The 20-year-old livewire provided some much-needed spark to the SUNS midfield, coming off the bench in the third quarter to collecting 10 disposals and three shots-at-goal after being unleashed into the action.
GC SUNS senior coach Guy McKenna was full of praise for the rising star in his post-match media conference, crediting Matera’s use of possession and efforts around the contested football.
“We know how hard he is around the football and as the game opened up I thought he started to find better disposals,” said McKenna.
“He started to use the ball a lot more and really take some territory with his possession… he continues to evolve as one of our better midfielders.”
Speaking exclusively with goldcoastfc.com.au, Matera said he was pleased to no longer be watching on from the sidelines after overcoming a hot spot in his foot over the summer.
"It was great to get out there and have a run around… I was lucky enough to get a little bit of the footy and a few shots at goal which was good,” said Matera.
Matera believed it was the SUNS’ effort in contested possession that inspired their spirited 53-point chase.
“I reckon it was probably our work around the stoppages that kept us in the game… we were able to kick our centre clearances straight into our forward-line which resulted in an immediate impact on the scoreboard.”
With the GC SUNS already planning for next weekend’s NAB Cup match against the Sydney Swans, Matera said the players would need to match the Swan’s intensity and physically pressure if their any chance of contesting against the AFL’s reigning premiers.
“After going winless through the first two rounds of the NAB Cup tournament, we’re certainly expecting the Swans to come out firing against us this Saturday,” Matera said.
“They’re still the best team going around at the moment so it’s going to valuable experience for us... I’m confident the boys will rise up to the challenge.”
