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Leigh Matthews

Last updated on November 25, 2024 at 18:09 pm

Posted on June 15, 2024 at 16:33 pm

Leigh Matthews

Personal information

Full name

Leigh Raymond Matthews

Nickname(s)

Lethal, Barney Rubble

Date of birth

1 March 1952 (age 72)

Place of birth

Frankston, Victoria

Original team(s)

Chelsea (MPNFL)

Height

178 cm (5 ft 10 in)[1]

Weight

86 kg (190 lb)

Position(s)

Midfielder/Forward

Playing career

Years

Club

Games (Goals)


1969–1985

Hawthorn

332 (915)


Representative team honours

Years

Team

Games (Goals)


1971–1982

Victoria

14 (29)


Coaching career

Years

Club

Games (W–L–D)


1986–1995

Collingwood

224 (125–94–5)


1999–2008

Brisbane Lions

237 (142–92–3)


Club total


461 (267–186–8)



1997–1998

Representative

Victoria


2 (2–0–0)


1998

Australia

2 (1–1–0)


Representative total


4 (3–1–0)


Total


465 (270–187–8)


Career highlights

Playing

  • 4× VFL premiership player: 1971, 1976, 1978, 1983

  • VFL premiership captain: 1983

  • 8× Peter Crimmins Perpetual Memorial Trophy: 1971, 1972, 1974, 1976–1978, 1980, 1982

  • VFLPA MVP Award (Leigh Matthews Trophy): 1982

    • Award renamed in 2002 in Matthews honour

  • Coleman Medal: 1975

  • All-Australian team: 1972

  • 2× VFL Team of the Year: 1982, 1983

  • 6× Hawthorn leading goalkicker: 1973, 1975, 1981–1984

  • Hawthorn captain: 1981–1985

  • AFL Team of the Century

  • Hawthorn Team of the Century

  • Championship of Australia Championship: 1971

  • NFL Night Series championship: 1976

  • AFC Night Series premiership: 1977

  • VFL Night Series premiership: 1969

  • 2× Australian National Football Carnival Championship: 1972, 1975

  • Captain of Victoria

Coaching

  • 4× AFL premiership coach: 1990, 2001–2003

  • 3× All-Australian team: 2001–2003

  • AFL team of the year: 1990

  • AFLCA Coaching Legend Award: 2013

Hall of Fame

  • Australian Football Hall of Fame – Legend status

  • Sport Australia Hall of Fame - Legend Status

  • Hawthorn Hall of Fame – Legend status

  • Collingwood Hall of Fame

  • Brisbane Lions Hall of Fame




Leigh Matthews shines as a standout in Australian rules football. His legendary status stems from remarkable feats both on the field as a player and on the sidelines as a coach. Winning best and fairest awards at Hawthorn and a Coleman Medal in 1975 are just a glimpse of his playing prowess. Coaching Collingwood to a premiership in 1990 and steering Brisbane Lions to three grand finals further solidify his legacy. With an exceptional coaching philosophy, Matthews is hailed as one of the AFL’s greatest. His impact transcends time, cementing his place as an iconic figure in the domain of Australian rules football.

Early Life

Leigh Matthews began his football journey in his early years, showcasing talent and determination that would shape his legendary career. Growing up, he displayed a natural affinity for the sport, honing his skills on the field from a young age. His passion for Australian rules football was evident in his commitment to training and improving his game.

Matthews’ competitive spirit and work ethic set him apart even as a youngster, foreshadowing the greatness he’d achieve in the AFL. This early dedication and love for the game laid the foundation for his future success, propelling him towards becoming one of the most revered figures in Australian football history.

Playing Career

During his illustrious career in Australian rules football, Leigh Matthews achieved remarkable success on the field through his exceptional skills and unwavering dedication. His playing career was marked by outstanding achievements and contributions to the sport, including:

  • Winning multiple best and fairest awards at Hawthorn.

  • Securing the prestigious Coleman Medal in 1975.

  • Scoring an impressive total of 915 goals throughout his career.

  • Being named Player of the Century in Australian football.

  • Earning recognition as an official Legend of the Australian Football Hall of Fame and a Legend of Australian Sport in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

Coaching Career

With a strategic brilliance that left a lasting mark on the AFL, Matthews achieved significant success in his coaching career, leading Collingwood to a premiership in 1990 and guiding Brisbane Lions to three consecutive grand finals.

His coaching philosophy and approach were highly regarded, earning him a reputation as one of the greatest coaches in AFL history. Matthews’ ability to inspire his players and extract the best from them was evident in the achievements of the teams he coached.

His strategic acumen and leadership were key factors in the success of Collingwood and Brisbane Lions during his tenure. Matthews’ impact on the game as a coach is still remembered and celebrated in the AFL community today.

Coaching Stats

Matthews’ coaching stats reflect his impactful career in the AFL, showcasing his strategic brilliance and success with Collingwood and Brisbane Lions.

  • Achieved a remarkable 60% winning percentage with Brisbane Lions.

  • Led Collingwood to a premiership victory in 1990.

  • Coached Brisbane Lions to three consecutive grand finals.

  • Left a lasting mark on the AFL with his coaching philosophy.

  • Inspired Brisbane to their first AFL premiership in 2001.

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