Matthew Roberts (footballer)

Matthew Roberts
Personal information
Nickname Robbo
Born (2003-07-31) 31 July 2003
Langhorne Creek, South Australia
Draft Round 2, Pick #34 2021 AFL National Draft
Debut Round 11, 2022, Sydney vs. Richmond, at Sydney Cricket Ground
Height 184 cm (6 ft 0 in)
Weight 81 kg (179 lb)
Position Medium Defender
Club information
Current club Sydney
Number 34
Playing career1
Years Club Games (Goals)
2022– Sydney 50 (6)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of round 1, 2026.
Career highlights
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

Matthew Roberts (born 31 July 2003) is an Australian rules footballer who plays for the Sydney Swans in the Australian Football League (AFL).

Early football

Growing up, Roberts honed his football skills on the fields of Langhorne Creek Football Club, where his passion for the game ignited. This grassroots experience laid the foundation for his journey in the sport. Transitioning to his school years, he showcased his talent proudly donning the colors of St Peter's College, Adelaide.[1]

Roberts then joined the South Adelaide Football Club and also represented South Australia at consecutive Under 16 National Championships and then consecutive Under 18 Championships.[2]

AFL career

After being drafted with the 34th selection in the 2021 AFL draft.[3][4] A year after being drafted, Roberts made his debut for Sydney Swans in Round 11, 2022 following a successful spell in the VFL.[5]

In the 2023 AFL season, Roberts would go on to play 6 games adjusting to the heightened competition and establishing his place in a roster full of talent.

Roberts played the first nine games of the 2024 season, and has been a breakout player which has seen his disposals soar at an average of 18.6 per game. He was nominated for the 2024 AFL Rising Star in the opening round of the season.[6]

Statistics

Updated to the end of round 1, 2026.[7]

Legend
  G  
Goals
  K  
Kicks
  D  
Disposals 
  T  
Tackles
  B  
Behinds 
  H  
Handballs 
  M  
Marks
Season Team No. Games Totals Averages (per game) Votes
G B K H D M T G B K H D M T
2022 Sydney 34 1 0 0 1 1 2 0 1 0.0 0.0 1.0 1.0 2.0 0.0 1.0 0
2023 Sydney 34 6 1 1 28 13 41 12 9 0.2 0.2 4.7 2.2 6.8 2.0 1.5 0
2024 Sydney 34 23 2 2 297 125 422 130 51 0.1 0.1 12.9 5.4 18.3 5.7 2.2 3
2025 Sydney 34 18 1 3 263 119 382 108 36 0.1 0.2 14.6 6.6 21.2 6.0 2.0 0
2026 Sydney 34 2 2 2 23 15 38 10 5 1.0 1.0 11.5 7.5 19.0 5.0 2.5 TBA
Career 50 6 8 612 273 885 260 102 0.1 0.2 12.2 5.5 17.7 5.2 2.0 3

References

  1. ^ Tom Wyman (31 July 2021). "Roberts rises up the ranks with skills, smarts, and composure". Central. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  2. ^ "Matthew Roberts". Aussie Rules Rookie Me Central. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  3. ^ "Matty Roberts". AFL. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  4. ^ "Matthew Roberts SANFL". SANFL. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  5. ^ "Roberts to make debut". Sydney Swans. 26 May 2022. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  6. ^ Grattan, Thomas (14 March 2024). "The Roberts Rise: Matt making his mark as a Rising Star". The Inner Sanctum. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  7. ^ "Matt Roberts". AFL Tables. Retrieved 17 March 2026.