Matt Dea continued his return to AFL football with a resilient display against Port Adelaide on Friday night.
The ex-Tiger stood up tall under constant pressure from the rampaging Port Adelaide midfield and forward line.
Playing off the half-back line, Dea showed great determination fighting hard for his 20 disposals, four marks and four rebound 50s.
The defender also provided run through the middle of the ground, moving the ball well and helping to get the ball inside our attacking 50 on three occasions.
“It was disappointing not to come away with the win,” said Dea
“But there were some really positive signs, so I’m sure we’ll go through the tape during the week and look at that.”
Despite his positive performance, the modest defender believes that he still has a long way to go in terms of his own development.
However, Dea is still thoroughly enjoying every moment of playing with the Bombers and learning from the Coaches.
“I still feel as though I have a little bit to go,” said Dea
“It’s been good to be given the opportunity and I’m really enjoying it.
“The boys have been fantastic and the Coaches have been really supportive.
“I’m just having an absolute ball and I’m looking forward to getting a few more wins on the board and just getting better each week.”
Dea, and the rest of the team, will now turn its attention to preparing for an important game against Geelong in the inaugural Country Game next Saturday.
Originally from Mildura, Dea is looking forward to Kevin Sheedy’s latest initiative, which celebrates the contribution that people from rural Australia make to the entire country.
“It’s a really great initiative that they’ve started hopefully we can pull a good crowd and get some really good support.”
Full Stats:
20 Disposals
10 Kicks
10 Handballs
7 Contested Possessions
259m Gained
4 Marks
1 Intercept Mark
2 Intercepts
4 Tackles
1 Goal Assist
