Former St Kilda, Richmond utility Matthew Parker reflects on NTFL experience, South Fremantle and Indigenous All Stars

Matt Parker burst onto the AFL scene as a high-flyer at St Kilda. Six years later — and after stints at Moorabbin and Punt Road — he’s rediscovering his love for the game in one of Australia’s most remote areas.

Former Richmond and St Kilda utility Matthew Parker has always wanted to play football in the Northern Territory.

And he believes his cameo with the Tiwi Bombers can allow him to return to his best after falling in love with footy again.

Parker played 13 games for South Fremantle in the WAFL last year but his 2024 season was cut short by an untimely hamstring injury in round 17.

The 29-year-old retired from Richmond at the end of the 2022 season after 11 games, initially joining the Tigers as a mid-season draft pick the year prior. He returned to the Bulldogs in 2023 but played just eight games as he focused on work and his young family.

A priceless moment.

Nicky Winmar presents Matty Parker with his jumper.#withstkildapic.twitter.com/wgyyLJ3eSN

— St Kilda FC (@stkildafc) March 24, 2019

Now after five games with the Tiwi Bombers in the NTFL, including a 30 disposal, best-on-ground display against the Wanderers last month, Parker believes he can recapture his best at South Fremantle this year.

“I had a few niggles last year,” Parker said.

“I’ve gone away this off-season, looked after the body and done the right thing.

“I’ve been trying to look after myself more than usual but also I’ve been trying to put in the hard work when no one has been looking.

Parker celebrates as a goal as a Tiger.

“Hopefully I’ll come into this year bigger and better than last year. I’m hoping to play a full season and see what happens.

“The games in the NT are helping a lot with match fitness. It’s been great to sharpen up the skills. I feel like I’m a bit ahead of everyone else this year.

“It’s been good for me. It’s something I needed. I needed to go and have a bit of fun again. Sometimes you take for granted how fun footy is and why we play it.

“The last few years have been a bit of a rollercoaster. I just want to get out there, have a full season and show everyone what I can do. Give me a full season and you never know.”

Playing in the same team as Richmond and South Fremantle teammate Marlion Pickett, Parker said that the NTFL was the purest form of the game he’d seen.

Parker playing for the Tiwi Bombers. Picture: Jack Riddiford / AFLNT Media

Parker bursts forward for the Tiwi Bombers. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“I definitely wanted to go up there and try it out and see what their footy is like and what the level is like,” Parker said.

“I wanted to play with the Tiwi boys and experience the culture that they bring.

“I’ve got my own culture down here in Perth. But getting to go out to the islands is a great experience. It’s something I wanted to tick off.

“It’s pure skill really. It comes naturally to most of the boys, especially playing in the Tiwi side.”

You never forget your first goal in AFL football!

Matty Parker, come on down.#AFLSaintsSuns#withstkildapic.twitter.com/SqI2SXMnmr

— St Kilda FC (@stkildafc) March 24, 2019

Parker is currently back in Perth enjoying Tiwi’s Round 18 bye and plans to return to Darwin for the NTFL finals.

During the off-season, Parker has been joined in Perth by former Richmond teammates Liam Baker and Jack Graham who have both arrived at West Coast.

Along with former Tigers assistant Andrew McQualter who was appointed West Coast’s new head coach in September, Parker said that there was a strong Richmond flavour at the Eagles.

“I’m happy for him and all of the boys who went across to the Eagles,” he said.

“Hopefully they put a good season together and get to where they want to be.”

Parker made his name as a high-flyer with the Saints and Tigers. Picture: Michael Klein

As for whether Parker would ever consider an AFL return?

“If it happens it happens,” he said.

“But my little girl, she comes first.

“That’s why I came home. If that door opens to another possible chance … I’ll just see what happens. I want to keep doing what’s right for my family.”

The Whadjuk Noongar man is one of many former Indigenous players who hope to be in the stands for Saturday’s All Stars clash against Fremantle at Optus Stadium.

“It’s good for the Indigenous community,” he said.

“Everyone is going to see their idols running out.

“Everyone is really excited. I’ve been offered tickets but I’ll see if my little boy wants to go.

“We’ve got to set an example for the younger generation and keep putting our best foot forward.”

Originally published as Former St Kilda, Richmond utility Matthew Parker reflects on NTFL experience, South Fremantle and Indigenous All Stars