Fast, Skilful and Targeted

Despite 2011 being his first full season of Colts football for Swan Districts, Matthew Adams has already caught the eye of AFL clubs.

The 17 year-old from Perth’s Hills is averaging just over 11 disposals and 6 tackles per game.

“I’m pretty happy with that, but would like to get it up to about 15 or 16 which I have done a couple of times this year,” Adams said.

During his junior career, Adams played as a midfielder and running half back, however he has played in defence more this season.

“I have played mainly as a shut down player in the back pocket or half back on dangerous forwards,” he explains.

2011 has not been all highs for Adams though.

Early in the season he was knocked out behind the play.

“I didn’t expect it, but I have moved on now”.

Swan Districts are seventh on the ladder with four games left in the season.

Adams agrees 2011 has not been the greatest year for the team.

“We have struggled to put all aspects of our game together at once, but I am confident we can do it. If we can, we will be a very competitive team”.

In 2010, Adams debuted for Swan Districts, but was in and out of the side and spent most of the year playing for his school side Mazenod where he won the Best and Fairest.

Adams admits next year is his main year of Colts football.

“Next year is my main season, everything that happens this season is a bonus”.

Adams is an amazing athlete.

He combines lighting pace over short distances with the ability to run out games well.

In the pre season he ran 16.4 in the beep test, something AFL players struggle to do.

Adams kicks the ball far more than he handballs, but said it is not a huge focus of his game.

“I prefer to run and hit up a longer target, the only time I seem to handball is dishing out from packs,” he said.
Life as a Colts footballer is demanding.

Adams explained that his week consists of a personal recovery, a team recovery and a gym session on Monday, with Tuesday being the main group session and another gym session.

Wednesday is rest day where Adams watches his footage from the game and hits the gym.

Thursday training is game situated, and only the 25 selected train.

Friday’s consist of stretching in preparation for the game on Saturday.

Adams also attends university on a Tuesday and Thursday and works Wednesday through to Friday.

Adams told me there were two moments in his short career that have motivated him to play football.

“In 2008 my coach took me aside and told me to get motivated to play, which I wasn’t, and that got me addicted to footy,” he explains.

“The second moment was at the start of 2010 when Greg Harding gave me a huge amount of confidence to play at a level which I never thought I would”.

Adams explained his lowest football related moment was in 2008 when his school team lost the preliminary final by 4 points.

“I was gutted, we came so close to playing in a grand final”.

Football is a demanding sport and takes its toll on the players’ bodies so nutrition is very important.

“I eat a lot of carbs and drink 2-3L of fluids a day,” Adams explains.

As a 17 year old, Adams attends parties and functions regularly.

“I do not drink alcohol, definitely not a good idea,” he said.

Adams has put weight on; he currently weighs 72kg and has built his core strength over the pre season.

“Tackling is an area I have worked on, last year it was hard to hold a tackle”.

Adams is no relation to Luke Adams, another Swan Districts player who was king hit after a night out in Northbridge.

The incident not only affected Swan Districts as a club, but touched the whole community.
Adams explained that incident had a big impact at the club.

“We had a tribute match against East Perth and he has been in our minds ever since”.

There is no doubt this talented youngster will be on the radars of more AFL clubs in the near future.

His silky skills and lighting pace make him a great player of modern football.

Adams said he does not expect anything to happen soon.

“I have no major expectations,” he said.