Height: 186cm
Weight: 83kg
DOB: 13/10/91
Recruited from: North Ballarat Rebels
Bio: Super athletic player whose tremendous leap makes him a formidable force in the air. Explosive pace at ground level and clean hands are features. Has a physical presence. Captain of U18 Country Victorian Basketball team. His 2.93 sec 20m at the Victorian screening confirmed his pace and 74cm standing jump highlighted his leap (top 8 per cent).

Watch Matt Dea in action

Stats (averages for U18 TAC Cup)
Games	K	H	D	M	G	H/O
3	5	5	10	3	0	-

In his own words
What type of player are you?
A very explosive player who knows how to use their athleticism and size. Player with clean and strong hands who can have an immediate impact.

Which AFL player do you feel you resemble, and why?
Sam Fisher of St Kilda because of his ability to play at both ends of the ground. More so because of the impact he can have on aerial contests with regard to his size and athleticism.

What are your strengths as a footballer?
Athleticism with a strong build. Strong hands both at ground level and in the air. Good leg speed.

What parts of your game would you like to improve?
Game awareness and knowledge. The ability to know where to run in order to put myself in an attacking position. Also my skills under pressure.

Which AFL team do you support and how did you come to barrack for them?
Essendon. My father supports them, hence I was not given much of a choice in the matter.

Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far, and why?
Shaun Moloney. He was the coach of my school football team and exposed me to the desire and intensity that is needed to play footy at an elite level. Furthermore, despite him not being the most skilled footballer, he showed me what is really needed to succeed in football, that being an intense passion and commitment.