Fast forward the clock three years and not in his wildest dreams did the pint sized wingman from Ringwood think he would have such impact on not only the Casey Scorpions, but the VFL. Turned away from Box Hill in 2004 it provided him with the ambition and spark to succeed at the highest possible level.
Kyle’s speed, skill and hardness have become a trademark of his game, which had seen him be rewarded with selection in the 2006-2007 VFL Team of the year. In both of these years he finished 3rd in the club best and fairest but more importantly, last year he was a key factor in the resurgence of the Scorpions helping lead them back to their 1st finals campaign in four years.
In 2007 he was also recognised by the VFL finishing in the top five of the highly decorated Liston Medal. The only disappointment for Kyle was being overlooked for a rookie spot. He had numinous club enquire and got closeted last season after a state screening and a testing day with Essendon, but it hasn’t stopped the wingman as his continues to play vital footy for the Scorps in season 2008.
With the core senior group parting way at the start of the 2008 season, Kyle at 21 was left to best the most senior and decorated player on the Scorpions list. “I wasn’t sure who was going to be captain” Matthews said, but Greg Hutchison was, “He was just a proven player at VFL level”. Kyle hasn’t looked back since being handed the reins and although will enjoy reaching this milestone on the weekend, he has bigger fish to fry.
Kyle is set to become one of the Scorpions youngest ever players to lead them into a finals campaign and that is something he is looking forward too. “We have a massive game this week and we just have to worry about this week, the clubs aim is to finish top four, but we need to win our last two to ensure it’s in our own hands”.
The club congratulates Kyle on his achievements to date and wishes him all the best in his 50th game and leading the Scorpions into his 1st campaign as captain.
