Toast Welcome Matthew Parker

[CursingFijian]

https://thewest.com.au/sport/afl-dr...t-kilda-offer-a-draft-lifeline-ng-b881030529z

AFL draft 2018: Tears of joy for Matthew Parker after St Kilda offer a draft lifeline

Mark DuffieldThe West Australian
Saturday, 24 November 2018 2:00AM

Matthew Parker who has been taken by St Kilda in the national draft.Picture: Mogens Johansen
There was tossing and turning on Thursday night, tears of joy yesterday morning and still some disbelief for South Fremantle’s mature-age draftee Matthew Parker after he was snared by St Kilda.

Parker, 22, who was persuaded to give football a serious shot by Bulldogs teammate Marlion Pickett in 2017, was selected at pick 47 yesterday.

He had enjoyed a stress-free evening on Thursday watching the first round of the draft unfold, knowing he wouldn’t get picked that early.

But the nerves set in when he went to bed ahead of a sleepless night and he was overcome with emotion — and disbelief — when his name was read out.

Not for the first time in recent weeks, Parker is struggling to believe this is really happening to him.

The former Melville junior had endured troubled teenage years and hadn’t knuckled down to taking football seriously until urged to do so by Pickett and former South Fremantle star Tim Kelly, who had a stunning first AFL season at Geelong.
They were the guides and inspiration for his football rebirth which suddenly came within reach yesterday.

“I tossed and turned all night,” he said.

“I was thinking I might be going in the rookie draft, something like that.

Parker with his partner Shardah and son Matthew junior.Picture: Mogens Johansen
“Being the first mature-age player from WA to go in the draft just tops it off. My job now is to go after it, 110 per cent.

“I had just had a shower and had come out and was sitting there watching the draft and the Saints pick came around ... they said my name and I didn’t believe it.

“I said to my partner Shardah ‘they didn’t just say my name, did they?’ She just screamed and fell off the chair and the phone went crazy. I am still sitting here now thinking they didn’t call my name out.

“I burst into tears. The enjoyment is over the moon at the moment. To think that me of all people gets this opportunity.”

Parker had, with the help of Pickett, got a foot in the door at South Fremantle in 2017.

He has now played 27 senior games, kicked 39 goals and at 187cm and 79kg was one of the most explosive forwards in the WAFL this year.

Saints coach Alan Richardson believes his athletic pace and power will suit Marvel Stadium, St Kilda’s home ground.

Parker was the first WAFL mature-aged player taken.Picture: Daniel Wilkins
“He had watched vision of me and he felt that the ground will suit my game,” Parker said.

“They took a chance on me and now it is my turn to repay them. I just have to give it everything and leave nothing out there.

“It isn’t just for me, it is for my boy Matty Jr and my partner — she is still in tears — as well as the Saints because they have given me this opportunity.

“I have never had stuff like this happen to me. The world is in my hands now.”

The sad irony is that Pickett, a 26-year-old mentor for Parker who had a stellar year for South Fremantle, wasn’t picked up, despite interest from Gold Coast, St Kilda, West Coast and Geelong

 

[busso_mick]

https://thewest.com.au/sport/afl-dr...t-kilda-offer-a-draft-lifeline-ng-b881030529z

AFL draft 2018: Tears of joy for Matthew Parker after St Kilda offer a draft lifeline

Mark DuffieldThe West Australian
Saturday, 24 November 2018 2:00AM

Matthew Parker who has been taken by St Kilda in the national draft.Picture: Mogens Johansen
There was tossing and turning on Thursday night, tears of joy yesterday morning and still some disbelief for South Fremantle’s mature-age draftee Matthew Parker after he was snared by St Kilda.

Parker, 22, who was persuaded to give football a serious shot by Bulldogs teammate Marlion Pickett in 2017, was selected at pick 47 yesterday.

He had enjoyed a stress-free evening on Thursday watching the first round of the draft unfold, knowing he wouldn’t get picked that early.

But the nerves set in when he went to bed ahead of a sleepless night and he was overcome with emotion — and disbelief — when his name was read out.

Not for the first time in recent weeks, Parker is struggling to believe this is really happening to him.

The former Melville junior had endured troubled teenage years and hadn’t knuckled down to taking football seriously until urged to do so by Pickett and former South Fremantle star Tim Kelly, who had a stunning first AFL season at Geelong.
They were the guides and inspiration for his football rebirth which suddenly came within reach yesterday.

“I tossed and turned all night,” he said.

“I was thinking I might be going in the rookie draft, something like that.

Parker with his partner Shardah and son Matthew junior.Picture: Mogens Johansen
“Being the first mature-age player from WA to go in the draft just tops it off. My job now is to go after it, 110 per cent.

“I had just had a shower and had come out and was sitting there watching the draft and the Saints pick came around ... they said my name and I didn’t believe it.

“I said to my partner Shardah ‘they didn’t just say my name, did they?’ She just screamed and fell off the chair and the phone went crazy. I am still sitting here now thinking they didn’t call my name out.

“I burst into tears. The enjoyment is over the moon at the moment. To think that me of all people gets this opportunity.”

Parker had, with the help of Pickett, got a foot in the door at South Fremantle in 2017.

He has now played 27 senior games, kicked 39 goals and at 187cm and 79kg was one of the most explosive forwards in the WAFL this year.

Saints coach Alan Richardson believes his athletic pace and power will suit Marvel Stadium, St Kilda’s home ground.

Parker was the first WAFL mature-aged player taken.Picture: Daniel Wilkins
“He had watched vision of me and he felt that the ground will suit my game,” Parker said.

“They took a chance on me and now it is my turn to repay them. I just have to give it everything and leave nothing out there.

“It isn’t just for me, it is for my boy Matty Jr and my partner — she is still in tears — as well as the Saints because they have given me this opportunity.

“I have never had stuff like this happen to me. The world is in my hands now.”

The sad irony is that Pickett, a 26-year-old mentor for Parker who had a stellar year for South Fremantle, wasn’t picked up, despite interest from Gold Coast, St Kilda, West Coast and Geelong

He looks like a ready-made Saint with in red and white jumper with black tatts.

 

[triggering bro]

https://thewest.com.au/sport/afl-dr...t-kilda-offer-a-draft-lifeline-ng-b881030529z

AFL draft 2018: Tears of joy for Matthew Parker after St Kilda offer a draft lifeline

Mark DuffieldThe West Australian
Saturday, 24 November 2018 2:00AM

Matthew Parker who has been taken by St Kilda in the national draft.Picture: Mogens Johansen
There was tossing and turning on Thursday night, tears of joy yesterday morning and still some disbelief for South Fremantle’s mature-age draftee Matthew Parker after he was snared by St Kilda.

Parker, 22, who was persuaded to give football a serious shot by Bulldogs teammate Marlion Pickett in 2017, was selected at pick 47 yesterday.

He had enjoyed a stress-free evening on Thursday watching the first round of the draft unfold, knowing he wouldn’t get picked that early.

But the nerves set in when he went to bed ahead of a sleepless night and he was overcome with emotion — and disbelief — when his name was read out.

Not for the first time in recent weeks, Parker is struggling to believe this is really happening to him.

The former Melville junior had endured troubled teenage years and hadn’t knuckled down to taking football seriously until urged to do so by Pickett and former South Fremantle star Tim Kelly, who had a stunning first AFL season at Geelong.
They were the guides and inspiration for his football rebirth which suddenly came within reach yesterday.

“I tossed and turned all night,” he said.

“I was thinking I might be going in the rookie draft, something like that.

Parker with his partner Shardah and son Matthew junior.Picture: Mogens Johansen
“Being the first mature-age player from WA to go in the draft just tops it off. My job now is to go after it, 110 per cent.

“I had just had a shower and had come out and was sitting there watching the draft and the Saints pick came around ... they said my name and I didn’t believe it.

“I said to my partner Shardah ‘they didn’t just say my name, did they?’ She just screamed and fell off the chair and the phone went crazy. I am still sitting here now thinking they didn’t call my name out.

“I burst into tears. The enjoyment is over the moon at the moment. To think that me of all people gets this opportunity.”

Parker had, with the help of Pickett, got a foot in the door at South Fremantle in 2017.

He has now played 27 senior games, kicked 39 goals and at 187cm and 79kg was one of the most explosive forwards in the WAFL this year.

Saints coach Alan Richardson believes his athletic pace and power will suit Marvel Stadium, St Kilda’s home ground.

Parker was the first WAFL mature-aged player taken.Picture: Daniel Wilkins
“He had watched vision of me and he felt that the ground will suit my game,” Parker said.

“They took a chance on me and now it is my turn to repay them. I just have to give it everything and leave nothing out there.

“It isn’t just for me, it is for my boy Matty Jr and my partner — she is still in tears — as well as the Saints because they have given me this opportunity.

“I have never had stuff like this happen to me. The world is in my hands now.”

The sad irony is that Pickett, a 26-year-old mentor for Parker who had a stellar year for South Fremantle, wasn’t picked up, despite interest from Gold Coast, St Kilda, West Coast and Geelong

What a fantastic story. You deserved it young man!

 

[Groater]

https://thewest.com.au/sport/afl-dr...t-kilda-offer-a-draft-lifeline-ng-b881030529z

AFL draft 2018: Tears of joy for Matthew Parker after St Kilda offer a draft lifeline

Mark DuffieldThe West Australian
Saturday, 24 November 2018 2:00AM

Matthew Parker who has been taken by St Kilda in the national draft.Picture: Mogens Johansen
There was tossing and turning on Thursday night, tears of joy yesterday morning and still some disbelief for South Fremantle’s mature-age draftee Matthew Parker after he was snared by St Kilda.

Parker, 22, who was persuaded to give football a serious shot by Bulldogs teammate Marlion Pickett in 2017, was selected at pick 47 yesterday.

He had enjoyed a stress-free evening on Thursday watching the first round of the draft unfold, knowing he wouldn’t get picked that early.

But the nerves set in when he went to bed ahead of a sleepless night and he was overcome with emotion — and disbelief — when his name was read out.

Not for the first time in recent weeks, Parker is struggling to believe this is really happening to him.

The former Melville junior had endured troubled teenage years and hadn’t knuckled down to taking football seriously until urged to do so by Pickett and former South Fremantle star Tim Kelly, who had a stunning first AFL season at Geelong.
They were the guides and inspiration for his football rebirth which suddenly came within reach yesterday.

“I tossed and turned all night,” he said.

“I was thinking I might be going in the rookie draft, something like that.

Parker with his partner Shardah and son Matthew junior.Picture: Mogens Johansen
“Being the first mature-age player from WA to go in the draft just tops it off. My job now is to go after it, 110 per cent.

“I had just had a shower and had come out and was sitting there watching the draft and the Saints pick came around ... they said my name and I didn’t believe it.

“I said to my partner Shardah ‘they didn’t just say my name, did they?’ She just screamed and fell off the chair and the phone went crazy. I am still sitting here now thinking they didn’t call my name out.

“I burst into tears. The enjoyment is over the moon at the moment. To think that me of all people gets this opportunity.”

Parker had, with the help of Pickett, got a foot in the door at South Fremantle in 2017.

He has now played 27 senior games, kicked 39 goals and at 187cm and 79kg was one of the most explosive forwards in the WAFL this year.

Saints coach Alan Richardson believes his athletic pace and power will suit Marvel Stadium, St Kilda’s home ground.

Parker was the first WAFL mature-aged player taken.Picture: Daniel Wilkins
“He had watched vision of me and he felt that the ground will suit my game,” Parker said.

“They took a chance on me and now it is my turn to repay them. I just have to give it everything and leave nothing out there.

“It isn’t just for me, it is for my boy Matty Jr and my partner — she is still in tears — as well as the Saints because they have given me this opportunity.

“I have never had stuff like this happen to me. The world is in my hands now.”

The sad irony is that Pickett, a 26-year-old mentor for Parker who had a stellar year for South Fremantle, wasn’t picked up, despite interest from Gold Coast, St Kilda, West Coast and Geelong

Great article. Hope he goes well.

 

[Diehard Saint]

https://thewest.com.au/sport/afl-dr...t-kilda-offer-a-draft-lifeline-ng-b881030529z

AFL draft 2018: Tears of joy for Matthew Parker after St Kilda offer a draft lifeline

Mark DuffieldThe West Australian
Saturday, 24 November 2018 2:00AM

Matthew Parker who has been taken by St Kilda in the national draft.Picture: Mogens Johansen
There was tossing and turning on Thursday night, tears of joy yesterday morning and still some disbelief for South Fremantle’s mature-age draftee Matthew Parker after he was snared by St Kilda.

Parker, 22, who was persuaded to give football a serious shot by Bulldogs teammate Marlion Pickett in 2017, was selected at pick 47 yesterday.

He had enjoyed a stress-free evening on Thursday watching the first round of the draft unfold, knowing he wouldn’t get picked that early.

But the nerves set in when he went to bed ahead of a sleepless night and he was overcome with emotion — and disbelief — when his name was read out.

Not for the first time in recent weeks, Parker is struggling to believe this is really happening to him.

The former Melville junior had endured troubled teenage years and hadn’t knuckled down to taking football seriously until urged to do so by Pickett and former South Fremantle star Tim Kelly, who had a stunning first AFL season at Geelong.
They were the guides and inspiration for his football rebirth which suddenly came within reach yesterday.

“I tossed and turned all night,” he said.

“I was thinking I might be going in the rookie draft, something like that.

Parker with his partner Shardah and son Matthew junior.Picture: Mogens Johansen
“Being the first mature-age player from WA to go in the draft just tops it off. My job now is to go after it, 110 per cent.

“I had just had a shower and had come out and was sitting there watching the draft and the Saints pick came around ... they said my name and I didn’t believe it.

“I said to my partner Shardah ‘they didn’t just say my name, did they?’ She just screamed and fell off the chair and the phone went crazy. I am still sitting here now thinking they didn’t call my name out.

“I burst into tears. The enjoyment is over the moon at the moment. To think that me of all people gets this opportunity.”

Parker had, with the help of Pickett, got a foot in the door at South Fremantle in 2017.

He has now played 27 senior games, kicked 39 goals and at 187cm and 79kg was one of the most explosive forwards in the WAFL this year.

Saints coach Alan Richardson believes his athletic pace and power will suit Marvel Stadium, St Kilda’s home ground.

Parker was the first WAFL mature-aged player taken.Picture: Daniel Wilkins
“He had watched vision of me and he felt that the ground will suit my game,” Parker said.

“They took a chance on me and now it is my turn to repay them. I just have to give it everything and leave nothing out there.

“It isn’t just for me, it is for my boy Matty Jr and my partner — she is still in tears — as well as the Saints because they have given me this opportunity.

“I have never had stuff like this happen to me. The world is in my hands now.”

The sad irony is that Pickett, a 26-year-old mentor for Parker who had a stellar year for South Fremantle, wasn’t picked up, despite interest from Gold Coast, St Kilda, West Coast and Geelong

Wonderful, feel good story!
Hope he grasps this opportunity with both hands.
Welcome to the Saints, Matthew and familly.

 

[Joffaboy]

What a fantastic story. You deserved it young man!

By the sounds of it, he is not taking it for granted.
Sounds like a bloke from the backblocks with little chance in life.

Well he has football ability, which is his gateway, and he has a goal and a reason to succeed.
Nothing taken for granted by this bloke.

Best of luck son. We are in your corner.

On [device_name] using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[Saintos The ITK]

https://thewest.com.au/sport/afl-dr...t-kilda-offer-a-draft-lifeline-ng-b881030529z

AFL draft 2018: Tears of joy for Matthew Parker after St Kilda offer a draft lifeline

Mark DuffieldThe West Australian
Saturday, 24 November 2018 2:00AM

Matthew Parker who has been taken by St Kilda in the national draft.Picture: Mogens Johansen
There was tossing and turning on Thursday night, tears of joy yesterday morning and still some disbelief for South Fremantle’s mature-age draftee Matthew Parker after he was snared by St Kilda.

Parker, 22, who was persuaded to give football a serious shot by Bulldogs teammate Marlion Pickett in 2017, was selected at pick 47 yesterday.

He had enjoyed a stress-free evening on Thursday watching the first round of the draft unfold, knowing he wouldn’t get picked that early.

But the nerves set in when he went to bed ahead of a sleepless night and he was overcome with emotion — and disbelief — when his name was read out.

Not for the first time in recent weeks, Parker is struggling to believe this is really happening to him.

The former Melville junior had endured troubled teenage years and hadn’t knuckled down to taking football seriously until urged to do so by Pickett and former South Fremantle star Tim Kelly, who had a stunning first AFL season at Geelong.
They were the guides and inspiration for his football rebirth which suddenly came within reach yesterday.

“I tossed and turned all night,” he said.

“I was thinking I might be going in the rookie draft, something like that.

Parker with his partner Shardah and son Matthew junior.Picture: Mogens Johansen
“Being the first mature-age player from WA to go in the draft just tops it off. My job now is to go after it, 110 per cent.

“I had just had a shower and had come out and was sitting there watching the draft and the Saints pick came around ... they said my name and I didn’t believe it.

“I said to my partner Shardah ‘they didn’t just say my name, did they?’ She just screamed and fell off the chair and the phone went crazy. I am still sitting here now thinking they didn’t call my name out.

“I burst into tears. The enjoyment is over the moon at the moment. To think that me of all people gets this opportunity.”

Parker had, with the help of Pickett, got a foot in the door at South Fremantle in 2017.

He has now played 27 senior games, kicked 39 goals and at 187cm and 79kg was one of the most explosive forwards in the WAFL this year.

Saints coach Alan Richardson believes his athletic pace and power will suit Marvel Stadium, St Kilda’s home ground.

Parker was the first WAFL mature-aged player taken.Picture: Daniel Wilkins
“He had watched vision of me and he felt that the ground will suit my game,” Parker said.

“They took a chance on me and now it is my turn to repay them. I just have to give it everything and leave nothing out there.

“It isn’t just for me, it is for my boy Matty Jr and my partner — she is still in tears — as well as the Saints because they have given me this opportunity.

“I have never had stuff like this happen to me. The world is in my hands now.”

The sad irony is that Pickett, a 26-year-old mentor for Parker who had a stellar year for South Fremantle, wasn’t picked up, despite interest from Gold Coast, St Kilda, West Coast and Geelong

What a great story.

I hope our good boys aren’t too frightened of him.

 

[Rors]

Neck Tatts..... Noice

 

[lewdogs]

There's a Today/Tonight video on Parker in this article, worth watching...

https://thewest.com.au/sport/afl-dr...ry-buckenaras-top-50-prospects-ng-b881027034z

 

[DarkSaint]

Making him my boy.

Reckon he will surprise a fair few people next year. Will be a lock in our side after the first dozen or so games. Draws similarities for me with Sonny Walter's but a bigger quicker version but less skillful.

 

[StCicatriz]

Making him my boy.

Reckon he will surprise a fair few people next year. Will be a lock in our side after the first dozen or so games. Draws similarities for me with Sonny Walter's but a bigger quicker version but less skillful.

mash up of sonny walters and stephen hill? does that make him a harley bennell type? without the soft tissues?

 

[DarkSaint]

mash up of sonny walters and stephen hill? does that make him a harley bennell type? without the soft tissues?

Not quiet as talented, but has the hunger and determination.

 

[CursingFijian]

There's a Today/Tonight video on Parker in this article, worth watching...

https://thewest.com.au/sport/afl-dr...ry-buckenaras-top-50-prospects-ng-b881027034z

A good watch. I'd say that the recruiting department thinks that if he has another good year he will become the target of 6-8 clubs and it becomes harder to bring him in via the draft. This is the type of courageous recruiting that can really pay big dividends.

Parker is a late comer to the big leagues who instantly shows he has the athletic profile to compete with the big boys, and a footy instinct that means he impacts games. Has a hard edge to him that will help give Saint Kilda a spectre of being tough to play against as well.

He's not perfect by any means, but I think we've stepped off the safe path to nab a player who could be a genuine delight to watch, and a star of the competition, if we can continue his development path to date.

 

[Joffaboy]

There's a Today/Tonight video on Parker in this article, worth watching...

https://thewest.com.au/sport/afl-dr...ry-buckenaras-top-50-prospects-ng-b881027034z

That is awesome. This kid takes responsibility for his mistakes.
Blames nobody else.

I like this kid he seems genuine. I will make sure I get to a few Sandy games to watch him.
Hopefully he makes it.

On [device_name] using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[gringo2011]

By the sounds of it, he is not taking it for granted.
Sounds like a bloke from the backblocks with little chance in life.

Well he has football ability, which is his gateway, and he has a goal and a reason to succeed.
Nothing taken for granted by this bloke.

Best of luck son. We are in your corner.

On [device_name] using BigFooty.com mobile app

Actually really good now we have Allan Murray doing a role with us, perfect guy to mentor players like Parker. Guys a long way from family and home will need lots of help to stay motivated.

 

[Impatient Saint]

Congrats Matt. Work hard and keep your head down and things will go your way. Dont let the dizzy heights of AFL cloud who are the most important to you in life. Look forward to seeing your sucess story.

 

[StCicatriz]

A good watch. I'd say that the recruiting department thinks that if he has another good year he will become the target of 6-8 clubs and it becomes harder to bring him in via the draft. This is the type of courageous recruiting that can really pay big dividends.

Parker is a late comer to the big leagues who instantly shows he has the athletic profile to compete with the big boys, and a footy instinct that means he impacts games. Has a hard edge to him that will help give Saint Kilda a spectre of being tough to play against as well.

He's not perfect by any means, but I think we've stepped off the safe path to nab a player who could be a genuine delight to watch, and a star of the competition, if we can continue his development path to date.

This! Well said

 

[StCicatriz]

Actually really good now we have Allan Murray doing a role with us, perfect guy to mentor players like Parker. Guys a long way from family and home will need lots of help to stay motivated.

Doesn't one of the other guys we recruited have a young family too?

I hope we give them the support they both will need

 

[Palantine]

Welcome aboard Mr Parker it's yours what you make it now.

 

[L_W_P]

Feel like he and Longy are gonna be a pair of “Bash Bros” pretty quickly ey boydie ?

Remember when we drafted Long and it raised some eyebrows. Now he is a huge part of the side with his pressure, skills and leadership. Rekon this guy might leave a few bodies in his wake the same way!

 

[sauce_head]

Big call that one i think your source may have been on the sauce

Indeed!

Bit he’d be the man to know!

I guess we will see.

 

[Flandersss]

There's a Today/Tonight video on Parker in this article, worth watching...

https://thewest.com.au/sport/afl-dr...ry-buckenaras-top-50-prospects-ng-b881027034z

What a brilliant video & hats off to Matthew.

Welcome to the club mate, I think he’ll play 12-18 games easily.

Already a favourite of mine & can’t wait to see him live, if named round 1.

 

[Keg on legs]

What a good watch that clip was. Credit to him.

Let's get around him and make morrabbin feel like home for him

 

[Flandersss]

Very dynamic player by the looks.

I can see a bit of Dusty in him.

 

[Joffaboy]

Actually really good now we have Allan Murray doing a role with us, perfect guy to mentor players like Parker. Guys a long way from family and home will need lots of help to stay motivated.

This an excellent point gringo.

May be one of the reasons the club feels comfortable drafting indegineous kids of late.
Wouldn't be the main reason, obviously football is the no.1, but I would suspect it is a contributing factor.

On [device_name] using BigFooty.com mobile app