The 2017 season proved to be consistent one for defender, Matthew Suckling.

After a troublesome achilles hindered the second half of 2016, the 29-year-old was injury-free and was one of only six players to play all 22 matches.

In his ninth season of AFL, Suckling provided his side with his trademark booming left-foot and run off half back. 

In round 4 against North Melbourne he kicked 2 goals and collected 26 possessions, while in round 22 he kicked a memorable goal from outside 50 against Port Adelaide at Mars Stadium in Balllarat.

The stat that mattered:

Suckling averaged 20.8 disposals in 2017 with an efficiency of 77.5%.

What they said.

“It was disappointing to miss the finals off the back of what we built last year.

“Personally to play every game, after what was a frustrating year body-wise last season was nice.

“I was trying to get my speed back into my game especially after my achilles last year which was hampering my pre-season. The second half of the year I thought I was able to bring that out again.”

- Matthew Suckling, September 2017.