Wally Matera facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wally Matera |
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| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Walter John Matera | ||
| Date of birth | 9 September 1963 | ||
| Original team | South Fremantle (WAFL) | ||
| Draft | No. 3, 1989 pre-season draft | ||
| Debut | Round 1, 1987, West Coast v. Richmond, at Subiaco Oval |
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| Career highlights | |||
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Walter John Matera, born on 9 September 1963, is a well-known former Australian rules footballer. He played for big teams like the West Coast Eagles and Fitzroy in the AFL. He also played for South Fremantle in the WAFL.
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Wally Matera's Football Journey
Starting in South Fremantle
Wally Matera began his football career with the South Fremantle team. He joined them from Wagin Federals and played his first game in 1982 when he was just 18 years old.
Just three years later, in 1985, Wally showed how talented he was by winning the "best and fairest" award for South Fremantle. This award goes to the player who performs the best and shows the most sportsmanship throughout the season.
Playing in the AFL
After his strong performances, Wally Matera was chosen to join the West Coast Eagles for their very first season in the AFL in 1987. He made a big impact right away! In the Eagles' first-ever league game, he was their top goal scorer, kicking 4 goals.
After playing for the West Coast Eagles for a couple of seasons, Wally moved to Victoria. There, he joined the Fitzroy team and played with them until the end of 1990.
Back to Western Australia
After leaving the AFL, Wally Matera stayed in Victoria for a short time. He played for the Prahran team before heading back home to Western Australia.
Once back in WA, he rejoined his original team, South Fremantle. He continued to be a star player, winning the "best and fairest" award two more times in 1992 and 1993. In 1992, he was made vice-captain, and then in 1993, he became the team's captain.
A Family of Footballers
Wally Matera comes from a very talented football family! His brothers, Peter and Phillip Matera, also became professional Australian rules footballers. They both followed in Wally's footsteps and played for the West Coast Eagles.
Wally's sons, Brandon and Bailey, also play Australian rules football. Brandon played in the AFL for Gold Coast and Fremantle. He also played in the WAFL for South Fremantle, Peel, and Subiaco. His brother Bailey has played for South Fremantle and Subiaco. Both Brandon and Bailey were part of the Subiaco team that won the 2021 WAFL premiership.
