Past Matthew Lodge

[Silvagnis]

Scholarship holder finds home at Visy Park

Originally 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.”

Scholarship holder finds home at Visy Park

What the Blues say

Pick 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."

What the Blues say

 

[thoselionslads]

Seen a bit of this kid when he played with QLD. Always impressed. Games I saw he usually played in the back line. Has a nice kick and is quite combative. Really good competitor in 1 on 1 situations.

Best of luck to him

 

[Blue Girl 4 life]

#49 Matthew Lodge

A bit about Matt:
Carlton signed Matthew Lodge to a three year deal under the Scholarship scheme in May 2008. Matthew was 15 at the time. Recipients of the scholarships receive financial assistance towards their football and education. Matthew spent regular periods of time training with Carlton. Under the scholarship program, Carlton had the option of priority listing on the primary list in the future.
Carlton used pick 67 in the 2011 AFL Rookie Draft to place Matt on the rookie list. He was listed as 186cms and 85kgs.
Matt describes himself as a running half back that uses his kicking to advantage.

Season 2012 for Matt:
Unfortunately for Matthew 2012 was an injury plagued year and he did not manage much game time at all. His first match for the year was 24th March against Coburg Tigers in the VFL Seniors. Matt played in the Vic Development League (VFL Reserves) for the rest of his season. Matt played from Round 5 through to Round 12, with 2 byes taking place in Rounds 7 and 11. In round 5 Matt used the ball quite well on most occassions and finished in the bests. His next month of footy was fairly quiet, doing a few nice things, but fading in and out of the games. Matt regained some form in rounds 10 and 12. His disposal of the ball improved and he was playing more of a part in the games. He was named in the bests in both games.
Matt played his last game in Round 17.
He later tweeted

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Matthew Lodge‏@MatthewSLodge

My 2012 has been prematurely cut short, focus on my future and enjoying the coming success of the boys in these last couple of weeks​

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Where to from here?
After an injury plagued year Matthew was delisted from Carlton. Matthew showed signs of talent throughout his time at Carlton but his body just wasn’t able to cope with AFL football and he struggled to stay on the park.
On September 7th Matt tweeted:

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Matthew Lodge‏@MatthewSLodge

Thanks for all the supportive tweets. The news has been on the horizon for a while the body hasn't been able to cope with demands of AFL.​

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Matthew is an aspiring journalist and will continue to study journalism. He has his own blog where he writes pieces about Australia’s Summer of Cricket 2012/13.
All the best for your future Matt, wherever that may be!

Information links:
http://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/2008-05-07/matthew-lodge-signs-with-the-blues.default?
http://matthewslodgesummerofcricket.blogspot.com.au/