The 18-year-old was taken at pick No. 38 in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft and last year represented South Australia in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships. He was also awarded the SANFL’s Star Search Award in 2008.
Broadbent, a Power supporter, said pulling on the Port Adelaide jumper would turn a dream into reality, and he can’t wait to get stuck in.
“I’m a little bit nervous, but more excited than anything and I can’t wait to get out there and mix it with the big boys,” Broadbent said.
“Yesterday we were doing a signing session and Choco (Mark Williams) came up and shook my hand and said, ‘Well done, you’re playing your first game’.
“I’ve followed Port my whole life so it’s a pretty special dream come true to be wearing the guernsey and hopefully I’ll do it proud and get a win.
“I just want to do my bit for the team and, as Mark (Williams) said, just play tough footy and get a win.
“Being emergency so many times made me want it that little bit more and I travelled interstate to Geelong, which was a really good learning experience for me.”
Coach Mark Williams was full of praise for the youngster after several excellent performances in the SANFL.
“Full credit to him. He’s played really well at Woodville-West Torrens (in the SANFL) and Ron Fuller (the club’s senior coach) is really pleased with what he’s done with Matthew’s development,” Williams said.
“He’s tough and he reminds me about everything Dom Cassisi did in the first place and if he turns out half as good as Dom we will be rapt.”
Williams said he was impressed by Broadbent’s work ethic which was the reason behind his selection to the seniors.
“History will show that people who have had to work a little harder to get in the side tend to stay in there a long time,” he said.
“They know the value of hard work to get there and how important it is to them and every time he (Matthew) plays, he shows how important the game of football is.”
