Yes tough devoted no bullshit
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Can’t wait to watch Matty Dea jump backwards into a pack of opposition players to take a mark, get up and wipe the blood of his face and then go and do it again 3 minutes later. Tough as nails.
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While half the team stands back going “oh take it easy Diesel no need to go so hard you might hurt someone 
.”
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Dea: VFL Dons maturing
Brooke Varney
Jun 18, 2019 9:32AM
We spoke to defender Matt Dea after our round 11 win over Box Hill.
Versatile defender Matt Dea says Saturday’s 10-point win over Box Hill at home showed maturity among the playing group and a promising future for the back six.
The VFL Dons arm-wrestled with the reigning premiers for nearly the entire match, before breaking out to a two-goal lead late in the last quarter.
Unlike previous weeks where the win was determined earlier in the game, Dea said being challenged to the final siren was a good learning experience.
“It was a really mature win – it took us right to the end to get the result and that’s pleasing to see.
“I think in past games we’ve had it won by half-time or early into the third, but it just shows a really mature and balanced playing group, and one that trusts our game plan.
“It’s promising to see, and will hold us in good stead for the rounds to come.”
Dea also credited the back six for their efforts as a group, especially when dealing with the hot footy Box Hill brought at times.
“We just had to set up early. As a backline, we were a little bit poor in the first half, and then we really got together and made a pact to set up a lot quicker and come up the ground earlier.
“From there we were able to hold it in our half, which made us look really strong as a backline.”
Matt Dea has been a crucial component of Essendon VFL’s resolute defence. (Photo: AFL Media)
Now in his fourth season as a Bomber with 70 senior games to his name, Dea is one of the more experienced defenders lining up for Essendon VFL.
But he said the abundance of young talent in the Dons’ back half was just as important to the future of the club.
“(Being a) defender can be a pretty tough role - you’ve really got to come back, play your role, and do the basics and all the boys do that really well.
“‘Zerky’ (Brandon Zerk-Thatcher) is playing some really good footy in the last few weeks especially, and it’s really good to see him play on an AFL-standard forward (Jarryd Roughead).
“(To be able) to nullify him and then still impact elsewhere is really good for Zerky, and then there’s guys like ‘Wils’ (Wilson Berry) as well who bring a lot of energy.
“It’s just a really fun backline at the moment with everyone playing their role and no one really standing out – (everyone) is doing a great job.”
Young defender Brandon Zerk-Thatcher is making a big impression on Matt Dea. (Photo: AFL Media)
From an individual perspective, Dea played a key part in the round 11 win with 22 disposals, 11 marks and two rebound 50s, but said he was always looking for ways he can help the team.
“I probably got a few cheap (disposals) towards the end of the game, but I base my game on how I can help the rest of the team.
“It’s nice to get a little bit more of the footy, but our focus is just the back six all playing their role and nullifying the forwards. We did that really well so it was a promising performance.”
Dea spent the bye weekend away with his girlfriend Danielle, and while he said it “took a little bit to get back” into the game himself, he was proud of how the boys responded after having some time off.
“We started really well, which is a good sign because sometimes (coming back after the bye) you can be a bit sluggish.
“It was good to have some time away and now knuckle down for the rest of the season.”
He also hoped the VFL Dons could continue their form into Sunday’s battle against standalone side Port Melbourne, which currently sits just above Essendon on the ladder in second spot.
“(Next week) will probably be a bit similar - I don’t think we will crack Port Melbourne in the first quarter and then cruise around for the rest of the game, I think it will be a longer sort of arm-wrestle.
“If we can take away from how we performed today and trust the way we play, then we’ll be fine.
“They’re a really good outfit and tend to be a bit older and a bit bigger-bodied so it will take some grunt work inside from our mids, but I’m very confident in them.”
The first bounce will be at Adcon Stadium on Sunday, June 23 from 2:10pm, with the game televised on Channel 7.
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Officially retired. Thanks for the memories.
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Sad, but totally understandable. Go well Matty.
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Performed better than you could have expected.
Should never have been retained another year, although Gleeson return was a big unknown.
Thanks Matty
Always gave everything he had and left nothing on the field. A great clubman who helped us at our lowest point. Would have liked to see him get a go ahead of McNiece at times this year.
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Owe this bloke a lot in my opinion. Would of loved him to stay on with the VFL side next year. Good leader
Would have loved to see him get a game this year and hope he isn’t lost to the club for good. Thanks for everything
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Love this guy. He was massive for us as a top up player. he put everything into the second opportunity he got.
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Hard as nails, solid and dependable every time he played. Hope he is thrown a lifeline but doubt it.
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Had his limitations but was hard as nails and always gave his all. Respect
Would be a great get for the VFL side
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He Dea’d really well.
Thanks for your efforts Matty.
It’s people like Matty Dea who make footy clubs great…gives everything on the field, always positive, always up for a chat…will be enormously missed.
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Retired, best wishes to Matt. Ultimate clubman.
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Best Wishes for your future Matt
Agree with everything said above - great guy who’s been a real asset to the club. Wish him all the best on the future.
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Off to the constabulary now, I believe I heard.
Underrated player who got the most out of himself.
Decent left, great hands and 110% effort at all times.
If only they made ‘em all like you Matty.
Thanks.
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