- Banned
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Scholarship holder finds home at Visy Park
What the Blues say
Scholarship holder finds home at Visy ParkOriginally hailing from Possum Creek, 40kms North of Byron Bay, the 186cm strong defender caught the eye of Carlton’s National Recruiting Manager, Wayne Hughes as a 15 year old representing Queensland at the U/16 National Championship.
“We were alerted to him about three years ago by someone who had a connection to the Club and despite his representation with QLD, we discovered he was actually eligible to become our NSW Scholarship holder,” he said.
“His ability to represent QLD, then NSW at U/18 level is a testament to his football ability and dedication, especially for a kid growing up in the heart of Rugby country.
“He has a good kick and sharp skills, but really hasn’t even scratched the surface of his full potential yet.”
What the Blues say
What the Blues sayPick 67 (NSW scholarship): Matthew Lodge, Byron Bay Magpies
DOB: 22/6/1993
Height: 186cm
Weight: 85kg
Hughes says: "We put him on a scholarship about three years ago, and he used those funds that we provide to educate himself at Riverview School in Sydney, which is one of the best private schools in the country. He's a defender with a very good kick. The NSW kids sit outside your list and can't actually play unless things change, so we'll give him a bit of time, because he's basically been at school for two years."