Matt raises the bat for 250 Hostplus SANFL League games

By ZAC MILBANK

Woodville-West Torrens premiership veteran Matthew Goldsworthy is set to become the first player in nine years to reach 250 Hostplus SANFL League games.

From Curramulka on the Yorke Peninsula, the 32-year-old made an early call to pursue his football career after making the move to Adelaide.

Since starting with the Eagles Under-17s in 2007 and making his League debut in Round 18 of 2008, Goldsworthy has become one of the club’s most consistent and reliable performers for more than a decade.

And on Saturday, against South Adelaide at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval, he will become the first player since Central District’s Paul Thomas in 2015 to play in his 250th League match.

The silky-skilled left-footer is still relishing the opportunity to be the Eagles’ ”Mr Fixit” for new coach Sam Jacobs, who is using Goldsworthy on the wing or across half-forward.

The pair come together regularly to chat about the future of the club’s playing list, as Goldsworthy is also the Eagles’ Senior Football Manager.

As for his future, the Eagles’ No.29 senses his time at League level is drawing to a close as he factors in the need to spend time with his wife Taylor and three-year-old son Oscar.

But first, he will throw everything into the chance to play in a third League premiership, having featured in the club’s 2011 and 2020 successes.