Mathew Stokes brings a wealth of experience to the Essendon Bombers.

Initially overlooked in the 2002 Draft, Stokes worked hard on his game before he was eventually taken with pick 61 in the 2005 AFL Draft by the Cats.

He would be an integral part of the Cats’ line-up and finish his ten year career there with 202 goals and a 76% win rate.

2000:

Represeneted Northern Territory at the U18 national championship.

2003:

Played with Woodville West Torrens in the SANFL where he was named the most improved player for the season.

2006:

Made his AFL debut against Richmond and went on to play nine games. He polled his first Brownlow votes in the Cats’ win over Port Adelaide and also show skill in front of the goal, kicking three goals against Essendon in round 11. Stokes was also an important member of the Cats VFL side which made the Grand Final.

2007:

This would be the year that Stokes would make himself a permanent member of the Cats team. The small forward played in 21 games during the regular season and booted 32 goals including a career best haul of five against Fremantle. Stokes’ form would eventually culminate in a finals berth going on to be a part of the Geelong Premiership Team. 
He was also honoured with selection in the Indigenous All-Stars team.

2008:

Stokes continued his good form in 2007 playing in all 22 games of the regular season. The small forward was once again damaging in front of goal, kicking 38 goals – including at least one goal in 19 of his games (also kicking four goals in three different matches). Stokes would play in his second consecutive AFL Grand Final – which meant he had played in five senior grand finals in his last five season (2x AFL, 1x VFL and 2x SANFL).

2009:

Stokes showed consistency throughout the 2009 season but put the team first when he ruled himself out of the Grand Final that year due to a minor groin issue.

2010:

Stokes bounced back from a Club imposed suspension at the beginning of the year to finish the season strongly. He would go onto play in 18 games including three finals kicking 14 goals from 18 games as well as seven goals in the three finals.

2011:

It was another strong season for Stokes who would rack up his 100^th game in the round 13 win against St.Kilda. He played 22 games for the season and enjoyed his fifth straight season with 28 or more goals. Aside from his goalkicking, Stokes would also set career season highs with 331 disposals, 233 handballs and 70 tackles – including 13 games with 20+ disposals and seven games with 5 or more tackles. His brilliant season would finish with his second Grand Final win.

2012:

Stokes played in 20 games for the Cats kicking 15 goals.

2013:

2013 was arguably Stokes’ best season of his career. He played in all 24 games, including all three finals and finish fourth in the Club’s  Best and Fairest. Stokes would register career highs with 533 possessions, 285 kicks, 123 marks, 348 handballs and 25 goal assists – receiving seven Brownlow votes. He reached the 150 game milestone against the West Coast Eagles in round 21 and had a career high 37 possessions in round 22 against Sydney. His stunning form was recognised when he was chosen for his first International Rules series.

2014:

Stokes was on track to duplicate his career best form from 2013, but was struck down with an ankle injury in round 14 against the Suns. He would still finish the season with 20 games including both finals having 22 disposals in every game before his injury.

2015:

Stokes played 14 games for the Cats before announcing his retirement in the round 23 game against Adelaide. Although he fought to maintain his spot in the side, Stokes still averaged 19 disposals a game. He would return to the NTFL to play alongside Alwyn Davey for the Palmerston Magpies.