Matt Power brings up the quadruple-ton
After leaving Daramalan college in 1997, as a fleet footed fullback, he spent a year in the United Kingdom working as a gap student at Ampleforth College, during this time he enjoyed all the UK had to offer, returning with a great bunch of mates, plenty of stories and 10 kilograms heavier.
He commenced his senior football at the Daramalan before the name change to Gungahlin. Initially picked in the Colt’s side, it was obvious to many this would not be for long. With the likes of Leroy O’Sullivan, Matt Heffernan, Peter Northcott and Kieran Fordham, Matty moved quickly through the senior grades. These experiences are still recounted as one of the highlights of his senior footy. A bunch of young colts running around with the likes of Timmy Davis, Strawbs, Jive, Gresh, Buckman and the great Rodney Hayes just to name a few.
He arrived at a time of transition for our club. At times the Eagles lacked player numbers and as a result, Matty became known as the energiser bunny who would just go all day and keep everyone up. He regularly played colts, 2nds and 1st XV in a single afternoon. He never complained and would do so happily if it meant helping his mates and the club out. The only time he did get upset was when PON indicated his Meat Pie and Beer whilst sitting on the 1st grade bench might need to stop.
Matt will tell you himself that his family are to thank for this milestone – his wife Cate still encourages him to play and has supported him through his entire career (injuries and all), his father Tim is a lifemember and a volunteer who has done more than most for the club, his brother Dave has been manning the gate at every Eagles home game for many years now, and his brother John has also amassed 176 games for the Eagles.
Matt and Cate Power are now parents of four (Cooper, Ryley, Charlie, and Grace) and they all love their footy and sport, which makes Matt’s milestone more impressive given he plays when he’s not coaching or organising their activities.
Matt is fierce competitor on the field, he holds himself to very high standards and expects others to do the same when playing for the eagles.
Gungahlin Eagles President Eoghan O’Byrne says that this achievement can’t be understated and that people like Matt are the lifeblood of rugby.
“The Eagles and the game of Rugby Union need families like this one, and we need people like Matt”
“Club’s are strong when the current group of players are connected to the club’s history, see the values of the club in action, and know what a good club person looks like – when you have people like Matt and Leigh around your group, they get to see all of those things in action”
“On behalf of the Eagles and everyone who has to gotten to know Matt, we would like to say thanks for giving us an unbelievable level of commitment and well done on your milestone.”
Matt’s good mate and only other member of the Eagles 400 club, Leigh Hancock, says his efforts on field are just some of what makes Matty a good clubman.
“He’s a pleasure to play with, but more importantly a true friend to many. Matty regularly goes beyond what would be considered just friendship, offering help and assistance in a variety of forms he always finds time to help others when required.”
“A true family man, Cate is never far away to offer her advice or to laugh at his drop balls or miss tackles, Gungahlin is truly lucky to have not only Matty, but Cate and the children as part of its community.”
“Congrats my friend, you are a very special human. I and many others are blessed to call you not just an Eagles teammate but more importantly a friend and family.”
