BFNL 2023: Superstar Matt Boag explains his move from Newtown & Chillwell to Torquay

Eyebrows were raised when two Newtown & Chillwell superstars departed in the same week. Superstar Matt Boag explains why he left to join BFNL powerhouse Torquay.

Football GFL: Bell Park v Newtown & Chilwell . Newtown & Chilwell 18 Matthew Boag Picture: Mark Wilson

Bumper Torquay recruit Matt Boag insists there is nothing sinister behind his and former teammate Blake Sutterby’s departure from Newtown & Chillwell, saying the timing was merely a coincidence.

It was announced this week that the two GFNL superstars, who are also close friends, were both leaving the Eagles to join their former sides Torquay and Geelong Amateur in the BFNL.

Boag said a desire to finish his career at his junior club and give back to the Tigers was the reason for his switch, conceding it was one of the toughest decisions he has had to make.

The two-time Eagles best-and-fairest winner mulled over the call for three weeks and chatted to Sutterby as the pair came to a decision on their future.

Boag, 28, thoroughly enjoyed his time at Newtown & Chillwell but heading back to Torquay later in his career stage of his career was something that was always at the back of his mind.

He has strong connections to the Torquay Football Club, with his mother serving as vice-president and his dad coaching at junior level in the past.

The two-time Eagles best-and-fairest winner lauded the coaches, leadership and culture at Newtown & Chillwell.

Matt Boag said there was nothing sinister behind his move. Picture: Mark Wilson

“We’re both getting to the latter end of our career and we both had intentions of going back to our home club one day and the timing just coincided,” Boag said.

“I wouldn’t say it had anything to do with them – there’s great leaders there, great coaches ran by a great president.

“I’m sure we both wish them nothing but the best and to think it was because we were disgruntled or anything like that is definitely not the case. It was just coincidental timing, we love our time at Newtown – it was probably the toughest decision we both had to make.

“We obviously loved it and we love playing together as well so there’s great leaders and great people at the footy club and it is definitely nothing untoward as well.

“We did keep in contact because we are good friends, we were very conscious of trying to make the right decision because we are very heavily invested in Newtown and loved our time there. We definitely spoke and it was a decision that I know we both didn’t take lightly.

“It’s very tough because I believe that Newtown have got plenty of young talent, they’re definitely in the window but ultimately it was just where I was at with my career.”

Their departures leave a gaping hole in the Newtown & Chillwell midfield, but Boag believes they will be a contender once again in 2024.

He highlighted youngster Archie Lazzaro and the promising talent from their U18 side – who won back-to-back premierships – as players who can step up to fill the void along with their experienced midfielders such as VFL listed star Ned Harris.

Boag said Ned Harris will be among the players to fill the void. Picture: Mark Wilson

“I think they will be just fine, they’ve got the U18 group coming up who are coming off back-to-back flags,” Boag said.

“They were undefeated last year and there’s a group of them that will come up, probably Archie Lazzaro will step up into a really good midfield role and then there’s already established players in there that will get the job done.

“Liam Nash, Mitch Diamond, Ned Harris, I don’t think that’s going to be an issue at all to be honest.”

Boag was at the BFNL grand final to watch Torquay’s premiership win over Drysdale and the Tigers will be hot favourites to take out the 2024 flag with the acquisition of one of the top midfielders in the region.

He saw first-hand how talented the Tigers were when the Towners came up against them in a practice match and is excited by their list.

“They’ve got a very, very good list and we actually played them in a practice game and I remember saying to Dom after the game how impressive they were, so very excited to get down and play with them as well,” Boag said.

“A very wholly skilled team, obviously very well coached by Dom so super exciting to get down there next year and put my best foot forward and hopefully the team can put their best foot forward as well.”

Originally published as BFNL 2023: Superstar Matt Boag explains his move from Newtown & Chillwell to Torquay