From 6 goals with 6 kicks to 250 games for Chopper

Nick Armistead – @NickArmistead

Old Xaverians and Big V champion, Matt Handley, will notch his 250^th game for the club this weekend when Xavs host Old Brighton at Toorak Park.

The 32-year-old key forward is in his 14^th season with the claret and stout and has formed an integral part of the Xavs’ fabric for 230 senior games, 16 U19s and four in reserves.

Debuting at U19 level in 2005 after graduating from Xavier College one year earlier, Handley has since carved out a career the envy of all in community football.

Five flags, 749 goals and 14 Big V representative performances speaks of the value Handley offers on and off the field both as an old school full-forward and as a respected leader.

His senior debut will go down in Amateur history after ‘Chopper’ kicked six goals with his first six kicks, albeit being unable to recall most of the game himself when talking to the boys on this week’s FTLOTG Podcast.

“I don’t remember it that well actually,” Handley said.

“I was in number 48 as well, I don’t remember starting in that number but it’s good to reflect back on. It’s been a good week and will round out our year nicely hitting the 250.”

He captained the Big V in the 2015 Metro Championships, represented our Association in Ireland and has kicked 50 goals in a season seven times.

Reminiscing on his time representing the Big V, Handley said he holds cherished memories from each of his numerous campaigns.

“They’re all unique, you’re never playing with the same guys,” he said.

“I think that’s the great thing we have in the Ammos. We’ve got representative footy and you just meet all of the great people that are involved, and it sort of builds your love for the game and that’s what I guess we’re all about.”

Despite being an elder statesman and “taking one year at a time”, Handley is still the most effective and dominant key forward in the competition. He sits second on the goal kicking leader board with 44, showcasing his invaluable service up forward for the 14^th year in a row.

When it’s all said and done, Handley will go down as a modern great of our Association and you’d be hard-pressed to find a more deserving recipient of the title ‘champion’.

We congratulate Chop on an outstanding career to date and wish him all the best in game 250 this weekend.

Photo: Ari Hatzis