Big V Champion: Matt Handley (Old Xavs)

Matt Handley became the first Old Xaverian to be accorded LIFE MEMBERSHIP of the club while STILL PLAYING.

He made his senior debut in Round 5 of 2006, booting an incredible 7 GOALS with his FIRST 7 KICKS in senior football. He LED strongly. He MARKED strongly. He FINISHED strongly.

It would be a sign of things to come…

For the next 18 seasons, Matt was a towering figure for the Red & Black, becoming just the second player to play 300 GAMES, booting 883 GOALS, including 12 CLUB & 4 LEAGUE GOALKICKING TITLES & winning 6 PREMIERSHIPS – including 5 SENIOR A-GRADE FLAGS – in a golden era for Xavs.

An 8-TIME VAFA TEAM OF THE YEAR member, he was also a cornerstone of the Big V program, wearing the famous jumper a DOZEN TIMES, including as CAPTAIN in 2015, 16 and 18. He was a wonderful leader who galvanised his BIG V team-mates and led from the front.

He is STILL INVOLVED in giving back to his club, the VAFA and the game as Old Xaverians’ Under 19 Premier coach.

Officially named a BIG V CHAMPION in 2026 – the great MATT ‘CHOPPER’ HANDLEY: