Bill Matthews
St Kilda
AFL career
80 games7 goals
- Debut
- R1 1897 v COL8 May 1897
- Most recent
- SR2 1902 v CAR23 Aug 1902
Stats
Bio
Bill Matthews holds a significant place in history as the inaugural captain of St Kilda in the VFL, leading the side onto the field for their debut match against Collingwood in 1897. Transitioning from the club's VFA incarnation, he was a durable follower and defender who provided rare stability during a notoriously difficult era where the Saints failed to register a win in their first three seasons. Despite the relentless lack of team success, Matthews was a consistent performer who rarely missed a fixture, eventually featuring in the club's historic breakthrough victory over Melbourne in Round 1, 1900. He retired in 1902 having played a pivotal role in steering the side through its chaotic foundation years, establishing a legacy of resilience for the struggling club.
Profile
- Full name
- Bill H. Matthews
- Born
- 18 May 1876
- Died
- 22 Feb 1923 (aged 46y 280d)
- Birthplace
- Ararat, VIC
- Deathplace
- East Melbourne, VIC
Teams
Bio
1 revisionBill Matthews holds a significant place in history as the inaugural captain of St Kilda in the VFL, leading the side onto the field for their debut match against Collingwood in 1897. Transitioning from the club's VFA incarnation, he was a durable follower and defender who provided rare stability during a notoriously difficult era where the Saints failed to register a win in their first three seasons. Despite the relentless lack of team success, Matthews was a consistent performer who rarely missed a fixture, eventually featuring in the club's historic breakthrough victory over Melbourne in Round 1, 1900. He retired in 1902 having played a pivotal role in steering the side through its chaotic foundation years, establishing a legacy of resilience for the struggling club.