremantle in the West Australian Football League (WAFL).

Peter Matera's AFL Career

Peter Matera started playing for the West Coast Eagles in 1990. In his first year, he played only five games. But in 1991, he became a rising star.

He finished fourth in the Brownlow Medal award that year. He also earned his first All-Australian honor. Peter had another great year in 1992. He played an amazing finals series.

His Best Game: The 1992 Grand Final

Peter Matera made history with his incredible performance in the 1992 AFL Grand Final. The West Coast Eagles won their first ever premiership that day. Peter was a key reason why.

He played on the wing and kicked five goals, which is a lot for a player in his position. Many fans remember him "setting sail for home" with the ball. This moment is seen as a defining part of West Coast Eagles history. Peter won the Norm Smith Medal for being the best player on the field in that Grand Final.

A Star Player in the Mid-1990s

After 1992, Peter Matera continued to be one of the AFL's top players. He was known for his great goal-kicking ability and how well he understood the game. He was a true "game breaker" who could change the outcome of a match.

He was selected as an All-Australian again in 1993 and 1994. In 1994, he also finished second in the Brownlow Medal count. He played a big part in West Coast winning their second premiership in 1994. It was later found out that he played that Grand Final with a leg injury.

Changing His Role on the Field

By 1996, Peter's famous speed started to slow down a bit. So, he changed his playing position. He became a half-back flanker, which is a defensive role. He was very successful in this new position.

Even though his time as a wingman is more famous, he was also a great defender. He earned All-Australian status again in 1996 and 1997. In 1996, he was named on the wing in West Coast's Team of the Decade.

Playing with His Brother Phillip

In 1996, Peter's younger brother, Phillip Matera, joined him at the West Coast Eagles. Phillip was also a fast player, known as a forward pocket. He became one of the best goal-kickers of his time.

Phillip, nicknamed "Fido," played 179 games and kicked 389 goals for West Coast. He retired after the 2005 season.

Winning the Club Champion Award

Peter Matera was always a consistent player for the West Coast Eagles. He finished in the top five for the club's best player award many times. Finally, in 1997, he won his first Club Champion Award.

He finished just two votes ahead of another Eagles legend, Dean Kemp. Even though he only won the award once, his consistent great play throughout the 1990s makes him one of the greatest Eagles players.

A Big Decision: Staying with the Eagles

In late 1997, Peter Matera surprised many people. He said he wanted to leave the West Coast Eagles and join the Melbourne Football Club. He said he wanted to play more games at the MCG stadium.

This news caused a lot of discussion in Western Australia. Many of his teammates, including captain John Worsfold, visited his home. A few days later, Peter changed his mind. He decided to stay with the West Coast Eagles.

Winding Down His Career

As Peter Matera got older, his performance slowly started to decline. Many of his premiership teammates retired around the year 2000. Peter became one of the few experienced players left at the club.

He was named a vice-captain in 1999 and held that role for three seasons. The team struggled in 2000 and 2001, missing the finals. Peter still finished in the top 10 for the Club Champion award, but he wasn't playing at his absolute peak.

In 2002, the legendary Eagles captain John Worsfold returned to the club as the senior coach. The team improved and made it back to the finals. Peter, at 33 years old, played some good games that year. It seemed like he might play on in 2003.

However, in early 2003, Peter Matera announced his retirement. He had a persistent thigh injury that stopped him from getting back to his best fitness. He decided to end his amazing career.

Peter Matera played 253 games for the West Coast Eagles and kicked 218 goals over 13 seasons. He also played 60 games for South Fremantle and represented Western Australia five times in state football.

Honours and Achievements

Team Awards

• 2× AFL Premiership player (West Coast): 1992, 1994
• 2× McClelland Trophy (West Coast): 1991, 1994

Individual Awards

• Norm Smith Medal: 1992
• John Worsfold Medal: 1997
• 5× All-Australian team: 1991, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997
• 4× State of Origin (Western Australia): 1991, 1992, 1993, 1997
• Australian Football League Indigenous Team of the Century 1904-2003 – Wing
• Italian Team of the Century - Wing

Life After Football

In August 2005, Peter Matera was honored by being named on the wing of the Indigenous Team of the Century. He said it was a great honor to be recognized alongside players like Stephen Michael and Polly Farmer, who he admired.

After retiring from playing, Matera spent some time coaching in South Western Australia. In 2006, he took on a role as an assistant coach and mentor at the East Perth Football Club in the WAFL.

On 10 March 2006, Peter Matera was inducted into the Western Australian Football Hall of Fame. A few months later, on 22 June 2006, he became the first player who spent his whole AFL career at the West Coast Eagles to be inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame. This is one of the highest honors in Australian Football.

In early 2015, the Matera Foundation was started. This foundation helps Aboriginal Australians find jobs.

In 2019, it was announced that Matera would join the AFL Tribunal in 2020. The AFL Tribunal is a group that makes decisions about player conduct and rules.

In May 2022, Peter Matera was taken to the hospital after having a heart attack.