Mathew Stokes

Arriving at Geelong via the SANFL as a mature-age recruit with pick 61 in the 2005 National Draft, Mathew Stokes wasted little time cementing his spot in one of the greatest teams of the modern era. Initially utilised as a cunning small forward, he possessed an innate goal sense and applied frantic defensive pressure inside 50, playing a crucial role in the Cats' drought-breaking 2007 premiership and adding a second flag in 2011. While often overshadowed by the club's headline stars during the dynasty years, Stokes was a vital connective player who successfully reinvented himself later in his career, transitioning from the forward pocket to the midfield where he became a prolific accumulator of the ball known for his clean usage and high football IQ.

Following the 2015 season, Stokes was delisted by Geelong as the club looked to regenerate its list, initially signaling the end of his time at the elite level. However, his career received an unexpected epilogue when he was recruited by Essendon as a "top-up" player for the 2016 season, brought in to provide stability and leadership following the suspensions resulting from the club's supplements saga. He played a valuable mentorship role for the Bombers' younger contingent, notably reaching the 200-game milestone in a match against his former side, before retiring permanently. A highly respected Indigenous leader, Stokes left the game as a dual premiership player and a Geelong life member.