Phillip Matera facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Phillip Matera |
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| Personal information | |||
| Date of birth | 27 November 1975 | ||
| Original team | South Fremantle (WAFL) | ||
| Debut | Round 4, 21 April 1996, West Coast Eagles v. Geelong, at Subiaco Oval |
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| Career highlights | |||
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Phillip Matera was a fantastic Australian rules footballer, born on November 27, 1975. He was known for his incredible speed and goal-kicking skills during his time playing for the West Coast Eagles.
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Phillip Matera's Football Journey
Phillip Matera started his professional football career in 1996. He was a "forward pocket" player, which means he played close to the goal to score points. Even though he was 171 cm tall, he became one of the best small forwards in the Australian Football League (AFL).
Family of Footy Stars
Phillip comes from a family of talented footballers! His brothers, Peter and Wally, also played in the AFL. Phillip was the third Matera brother to play for the West Coast Eagles.
Amazing Achievements
Phillip was a top scorer for the West Coast Eagles many times. He was the club's leading goalkicker in 2000, and again in 2002. His amazing speed and ability to put pressure on the other team often helped create chances for his team to score.
In 2003, Phillip had a super year. He kicked 62 goals and was chosen for the All-Australian team for the first time. This team is made up of the best players from across the entire league. In 2004, he almost made the All-Australian team again, kicking 61 goals.
Retirement from the Game
Phillip Matera decided to retire from AFL football on November 23, 2005. He had a long-term back injury that made it hard for him to keep playing at the top level. He immediately started focusing on his electrical business, which he had begun in 2003.
Phillip was one of the West Coast Eagles' most important goalkickers during his time with the team. He scored an incredible 389 goals in 179 games. This makes him the fourth-highest goal scorer in the club's history! After retiring as a player, he later became an assistant coach at the Claremont Football Club in December 2009.
Phillip later shared that he decided to leave the game because he wasn't chosen to play in the 2005 AFL Grand Final. Even though he told his coach, John Worsfold, that he was fit to play, another player was chosen instead.
