BEN Mathews says superstars Michael O’Loughlin and Adam Goodes were the greatest Indigenous players he played with during his 198-game career with the Sydney Swans from 1997-2008.
Melbourne’s stoppage coach said the Sydney greats, plus dual Norm Smith Medal winners Andrew McLeod and Michael Long were among the finest Indigenous players he’s seen play the game.
“The best Indigenous players that I played with [were O’Loughlin and Goodes] and for different reasons; Mick up forward, with his deceit of the opposition – they couldn’t catch him. They couldn’t get a glove on him; he had plenty of tricks and just about more tricks than any other footballer,” he told Melbourne TV.
“Goodsy – he won a Brownlow in the ruck and he won a Brownlow as an onballer/mid. He played centre-half back and he spent a lot of time up forward, so they were two champions of the game that I was lucky enough to play with.
“Growing up I barracked for the Bombers and watching Michael Long go around on the wing for the Bombers and the Andy McLeods of the world – they have this special ability to do things that a lot of other players can’t, so it’s great to watch them and it’s great to celebrate them in this round.”
Mathews said Indigenous Round had been a great opportunity for the Melbourne coaching staff to learn plenty from its Indigenous players: Neville Jetta, Jeff Garlett and Jay Kennedy-Harris.
“It’s always amazing to hear the stories. Nev Jetta made a presentation on Tuesday and Jeffy Garlett had some dancers come down to training and the boys really get a lift out of that,” he said.
“Those stories, their travels and their journeys to get to this point have been amazing. There are often a lot of challenges for those boys but what they bring to the club – their spirit and the life they bring to the club is amazing.
“I’m sure that’s the same for all the Indigenous boys at every club – they’re a pleasure to have at any footy club and our fellas are no different. It was great throughout my career to be able to play with some champions as well.”
