Legend of Old Xaverians calls time

As the Old Xaverians gathered for the first team selection of the 2023 VAFA season, Matthew “Chopper” Handley decided to call time on his decorated career.

Handley is without a doubt one of the greatest players to ever play for Old Xavs. He has made an almighty contribution to the fabric of the club but also to the wider VAFA competition.

Matt is just the second player in the history of the OXFC to play 300 games and will finish behind only David Landrigan (311 games) on the games record list.

Affectionately known as “Chopper” he was introduced to fans of Old Xav’s in the U19’s in 2005 as a blonde-bombshell. Having had a strong season in front of the sticks in round 1 the following year, he returned from Bali to debut for the Reserves, snapping a late winner against Uni Blues. However, he wasn’t selected for the senior team until Round 4, after he had kicked 20 goals in three Reserves games.

All eyes were on the youngster in the number 48 jumper when he made his senior debut in Round 5, 2006.

Old Melburnians proved no slouch as an opponent, but the Xavs debutant kicked seven goals with his first seven kicks in senior football. He led well, he marked well, and he didn’t miss.

He’s achieved more than most – senior premierships in 2007, 2009, 2010, 2013, and 2016; a Big V player, captain, and Ireland tourist; four times the leading goalkicker in the Premier section, and a dozen times or more the leading goalkicker for the Red and Blacks, with a goal tally just shy of 900.

Such is the esteem in which he is held at Toorak Park that last year he became the clubs first-ever active player to be elevated to life membership.

Speaking to Old Xav’s media, President of the club Matt Cosgrave shared the sentiments that most people fell towards Handley “He is a wonderful person and family man. The club is eternally grateful for his contribution and commitment to the club over a long period of time.”

“Well done Chopper. The OXFC is extremely proud of you!”

Over a decade and a half, Chopper has earned the unqualified respect of teammates and opponents. While he has utterly outpointed some defenders through the years, he’s never been one to gloat or taunt them.

He’s always let his football do the talking. Many players from other clubs and several coaches have been delighted to have him on board in the Big V jumper.

On behalf of all at Old Xaverians and the VAFA we congratulate Matt ‘Chopper’ Handley on a terrific career.

300 games (251 x Seniors, 32 x Reserves, 17 x U19)
⬛️ 883 goals (732 x Seniors, 89 x Reserves, 62 x U19)
5 x A Section premierships (2007, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2016)
⬛️ 1 x A Section Reserve Premiership (2022)
OXFC Life Member
⬛️ 8 x VAFA Team of the Year
4 x A Section leading goal kicker (2009, 2015, 2016, 2017)
⬛️ U19 Premier leading goal kicker (2005)
A Section Reserve B&F Winner (2022)
⬛️ Michael Rush Perpetual Trophy (2017)