Matthew finished the vote count with 33 votes to claim the win by the barest of margins over West Coast ruckman Dean Cox. 2008 NAB AFL Rising Star Rhys Palmer rounded out the top three with 21 votes.
Votes were cast 3,2,1 by The West Australian’s football reporters following each match involving Fremantle and West Coast throughout the 2008 Toyota AFL Season.
For claiming the win Matthew is now the proud owner of a 2008 Ford Falcon FG valued at $38,000 thanks to Denis McInerney Ford.
Senior Coach Mark Harvey accepted the award in Matthew’s absence.
“Matthew has been a wonderful player this season and he sets a high standard,” Mark said.
“He is easy to coach, he’s growing in leadership and I think the best is still yet to come with Matthew.”
