A LIFELONG footballer and mad Bulldogs fan, Matilda Argus is coming off an impressive 27-disposal performance in the Dandenong Stingrays’ loss to Tasmania Devils. Argus has footballing talent running through her blood with father Daryl actually listed with the Western Bulldogs for the 1991 season, but due to injuries could not crack in for a game that under current rules would have seen Argus club-tied to Whitten Oval.

However Argus is forging a career in her own right, and developing as a half-back and midfielder, provides speed on the ball and an ability to use her penetrating left boot in transition. We spoke to the top-age Stingrays talent and Vic Country hub member at the Coates Talent League Girls Preseason Testing Day about her football journey, inspirations and goals for the year ahead.

Q: Matilda, tell us a bit about your footy journey?

MA: “I started playing footy when I was six years-old. It was actually the start of the girls actual team so I didn’t have to play with any boys. It was just called intermediate girls, I was six playing against 12 year-olds of my sister and stuff. It wasn’t quite right with how short I was, but the next year they started dividing it up into actual age groups. i played at my actual club Beleura for five or a bit more than that years. Then Covid happened and Beleura got folded so I went to Balnarring. Went to interleague, played V/Line twice, then got invited to Stingrays Futures, and this is my third year at Stingrays now.”

Q: What role do you envisage you play this year?

MA: “I’ve spoken with my coach and last year I played centre half-back mostly, but I did a bit of midfield in the last few games and really fit in there, so we’re looking at inside mid and also half-back as a rest or just alternating. Just so I can run on and when I played backline it was mostly as an extra midfielder running off the half-back to help iut the midfield into the forwardline.”

Q: What do you see as some of the strengths in your game?

MA: “Definitely my kicking, my left-foot I have a long kick. My attack on the ball and just reading the play. Obviously being at half-back, you’re always watching and have to be ready to be an outlet to run on. My speed as well.”

Q: What about the improvements you’re looking to make?

MA: “My tackling is actually something I’ve been working on a lot, just actually locking on and stopping the ball spilling out. That’s my biggest thing, probably my technique because if I’m playing a defensive role but also the midfield when its on the ground I need to be able to get the ball back.”

Q: What AFL/W club do you support?

MA: “Western Bulldogs, both men’s and women’s, just always have been.”

Q: Is that just family ties?

MA: “My dad played for Footscray for a little bit and Sandringham. It’s just always been in the family.”

Q: Was it in the VFL back then?

MA: “Only reserves, he didn’t get picked in the seniors, because he got injured so that was it for him.”

Q: Not father-daughter or anything?

MA: “Unfortunately no. He played lots of games of ressies but he didn’t get to play seniors.”

Q: Who’s had the most influence on your career?

MA: “My dad. Definitely my dad. He’s probably my biggest supporter, my mum as well, but dad’s always the one whose helping me out. I go to him when I need some pointers and he’s here now even thought I’ve got my licence just because he wanted to come and support me.”

Q: Just finally, what goals do you set for yourself this year?

MA: “I just want to have a really solid season. See how I go in the midfield and see how I go between half-back and mid, but obviously the big goal is to get drafted, but just little goals well, Vic County as stepping stones. That’s what I want to do.”