Matthew Suckling
Sport: Australian Rules football
Year Inducted: 2025
Born in Brisbane, but returning to Wagga at five months old, Matthew “Suckers” Suckling first developed his football skills as a junior playing for the East Wagga Kooringal Hawks Football Club, and later, the Wagga Tigers.
Shortly after completing his HSC, Matt relocated to Melbourne after being drafted by Hawthorn Football Club as pick 22 in the 2007 rookie draft. Unfortunately, he missed most of the 2007 season due to injury but was retained on the rookie list for 2008. Drafted to the club’s senior list the following year, he finally made his club debut aged 20 in a game against Geelong.
Matt became a pivotal part of the Hawthorn defence, especially valued for his very long range and stellar kicking accuracy. In 2011, he was chosen to represent Australia as goalkeeper at the International Rules Series, the 16th series contested between Gaelic footballers from Ireland and Aussie Rules footballers.
Matthew Suckling is a dashing defender with a booming left boot from Wagga Wagga.
‘PureWise’, Reddit
The following year, Matt had the distinction of being one of only three Hawks players to play every game in the 2012 season.
Over the nine years he spent with Hawthorn, Matt played over 100 games. He also played on the winning team for two premierships: not only an impressive achievement, but a highlight of his professional career.
In November 2015, Matt exercised his right as a free agent and transferred to the Western Bulldogs. Despite his career being impacted by various injuries, over the five years spent with the Bulldogs, he played 76 games in total and was an integral part of the team during their 2016 Premiership season.
Matt retired from professional football at the conclusion of the 2020 Season.
After settling in Queensland, Matt joined the Coorparoo Senior Australian Football Club (The Kings). There, he was not only a 2022 Premiership star but was also highly respected and valued for his elite kicking style, coupled with his high footy IQ and willingness to impart his knowledge.
Matt hung up his boots for good in 2025, and the club gave him a guard of honour in recognition of his stellar career.