Matt Eagles

Matt Eagles earned his place on an AFL list through one of the modern game's most unconventional pathways, securing a contract with the Brisbane Lions as a Category B rookie after winning the second season of the reality television series The Recruit. A mature-age prospect originally from South Australia, Eagles spent his early time at the club developing in the NEAFL, where he became a premiership player and a cult figure among fans for his distinctive appearance and competitive nature. Functioning primarily as a key defender who could pinch-hit in the ruck, he eventually broke through for his senior debut in 2018 but battled abdominal injuries and strong competition for defensive posts. Despite his perseverance seeing him earn a handful of games over four seasons, he was unable to secure a permanent position in the Lions' best 22 and was delisted at the conclusion of the 2020 season.