After an enforced layoff… we’re back!
During this podcast we caught up on all of the latest footy news from around the region, previewed the first week of the AFL Finals, discussed our Asian Champs memories of yesteryear and floated the idea of an AFL Asia All-Stars Team with a difference.
This podcast features a Tribal Sport ‘Friendly Fire Round’ with AFL Asia Advisory Board Member & #howgoodsfootyinasia Podcast co-host Matt Gale.
Keep you eye for our next podcast on Wednesday September 8th.
Brought to you by AFL Asia’s official merchandise provider. Contact David Lake and the team for all your clubs merchandising needs!
Nicknames: Big G, MG, G Banger, Matty G
What Clubs have you played for? Central Whyalla, South Whyalla Demons, Woodville-West Torrens, Broughton Mundoora, Port Bulldogs, then lobbed over to Japan to play and coach the Osaka
Dingoes.
Preferred position/s: Ruck. I love it because essentially, you’re another onballer if you’re fit enough.
I also love full-forward and prefer it nowadays.
Number: 26
Matt has ushered AFL Asia to this level and his continued involvement will ensure continued momentum.
AFL team: Started with the Essendon Bombers in the VFL, went for the Port Adelaide Magpies in the
SANFL and started playing against them, and learnt to hate them… but I went to the first ever
Adelaide Crows game. So, I’ve got a bit of everything in me, but I’d say Crows is probably my go-to.
Best player/s in AFL Asia: Pound-for-pound probably Evan Spargo is the best I’ve seen, but some of
the PNG players are unbelievable. Michito Sakaki is one player that’s never played at a Champs, but
he’s one of the best Asian-born players.
Best teammate/s: The most high-profile player I played with was Matthew Pavlich. I’d have to give
Yoshi Imagawa a run, the Tip Rat! He’s probably my favourite and most disliked at the same time. I
loved playing with Kerro. But my favourite teammate is probably Andrew Crowell, who went on to
play for the Crows and is now working in Development and Wellbeing with the Brisbane Lions.
Most annoying teammate: Yoshi. Definitely. In more ways than one.
Most difficult opponents: Peter Knights’ son. He got off the chain on me in a Grand Final and still
gives me nightmares. A guy called Mark Fuller, played with Port Adelaide, we had some massive
battles in the ruck.
Best AFL Asia memory: I still think the 2016 Asian Championships in Saigon was my favourite. I love
Vietnamese food and culture and ate 16 banh mi’s in four and a half days. I still rate it as the best-
hosted Champs we’ve ever had.
Matt Gale and Jarrod Roberts were cornerstones in the AFL Asian Champs reaching new heights in 2020.
Favourite meal: I love a good steak, but they’re expensive here in Japan. For Japanese food, it’s a
tonkotsu ramen (noodle soup with a pork bone broth).
Favourite holiday destination: Hoi An in Vietnam. Outstanding. I could move there.
Three things people don’t know about you:
1. I won a mascot race on Adelaide Oval as the
Norwood Redleg during a Showdown.
2. I was the lead singer of the Adelaide Crows band.
3. I’m ambidextrous, so I’m left handed, but I play most sports right handed.
Invite four people of your choice to a dinner party: Kerro. Michael Jordan. Roger Federer. And we need someone to sing, so the lead singer of Powderfinger, Bernard Fanning.
