Herbert Edward Matthews (2 September 1894 – 2 June 1964)[1] was an Australian rules footballer who played for South Melbourne, Richmond and Melbourne in the Victorian Football League (VFL).

Herb Matthews Sr.
Personal information
Full name Herbert Edward Matthews
Date of birth (1894-09-02)2 September 1894
Place of birth St Andrews, Victoria
Date of death 2 June 1964(1964-06-02) (aged 69)
Place of death Cheltenham, Victoria
Original team(s) North Melbourne (VFA)
Height 180 cm (5 ft 11 in)
Weight 89 kg (196 lb)
Position(s) Ruckman
Playing career1
Years Club Games (Goals)
1914 South Melbourne 01 0(0)
1915 Richmond 03 0(0)
1919–1922 Melbourne 50 (24)
1923–1924 South Melbourne 31 (27)
Total 85 (51)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1924.
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

After being part of North Melbourne's strong Victorian Football Association (VFA) combination, Matthews had a slow start to his VFL career. He made just one appearance in his debut season, at South Melbourne, which prompted him to cross to Richmond where he added only three more matches.

When the war ended he returned to league football again and lined up for Melbourne in the 1919 season, rucking regularly for them during his four years at the club. He made a return to South Melbourne in 1923, joining Roy Cazaly in the ruck and he played in a losing preliminary final.

In 1925, Matthews was appointed as captain/coach of Benalla in the Ovens & Murray Football League,[2] but a week he later turned down the position.[3][4]

His son, Herbie Matthews, later won a Brownlow Medal and his grandson of the same name also played with South Melbourne.

Notes

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  1. ^ "Herb Matthews – Player Bio". Australian Football. Retrieved 13 November 2014.
  2. ^ "1925 - Football". Benalla Standard (Vic. : 1901 - 1931). 6 March 1925. p. 5. Retrieved 10 June 2021.
  3. ^ "1925 - Benalla Club". Benalla Standard (Vic. : 1901 - 1931). 20 March 1925. p. 3. Retrieved 10 June 2021.
  4. ^ "1925 - Matthews Exonerated". The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954). 16 April 1925. p. 8. Retrieved 10 June 2021.

References

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  • Holmesby, Russell and Main, Jim (2007). The Encyclopedia of AFL Footballers. 7th ed. Melbourne: Bas Publishing.
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