Shaw

Carlton recruited former Gold Coast Suns player Matt Shaw in the 2017 NAB AFL Rookie Draft. Taken with pick No.3, the hard-running wingman is known for his ability to break the lines and take the game on. As an access pick for the Suns in the 2010 national draft, Shaw spent seven seasons on the Gold Coast and notched up 102 senior appearances. After making his debut in Round 4 against Melbourne in 2011, the 25-year-old’s trademark golden locks were often seen zipping through the midfield and carrying the ball along the wing. The Patterson Lakes product had a terrific season in the NEAFL this year, consistently generating a lot of ball and setting up his teammates. Carlton’s GM of List Management and Strategy Stephen Silvagni praised Shaw’s hard running and his capacity to play a number of different roles. “Matts’ flexibility to play on a wing, at half back, or even in the middle, is a real asset,” Silvagni said. “In addition to that, his ability to play both offensive and defensive roles will provide a lot more depth to our list – we see him as a really versatile player.”

Shaw played his junior football with Chelsea & Carrum Junior Football Clubs via the Dandenong Stingrays. He was also a keen cricketer who played for the Carrum Cricket Club & attended Mordialloc College. He supported St Kilda as a child. He was delisted by Gold Coast at the conclusion of the 2017 season.

At the end of the 2018 season Matt Shaw was delisted by Carlton after playing two games for the Blues. At the end of the season Shaw would head back to Queensland and play with NEAFL team the Southport Sharks. Shaw would nominate for the 2019 Mid-Season Rookie Draft in hope to rekindle his AFL career, no club showed any interest and he played the season out with Southport. The Sharks would face off against Brisbane (Brisbane Lions reserves team) in the NEAFL going down by 76 points, .Shaw was one of Southport's best players picking up 23 touches.