Past legends thread #1: Peter Matera

[materamagic]

His record and reputation as one of the finest players this club has ever produced speaks for itself, our most decorated player.

I will always remember Matera playing the wing position to perfection kicking goals from outside fifty and later becoming one of the most dangerous and creative half back flankers setting up the play later returning to his familiar wing and bowing out showing true sportsmanship and thinking for the future of the club.

His 1992 finals performance was the best finals performance by a player since Gary Ablett in 1989 and K.B's brilliant 1980 spree.

What are your favourite Matera moments???

 

[Sera]

Yep, it was a long time ago now but you can't go past the 92 GF. He was special that day. Probably my favourite goal is the one where he is at the bottom of the pack, gets the ball, then tears away and kicks a goal. A historically important moment when we became the first club outside Victoria to take the flag.

 

[ozzult]

It would have to be the 92 GF, and I'd be surprised if any other supporters say otherwise. That game epitomised his brilliance, and what a better time to do it.

 

[Altum Volantes]

Well the 1992 GF obviously is Matera's finest hour (or 2) but my other favourite Matera memories are -

The oft-overlooked 2nd Semi Final against Geelong in 1992.

The B.O.G Round 1 game against Sydney in 1997 - including possibly my favourite Matera goal this side of "set sails for home"

The unexpected 7 goal effort against the Dons in 1998.

And many more.

The greatest ever Eagle, and 1 of the best players I've ever seen play.

 

[Goldenblue]

Definately the 92 Granny is his most memorable but another favourite was his game against Essendon when he kicked a bagful. That was the thing about matera, he rarely played a bad game and his brilliance could always turn the tide of a game.

Shall always remain a favourite son of the club and I am sure it will be a long time before anyone could fill his boots.

 

[ozzult]

I will always remember that tight goal he slotted against Carlton in 2002 at Optus Oval. Late in the game, I think it made us even, and then we ended up winning by a point.

 

[carlyp]

Originally posted by Black JuJu
The unexpected 7 goal effort against the Dons in 1998.

That was one of his finest moments in footy. The look on Sheeds face was hillarious. He was like-WTF?

That along with his 1992 grandfinal performance were standouts.
The other great performance was at the 1994 brownlow count. Im sure he would have loved to skin Williams alive but he was very well behaved, smiling and joking at the camera.

I still believe he is the greatest player never to win a brownlow, and that is a travesty.

 

[materamagic]

his game against Brisbane Lions last year where he kicked the sealer and judged best afield. I was so happy for him.

the game against Geelong in 98 I think where he and cousins traded brilliance all the way from the centre bounce to a goal!!!

and his last official football match, a pre-season hit out against Hawthorn this year which I attended and never thought this would be the last time a legend was to don on the boots. I am glad I saw his last deeds on the field.

 

[llosis]

Quality, top shelf finals performer over many seasons.

Absolute champion was Peter Matera - he's one we'll tell the grandkids about watching (with the time-honoured exaggerations of course).

Playing well on the big stage is what often set's the champions out from the rest and I think Pete Matera fits that category (see the moments listed above).

Can anyone remember Roo playing a poor final?

 

[jod23]

Without doubt the greatest ever West Coast Eagle. Jako, McKenna, Kemp, Lewis, Worsfold etc....but IMO they all line up behind Matera in the greatness stakes.

Sounds repetitive but can any fan go past hte 92 GF.

 

[noodle]

Matera was OK but he was no Laurie Bellotti.

 

[GoEagles]

Has to be the 1992 Grand Final. Who on earth can play on the wing in the biggest day of the football calendar and kick 5 goals from that position. It is just unheard of.

Also his goal from the city pocket of Subiaco Oval vs Sydney at night was VERY special

 

[Hit And Rum]

An unusual one....

I always remember sitting on the wing at the Subi members side of Subi it was a wet and muddy day when Matera took a mark and went back to a kick.

Not very exciting. But what happened next was....

Tim Watson picks up a clump of mud and throws it at Matera's face in a pathetic attempt, akin to a 3 year old in a sand pit, to get soil in his eye.

Our section of the crowd erupted in wild anger at Watson. Matera was like what the!?!?!


Yeah the 7 goals against the Dons was awesome!!

 

[Streaker]

Peter Matera

Height: 182cm
Weight: 82kg
Recruited From: South Fremantle
First Senior Game: 1986
Born: 03/04/1969 at Wagin
School Attended: Wagin District High School
Favourite Singer/Group: Roy Orbison
Most Admired Footballer: Michael Tuck