As part of All the Way West, the club continues to recognise a Member of the Round at every West Coast Eagles home and away match in 2026, celebrating the members whose dedication and belief sustain the club through every chapter.
For Round 11, we’re proud to name Matt as our Member of the Round, a supporter whose journey reflects the deep connection between footy, mates and family, and the role the game can play in something much bigger.
Connection to home, wherever you are
Matt’s membership journey began 22 years ago when he moved to Melbourne. Surrounded by rival colours, signing up was his way of showing that little bit extra and staying connected to home.
“In a sea of Victorians, it made me feel more connected to WA,” he says. “It was a way of showing that extra support.”
That connection has only grown stronger over time, built on the people he has shared it with along the way.
Matt was nominated by his mate Rohry, and was quick to give him a shoutout, highlighting the friendships that sit at the heart of his footy story.
Moments shared with mates
When it comes to favourite memories, Matt could not settle on just one.
The first takes us to Round 10, 2006 at Kardinia Park. With the Eagles trailing Geelong by 54 points, most had given up hope. Not Matt. Standing alongside his good mate Hawks, he was already calling it.
“I was shouting ‘THE COMEBACK!’ with great glee,” he says, as the Eagles stormed home in one of the club’s most remarkable wins.
The second is the 2018 Grand Final, a moment every Eagles supporter treasures for different reasons.
After the final siren, he caught up with his friend Jendi and soaked in the atmosphere before they parted ways. Jendi ended up in the Eagles rooms.
“Lesson in life, always stick with Jendi!”
From pubs to family traditions
Game day traditions have evolved over the years, but the meaning behind them hasn’t changed.
From meeting mates at the Rose Hotel in the early days, to catching up with friends across Melbourne before games, it has always been about connection.
Now, those traditions are centred around family, with Matt, his daughter Kitty and Uncle Ryan making the trip together.
“I could write a whole essay on game day traditions,” he says. “But now it’s all about going together and sharing the experience.”
Leading from the front
Looking at the current squad, Matt is drawn to experience and leadership, naming Elliot Yeo as the player he most enjoys watching.
If he could deliver one message to the team before they run out, it would be simple.
“Win, lose, or draw, you still get to walk off together wearing the jumper with a club and supporters behind you,” he says. “That’s something worth appreciating, so enjoy it and back each other.”
A message that matters
Matt’s story goes beyond football.
After recently coming back from a serious illness, he is using his voice to raise awareness for bowel cancer and the importance of early detection.
“Bowel cancer has scouts everywhere, always looking to draft its next team,” he says. “It doesn’t care who it picks, it’s looking for numbers. Anyone can be drafted.”
He highlights that it can affect anyone, from teammates and mates to parents, coaches and young people who never expected it.
“In footy we’re taught to look after each other, speak up and back our mates. The same applies off the field,” he says. “Knowing the signs, getting checked early, and having conversations that might feel uncomfortable could save a life.”
“Because some battles are bigger than footy.”
Through All the Way West, members like Matt remind us that being part of the club is about more than what happens on game day. It’s about showing up for your mates, your family and your community, and using your voice when it matters most.
Nominate yourself or another member to be a Member of the Round in 2026.
