Words Chris Binns, Editor of Australian Surfing Life
My name’s Chris Binns and as well as being a proud and passionate member of the Gold Coast SUNS, I’m the editor of Australia’s Surfing Life magazine in Burleigh Heads. We are all big fans in the office so it’s an honour to interview one of the up and coming young stars of the team – Matt Shaw.
Matt, you came to the Gold Coast from Victoria, made your AFL debut, and have played plenty more games since then. Tell us about the experience.
It’s pretty cool to make the move from Melbourne up to the sun and surf. My first game was obviously very exciting for my family, my friends and of course myself. It’s been a long time coming, and to string a couple more games together since then has been great.
And you’ve played in two wins.
Yeah! I suppose most people expect us not to win any games, so to prove ourselves is an awesome feeling. The second win up at the Gabba (QClash1) was especially memorable for the boys.
You’ve obviously played footballall your life and had a lot of success at junior level, how do the two AFL wins stack up?
Oh, way up there. I’ve played in a few grand finals but nothing compares to winning points in an AFL team.
The SUNS are in a unique position this year with a lot of debutants, are you guys all pretty tight?
Definitely. There are a few little groups that hang out, we all get out there together and go to the beach or go surfing and get amongst the Gold Coast sites. Wet ‘n’ Wild is pretty fun!
You mentioned the surf. You’re from the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, were the waves up here an attraction to come to the club?
Absolutely. You don’t have to put on a wetsuit, just jump in your boardies and get out there. When I first moved up I was out there all the time and was kind of told to calm down a bit, to not get too excited with all the surfing. Bluey gives me a bit of stick, he reckons I’m out there 24/7, but I’m not. I’d like to be!
It’s just extra fitness work you’re doing off your own bat, right?
Exactly! But rocking up to training a bit stuffed is not ideal.
“Gold Coast SUNS Boardriders” - who’d take out the trophy?
I surf with Nathan Bock a bit and he goes alright, especially for a big lad. Tucks into a few barrels.
Where do you surf?
I try to stay away from the crowds, so try and stick to the beachbreaks. I surf at D’bah and around Currumbin.
And you’re doing some work experience in the surf industry?
Yeah I’ve been working at BASE in Burleigh (Gold Coast surfboard shaping factory), with Darren Handley, who shapes Mick Fanning’s and Steph Gilmore’s boards. They’ve been helping me out, and I’m getting to shape my own board, so it’s been sick. I’ve been packing boards to ship overseas, which has kept me on my toes.
Mick Fanning’s a keen GC SUNS supporter and has come to games at Metricon Stadium, have you met any of the Gold Coast’s big name surfers?
Not yet, I’d love to though. I’ve heard Mick’s been to a few games and it’s great to have his support. Hopefully
a few others take notice and catch on too!
Working in a surfboard factory, does that make you enjoy football as a job a little more?
Definitely! Shaping and packing boards is hard work so it does make me appreciate the AFL lifestyle!
Back to the players, you said the young guys have stuck together, what about the leadership group, have they gone out of their way to show you the ropes and make you feel comfortable?
For sure, guys like Michael Rischitelli and Nathan Bock have helped us out a lot. Even though they’re the leaders, they still seem young to us and definitely still get out and do all the things we do, with the boys. It’s a good group to be a part of.
Out of the playing group there have been four NAB AFL Rising Star nominations this year, is a GC SUN going to win it?
I reckon we’re a chance, we’ve got a few boys up there. Hopefully “The Cannon” (Trent McKenzie), or David Swallow can take it out rather than a youngster from another team.
Finally, what’s your goal for the year?
Well at the start of the year it was to play a game, and now (at time of print) I’ve strung thirteen games together, so probably just to finish the season strongly and hold my place in the side.
Make sure you tune into SUNS TV to watch the interview
