FOR the best part of three quarters in the 2015 AFL Grand Final, Hawthorn’s Matt Suckling had the best seat in the house.
The last Hawk to wear the green vest, Suckling was sitting in the Hawks’ dugout waiting for his opportunity to get involved.
But as the Hawks opened up a 19-point lead at quarter-time, then extended it by a further two goals at the major break, there were no complaints from the 27-year-old.
“I was just cheering as hard as any other supporter, just sitting on the bench hoping they could keep getting it done,” Suckling said post-game.
“I was happy to keep sitting there if it was going to keep happening.”
When Suckling’s opportunity came 25 minutes into the penultimate quarter, at the expense of ruckman David Hale, he wasted no time getting involved.
Less than two minutes later he was on the scoresheet, with a trademark Suckling snap off his left boot.
“I was just running around like a headless chook trying to get my first touch. I was lucky enough it was a goal,” he said.
It was the Hawks’ fourth consecutive goal, just before three quarter time, which helped establish an all-but-unassailable 50-point lead at the final change.
Suckling finished with eight disposals – and his second premiership medallion.
A rookie from country New South Wales, Suckling joined the club in the 2007 Rookie Draft, making his debut in the opening round of 2009 – the grand final rematch of the Hawks’ 2008 triumph.
He played in the 2011 preliminary final defeat and the 2012 grand final defeat, and missed the entirety of 2013 – including a premiership – with a knee injury.
As he said ahead of his 100th game during the finals series, his career hasn’t “all been smooth sailing”.
But Saturday’s win – his second on the final day of the season – means plenty.
“It’s pretty hard to explain,” Suckling said.
“There’s a lot more downs than ups in footy and to have two medals now, it’s a bit surreal. It’s a bit of a privilege to be a part of this club and a special team like this.
“I think when I’m an old man and I’ve got two – and hopefully there’s more to come – I’ll appreciate it even more.”
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