Today we celebrate and congratulate Matt ‘Spud’ Barden on 200 magnificent games for the Lower Plenty Footy Club.
A product of our affiliate Research Junior Football Club, Matt arrived at the Bear Cave in 2006 as a 16yo filling in for the 19s. Matt debuted at Senior level in Round 5 2007, where he remained a fairly permanent fixture for the next decade. 161 games at Senior level to go with his 14 appearances in the 2s plus 24 at 19s to go along with his 130 goals. As uncompromising at the contest as they come, many a man has been on the wrong end of Spud at full flight.
Along with the milestone, Matt also has a Senior Premiership Medal to his name, which he was able to enjoy with his 2 brothers Billy and Darcy. Matt is a Life Member of the Footy Club and one of the most dedicated clubman there is. It seems fitting that Matt is the first of the Barden’s to reach the milestone.
Matt’s younger brother Darcy, had these words to say about Spud ahead of the Milestone - “Congratulations on 200 fantastic games filled with many highlights and some big hits. Matt has been such an influential player not only on field but off it too. His long left boot and ability to hit blokes fair and hard have been an asset to the team. Everyone that has played with Matt has stood taller and felt protected by his presence. Off field Matt is one of the most loved and respected players at the club. He is a family man with a big heart who always makes an effort to chat with supporters and make everyone feel welcome. There is not one person around the club that wouldn’t love Matt and how much of a clubman he is. Whenever he decides to hang up the boots he will be remembered as one of the great Lower plenty PEOPLE. All the best for your 200 mate. We are a better club for having you been apart of it the past 10+ years. Hopefully many more to come #14”
No greater reason to be there for the midday game tomorrow as we celebrate one Lower Plenty’s finest individuals leads us out to do battle in his 200th.
Congrats Spud.
Last Modified on 01/08/2018 17:19