STRENGTHS:

+ Accumulation
+ Clean hands
+ Decision making
+ Disposal efficiency
+ Running power
+ Scoreboard impact

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Contested game
- Strength

Matthews was enjoying some sort of season before it was cut short of injury. Having graduated from roles along the wing and half-back flank, he began to blossom with high-production games in midfield. Not only was Matthews racking up the numbers, but controlling games on the inside, outside, and the scoreboard.

Central to his accumulation factor is an endless running tank. Matthews gives the impression of being everywhere at once, able to manufacture clean stoppage exits while also running in waves on the outside. He combines speed with endurance to forge combination play in all parts of the ground, bringing the game forward at every opportunity.

Needless to say, his ball use is also key to keeping those chains of possession moving. Matthews is a one-touch player who seldom fumbles at ground level or when marking overhead. He distributes the ball crisply by hand and is potent by foot, able to hit laser-like passes on the move. So not only is he efficient, but also damaging with ball in hand.

Having averaged nine forward-50 entries per Talent League game this year, Matthews is clearly getting the ball in the right areas. While certainly an ideal launch player, he has also added the weapon of scoreboard impact to his arsenal. He kicked goals regularly this season, consistently slotting home from long-range on the run and doing so at key moments.

Another part of what makes Matthews so effective is his decision making. Having idolised Scott Pendlebury growing up, it is no surprise that poise and class are among his most notable traits. He has innate spatial awareness and great vision, seeing the game better than most. To compliment that, he's quick and evasive enough to evade pressure, and incredibly skilful.

While he has successfully graduated from far more outside-leaning roles to become a full-time midfielder, Matthews can still continue to develop his inside game. With senior footy under his belt, he's deceptively tough and physical when required and is filling out his relatively tall frame nicely. Given he is so clean, uses the ball well and can run all day, continuing to elevate that contested game will make him the ultimate all-rounder.