Matthew Roberts (footballer)

Matthew Roberts
Personal information
Nickname(s) Robbo
Date of birth (2003-07-31) 31 July 2003 (age 21)
Place of birth Langhorne Creek, South Australia
Draft Round 2, Pick #34 2021 AFL National Draft
Debut Round 11, 2022, Sydney vs. Richmond, at Sydney Cricket Ground
Height 184 cm (6 ft 0 in)
Weight 81 kg (179 lb)
Position(s) Medium Defender
Club information
Current club Sydney
Number 34
Playing career1
Years Club Games (Goals)
2022– Sydney 30 (3)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2024.
Career highlights
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

Matthew Roberts (born 31 July 2003) is an Australian rules footballer who plays for the Sydney Swans in the Australian Football League (AFL).

Early football

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Growing up, Roberts honed his football skills on the fields of Langhorne Creek Football Club, where his passion for the game ignited. This grassroots experience laid the foundation for his journey in the sport. Transitioning to his school years, he showcased his talent proudly donning the colors of St. Peter's College, Adelaide.[1]

Roberts then joined the South Adelaide Football Club and also represented South Australia at consecutive Under 16 National Championships and then consecutive Under 18 Championships.[2]

AFL career

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After being drafted with the 34th selection in the 2021 AFL draft.[3][4] A year after being drafted, Roberts made his debut for Sydney Swans in Round 11, 2022 following a successful spell in the VFL.[5]

In the 2023 AFL season, Roberts would go on to play 6 games adjusting to the heightened competition and establishing his place in a roster full of talent.

Roberts played the first nine games of the 2024 season, and has been a breakout player which has seen his disposals soar at an average of 18.6 per game. He was nominated for the 2024 AFL Rising Star in the opening round of the season.[6]

References

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  1. ^ Tom Wyman (31 July 2021). "Roberts rises up the ranks with skills, smarts, and composure". Central. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  2. ^ "Matthew Roberts". Aussie Rules Rookie Me Central. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  3. ^ "Matty Roberts". AFL. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  4. ^ "Matthew Roberts SANFL". SANFL. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  5. ^ "Roberts to make debut". Sydney Swans. 26 May 2022. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  6. ^ Grattan, Thomas (14 March 2024). "The Roberts Rise: Matt making his mark as a Rising Star". The Inner Sanctum. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
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