Season in short:
Matthew Suckling impressed in his first year at Victoria University Whitten Oval after crossing from Hawthorn in late 2015, although a troublesome achilles would hinder the second half of his season.
The former Hawk burst out of the gates in his new colours, averaging 23 disposals and seven marks per game between rounds 1-4, before knee and ankle injuries suffered in the round five win over the Lions at Etihad Stadium would see him miss a month of football.
Suckling returned to face Collingwood in round 10 and picked up where he left off, submitting arguably two of his best games of the season over the next three weeks; a 28 disposal seven mark outing against the Eagles and a 26 touch, nine mark performance against Geelong.
But it would be the story of the 28-year old’s season; a solid patch of football before an injury setback.
Suckling would not play again after the semi-final win over Hawthorn.
The stat that mattered:
Suckling averaged career highs in disposal efficiency (79.5%), average intercept possessions per game (3.5) and ranked fifth at the Club in average metres gained per contest.
What they said.
“My season was a bit up and down.
“I thought I started really well, then I missed a month with injury.
"After that it’s been a bit hot and cold, and it was probably mainly due to the achilles. Since about round 14 it’s been a real battle, but I’ve loved every minute so far here and I’m looking forward to what lies ahead.”
Matthew Suckling, October, 2015.
Gram of the year
The first game in the new colours was always going to be a special day. The Gatorade shower just makes it sweeter.
