MATT Suckling was happy to play one game.
When he walks into the MCG for Hawthorn’s semi final against Adelaide Crows on Friday night, he will play his 100th match at AFL level.
It’s been a long – but rewarding – journey for the 27-year-old, who is excited to pull on the brown and gold for the 100th time.
“It’s going to be pretty special,” he told hawthornfc.com.au this week.
“Looking back over my journey, it’s probably somewhere I didn’t think I’d get to. To play one game, I was pretty happy with that.
“To consolidate and now be at 100 is something I’ll cherish when I’m finished.”
The long-kicking New South Welshman joined the Hawks at the back end of 2006, recruited with pick 22 in the 2007 Rookie Draft from Wagga Tigers, and had to work hard for his AFL debut.
“My first year I got drafted as a rookie from NSW and I spent three years there (on the rookie list). I ended up getting delisted and picked back up,” Suckling said.
“I think my first five or six years were all one-year contracts, so it was pretty tough going to start off.
“I got here in 2007 and was lucky to jump on with the rise. I saw the boys win it in 2008 and the last few years have pretty special as well.
“I also had a knee reconstruction in there as well (in 2013), so it hasn’t all been smooth sailing, but three of the past four years I’ve played some decent footy and I’m happy to be at this point.”
Suckling’s debut game in Round 1, 2009, alongside Ryan Schoenmakers and Brendan Whitecross in the Hawks’ grand final rematch against Geelong.
It was his only game for 2009, which was followed by five games in 2010.
In 2011, Suckling established himself as a permanent fixture in the Hawks’ line-up – playing 23 matches – and in every season since then (excluding 2013, which he missed with a knee reconstruction) he has featured in 20 or more games.
The Hawks’ 2013 grand final win “was pretty hard to watch” for Suckling, but he says it made last year’s premiership even sweeter.
“The big games, the big finals, they’re the special moments, they’re the ones you remember – and your first game and first goal are pretty nice memories as well,” he said.
“Definitely the flag is the highlight.
“You put in so much work with all your mates, and I’m such good mates with all the boys around here, so it was a pretty special experience to share in that success. I saw them do it in 2013, which was pretty hard to watch, but it probably made it a little bit sweeter last year.”
Suckling hopes the Hawks can be in a position to challenge for that success again this season.
His own season he describes as being a little bit scratchy early, but more consistent since the bye.
Averaging almost 20 disposals per match, Suckling has spent time across half-back and half forward, with his long-range goal in the final minutes against Collingwood in Round 14 helping secure a memorable win.
He knows Friday night’s match against the Crows presents another big challenge, but it’s one he’s looking forward to.
“Adelaide has been very good in the second half of this year, they’re a high scoring team and they like to play fast footy,” Suckling said.
“It’s going to be an exciting challenge – it’s going to be great to be back at the MCG, Friday night lights - that’s where we all love playing and hopefully we can bring our best.”
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