Prolific Calder Cannons on-baller Matt Goodyear hoping to fulfil AFL draft dream

WATCHING Matt Goodyear play, you would not be surprised if the Calder Cannons midfielder slept with a football cradled in his arms.

Calder Cannons midfielder and draft prospect Matt Goodyear at his junior club, Gisborne. Picture: Paul Loughnan

WATCHING Matt Goodyear play, you would not be surprised if the Calder Cannons midfielder slept with a football cradled in his arms.

Goodyear, from Mt Macedon, was one of Calder’s most consistent — and prolific — midfielders across the TAC Cup season.

The 18-year-old was named in the club’s best players 10 times in 15 matches, averaging 21.6 disposals per game.

Goodyear’s contested-possession work in the centre of Highgate Reserve has not gone unnoticed, with 12 AFL clubs interviewing him throughout the year.

He hopes every tackle, smother and contested possession he performed in 2014 will amount to selection at the AFL national draft on November 27.

“(The AFL clubs) made an emphasis that they loved my contested work and burst speed also,” Goodyear said.

“They were the main points that they said they liked about me.

“They don’t really give a lot away, they just put it onto you about what you want to improve.

“I’m someone that’s always looking to improve every area of my game.”

Goodyear averaged about four tackles per game this year, complementing the silky-skilled Touk Miller, Nick O’Kearney and Paul Ahern in Calder’s midfield.

But those who watched the Cannons’ TAC Cup grand final will know Goodyear is also capable of hurting teams in his own right.

Goodyear in action for Calder during the 2014 TAC Cup season. Picture: Angie Basdekis

One of the highlights of Calder’s loss to Oakleigh at Etihad Stadium was Goodyear’s goosestep out of a crowd of players before he calmly slotted home from 55m on the quarter-time siren. It was a move reminiscent of a player the Essendon supporter grew up admiring, James Hird.

“I think being an athlete in the modern game is very important, but in saying that, there’s still a huge emphasis on contested ball and I believe it wins games of football,” Goodyear said.

“Trying to have a well-rounded game, having that athletic ability and also being able to win the footy and play outside is something I strive towards.”

Goodyear agrees with the assessment that he is a player who lets actions speak louder than words. But when you are able to accumulate possessions at will like the unassuming on-baller does, letting your ability speak for itself is never an issue.

“I sort of try and let my footy do the talking, on the field I try and lead by example,” he said.

Goodyear’s quality helped him secure a place in this year’s Vic Metro squad alongside seven of his Calder teammates.

As the draft draws closer and nerves grow, he expects to be in close contact with those same players as they chase their AFL dream.

“It’s good that there’s a fair few of us being considered to be drafted this year,” he said. “Throughout the whole year as a team we’ve helped each other out and tried to improve. We don’t talk about it too much, but it’s good that there’s a fair few of us being considered.”