Bundoora and Northern league great Matthew Dennis set for new adventure

Three-time NFL Rosbrook Medallist and three-time Bundoora premiership player Matthew Dennis will not return to the Bulls in 2021.

Northern Football League and Bundoora great Matthew Dennis will not return to the Bulls in 2021.

The three-time Rosbrook Medallist and three-time Division 1 premiership star will instead head off for an interstate adventure.

Currently captaining Palmerston in the Northern Territory Football League, Dennis will then link up with Bracknell in the Northern Tasmania Football Association’s Premier Division.

Dennis said the opportunity was too good to pass up for him and his young family.

“I just wanted to do something with the family and enjoy a bit of footy and travelling as well,” he said.

Matthew Dennis with his father, Allan, after winning his third Rosbrook Medal in 2017. Picture: Local Legends Photography.

“There were a few people I spoke to that came up here and watched a few games three or four years ago and they’ve been trying to get me across.

“Because I’m already away from home, rather than come back and pack up again, it’s easier just to get down there and have a bit of time off and when I settle back down in Melbourne I can come back and finish off at Bundoora.

“My daughter’s only starting school next year so I wanted to use the opportunity to do something different, have a kick in a different environment and be able to travel with the family.”

Dennis has played nine seasons at Yulong Reserve, winning three club best-and-fairest, a grand final best-on-ground medal and seven Team of the Year nods.

However, he said he was planning to return in 2022 and potentially reach the 200-game mark.

“I don’t want to leave Bundoora but I’ve got the opportunity and I’m going to make the most of it,” he said.

“With the year it’s been I’m not super keen to come straight back to Melbourne, I’m enjoying my time away, so I thought I’d extend it for 12 months.

“Everyone (at Bundoora) understands, I’m 34 now, so I’ve given my best years to the club.

“I still want to come back and finish off because it is my home club and I love the club but I feel like I want to do something with the family.”

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Palmerston are currently seventh, second last, on the NTFL ladder with one win but Dennis continues to impress – named in the club’s best in all eight matches so far this season.

Despite the Magpies’ on-field struggles, the star big man has averaged almost 20 disposals, five marks and 25 hitouts a game.

“We’ve got a young side, so we’re trying to develop,” Dennis said.

“I’m captain this year and trying to help the club get better and build a culture for the future.”