Matthew DeBoer – 2008 AFL Draftee Profile

Matthew DeBoer is solidly built midfielder from Western Australia who was named in the Under 18 All-Australian Team this year after a strong National Under 18 Championships.

Height: 187cm
Weight: 85kg
Position: Midfielder
Club: Claremont

Who we think he may turn out like: Daniel Cross
Who we hope he doesn’t turn out like: Mark McGough

AFL Team Supported: West Coast

 
DeBoer has shown the ability to be a very good leader and has a very mature head on his shoulders. He has a very good tank and always finds a lot of the ball both in general play and around the clearances.

DeBoer is a very courageous player and will always be seen going in hard at a contest and putting his body on the line.

Like many of the Western Australian draftees DeBoer has the added advantage of having played a fair bit of senior football in the WAFL against hard bodies, so the transition to the AFL game won’t be as severe as it would be for others.

An area of DeBoer’s game that he will need to work on is his kicking. As we pointed out earlier he has no trouble finding the ball but on occasions his disposal by foot can let him down, something that he can’t afford to let happen in the AFL. He is also very one sided so can often be caught on his wrong side.

At DeBoer’s current level he could turn out to be a very good run with player at AFL level due to his tank and good fitness levels. If he can take the next step and sharpen up his skills then he will have every opportunity to become a very good midfielder.

What are your thoughts on Matthew DeBoer and where he may end up? Do you think he can make the necessary improvements in his foot skills to be a top midfielder at AFL level? Leave us with your thoughts.