Matthews shocked the AFL world – including the league boss – on Monday when he stood down from his post as Lions coach with a year remaining on his contract.
Demetriou wished Matthews well and said, whatever path he now took, the AFL Hall of Fame Legend was certain to enjoy similar success to that he enjoyed in his time in the coaches’ box.
“You know he’s one of the greatest coaches that’s ever coached the game, he’s one of the greatest players that’s ever played the game and would easily be one of the most influential people in the history of our game,” Demetriou said.
“Whatever Leigh chooses to do going forward, he will succeed at.
“He’s just got such wonderful knowledge of the game and he’s been a great ornament to the game, coaching the Brisbane Lions to four grand finals in a row … that’s a phenomenal feat.
“The fact that he’s chosen to leave the game on his own terms earlier than he’s contracted for, he’s obviously put a lot of thought into it and I wish him well.”
Demetriou admitted Matthews’ decision was “stunning news” and the league boss had only first heard of it on radio on Monday morning.
When asked whether the four-time premiership coach might be a future candidate for the incoming Western Sydney team in future seasons, Demetriou replied: “I don’t know, I haven’t thought about that.”
“If he wants to coach again he won’t have a shortage of clubs interested in his capabilities, I would imagine.”
Western Bulldogs coach and former Hawthorn teammate Rodney Eade said Matthews has left an indelible mark on the Lions and the game.
"It's certainly a great legacy, having won three [premierships] in a row, but to be able to build the side he had, and he had some talent there to start with, but to be able to mould them into a hardened, finals outfit, I think will leave a great legacy," Eade said.
"There's no doubt he'll be involved in footy in some capacity somewhere, probably more likely Brisbane, or in Queensland."
Sydney Swans coach Paul Roos says Matthews' departure is "a huge loss for football".
"I can only control what I do. I can't control the other 15 coaches, otherwise I would've told Leigh not to resign today," Roos said.
"Leigh is just an outstanding coach; his record speaks for itself. Four premierships, arguably the best coach and the best player in history … it's not a bad resume.
"He'll be sadly missed. I'm not sure what he'll do, but certainly from our point of view it came as a bit of a shock."
Roos said he had no inkling of Matthews' decision after last weekend's clash against the Lions, which the Swans won by 61 points.
