Matthew Rogers, a talented utility player from SANFL club South Adelaide, was Richmond’s fourth pick (No. 37 overall) in the 1992 National Draft.
But Rogers, who had made his senior debut with South Adelaide during the ’92 season, felt he wasn’t quite ready to make the move to the AFL at that stage, and opted to spend another year in the SANFL.
It turned out to be a fairly wise decision by Rogers, who had an instant impact in his debut season at Richmond in 1994.
Playing predominantly as a half-forward and wingman, Rogers kicked 26 goals during that season and shared the Club’s Best First Year Player award with fellow South Australian Jamie Tape.
Rogers went on to provide the Tigers with fine value over the next decade, using his flexibility, mobility, marking ability, goal sense and overall football nous, to full advantage for the team.
When superstar spearhead Matthew Richardson suffered a season-ending foot injury in Round 4, 2000, it was Rogers who stepped up as his replacement.
In his typically unobtrusive, but effective style, Rogers responded, booting 37 goals that season and winning the Michael Roach Medal for being the Club’s leading goalkicker.
Rogers also played on-ball and in defence for the Tigers at times throughout his career, proving himself a highly adaptable, reliable performer, regardless of the tasks he was assigned by his coaches.
Matthew Rogers profile
Born: 25/11/1973
Height: 185cm
Playing weight: 90kg
Draft history: Taken by Richmond at pick 37 overall in the 1992 National Draft
Guernsey number at Richmond: No. 4
Debut at Richmond: Round 1, 1994 v Footscray, Western Oval
Games at Richmond (1994-2004): 197
Goals at Richmond: 163
Honors at Richmond: Winner of Best First Year Player award in 1994, winner of Club Leading Goalkicker award in 2000 (37 goals)
