At the end of 1999, Matthew Allan was the best ruckman in the AFL. That season he played in a losing Grand Final side, won Carlton’s Best and Fairest award and was chosen as the All-Australian ruckman. The football world was at the feet of his athletic 198-centimetre frame. In the space of four frustrating seasons however, things changed dramatically.

Allan suffered a foot injury that restricted him to just 18 games in three seasons from 2001. At the end of 2003 he was traded to Essendon, a move that has paid dividends for both parties this year. This weekend against Fremantle he will play his 150^th match, an achievement even he thought was not possible given his poor injury record since 1999.

""There has been a few times in the last couple of years when I was struggling with my foot injury that I didn’t think I would make it this far,"" Allan admitted. ""I have missed a lot of games through injury, but I guess at this stage of my career I’m just trying to finish on a good note and to be here at Essendon is a great honour.""

Allan has made an immediate impact at Bomberland. In nine games so far the ruckman has 164 tap outs and is averaging 10 disposals and three marks a match.

Allan credits his successful return to football to the coaching staff at Windy Hill, particularly the fitness adviser John Quinn.

""He (Quinn) is a smart man. He put together a good training program for me. He’s helped work with me and I can say that I’m feeling pretty good at the moment,"" the 29-year old said.

""The coaches are great people as well because of the way they direct you with your footy.

""The main thing I have noticed (at Essendon) is that they just let you got out there and play. They really back the players in, so it’s a great environment to play footy,"" he said.

Essendon ruck coach Simon Madden says that Allan has had a positive impact on the balance of the Bomber line up. Madden believes that Allan’s presence in the side gives Essendon some different ruck options with David Hille then able to play forward.

""He is a very mobile ruckman. Because he has got the experience he’s pretty smart and he knows how to get the ball. The combination of his knowledge and athleticism works very well for us,"" Madden said.

Since making his debut in 1994 Allan has been privy to the changes associated with ruck work as a tactic. ""Back then you knew that guys would just jump at each other all day and wouldn’t step around or try different tricks. I try a few more tricks in the centre bounces now so that you are a bit more unpredictable,"" Allan said.

With 149 games under his belt, Allan has experienced much during his 10 year stint as an AFL footballer. Memories of the 1999 Grand Final and All-Australian selection are overshadowed by a different personal achievement.

""It sounds a bit strange, but the biggest highlight of my career is actually getting over my injuries and coming to Essendon,"" he said. ""I’ll look back on that and be pretty proud of what I have been able to overcome to be a part of such a great club.""