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Matthew Primus

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

Posted on July 19, 2024 at 14:52 pm

Personal information

Full name

Matthew Richard Primus

Date of birth

12 January 1975 (age 49)

Place of birth

Geelong, Victoria

Original team(s)

Geelong Falcons (TAC Cup)/Norwood Football Club (SANFL)

Draft

No. 2, 1995 National Draft, Fitzroy

Height

197 cm (6 ft 6 in)

Weight

109 kg (240 lb)

Position(s)

Ruckman

Playing career

Years

Club

Games (Goals)


1996

Fitzroy

20 (5)


1997–2005

Port Adelaide

137 (76)


Total


157 (81)


International team honours

Years

Team

Games (Goals)


2002

Australia

2


Coaching career

Years

Club

Games (W–L–D)


2010–2012

Port Adelaide

47 (13–34–0) 27.66%


Playing statistics correct to the end of 2005.

 State and international statistics correct as of 2002.

 Coaching statistics correct as of 2012.

Career highlights

  • John Cahill Medal (2002)

  • Port Adelaide Captain (2001–2005)

  • All-Australian Team (2001, 2002)

  • AFL Rising Star nominee (1996)


AFL star Matthew Primus’s journey through the ranks of Australian Rules Football is nothing short of remarkable. From his humble beginnings in South Australia to the pinnacle of success in the AFL, Primus’s story is one of unwavering determination and passion for the game. His impact both on and off the field speaks volumes about his character and work ethic, setting a standard for aspiring athletes and coaches alike. As we explore his career trajectory, one cannot help but be intrigued by the challenges he faced and the triumphs he achieved along the way.

Early Life

Matthew Primus’s upbringing laid the foundation for his remarkable journey in the world of Australian Rules Football.

Growing up in South Australia, Primus developed a passion for the sport from a young age. His early years were marked by dedication and hard work, traits that would later define his career in football.

Primus’s family played a significant role in shaping his character, instilling values of perseverance and teamwork. These values would serve him well throughout his playing and coaching career.

With a supportive environment at home and a strong community backing, Primus honed his skills and set the stage for his future success in the AFL.

Playing Career

Primus’s evolution from his formative years into the AFL marked the beginning of a notable playing career. During his time in the AFL, Matthew Primus showcased exceptional skills and leadership on the field. Here is a summary of his playing career statistics:

Games Played

Kicks

Handballs

Tackles

Marks

157

985

977

526

349

Primus excelled as a ruckman from 1997 to 2002, with an average of 12.5 disposals per game. In 2001, he achieved a career-high of 22.2 hit-outs per game. Despite facing injuries in 2003 and 2004, Primus’s impact on the game was undeniable.

Coaching Career

During his coaching career, what significant achievements did Matthew Primus attain?

Primus began his coaching journey as an assistant under Mark Williams at Port Adelaide from 2005 to 2010. In 2010, he took on the role of caretaker senior coach and then became the full-time senior coach in 2011.

During his tenure as caretaker coach in 2011, Primus led the team to victory in 5 out of 7 games. However, his overall coaching record at Port Adelaide saw a winning percentage of 27.7%.

After leaving Port Adelaide, he further contributed to the AFL as an assistant coach at Gold Coast Suns in 2013.

Coaching Stats

In his coaching career, Matthew Primus achieved a winning percentage of 27.7% during his time at Port Adelaide. Primus took over as the caretaker coach in 2010 and secured 5 wins out of 7 games, leading to his appointment as the full-time senior coach in 2011.

Despite his efforts, the team faced challenges, resulting in his departure from Port Adelaide in 2012. His coaching tenure was marked by determination and commitment, although the win-loss ratio did not reflect the full extent of his efforts.

Primus continued his coaching journey by joining Gold Coast Suns as an assistant coach in 2013, demonstrating his resilience and dedication to the sport.


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