Matthew Wells OAM
Part of the team’s captaincy group, Wells is an athletic fullback who has accomplished ball carrying skills from deep in defence. A member of Australia’s gold medal-winning team at the 2004 Olympics, he became an integral part of Australia’s defence after being selected to make his Kookaburras debut against the Netherlands in January 1998.
DOB: | 2 May 1978 |
Nickname: | Wellsy |
Position: | Fullback |
Kookaburras Shirt Number: | 23 |
International Matches: | 241 |
International Goals: | 22 |
Australian Debut: | 1998- Hobart Vs Holland |
Participation in International Tournaments: | Olympic Games 2004 Athens 1st 2007 Kuala Lumpur 2nd 2005 Chennai 1st |
International/Domestic Awards: | Australian International Player of the Year 2002 |
AHL Team: | Tassie Tigers |
AHL Shirt Number: | 16 |
Strengths: | Hitting and experience |
Weaknesses: | Flexibility |
Career High: | Winning Gold at 2004 Athens Olympics |
Career Low: | Losing Semi-final at the 2000 Sydney Olympics |
Current Local Hockey Club: | East Tigers (Brisbane) |
Hometown: | Hobart |
Occupation: | Sales Rep |
Completed Studies: | Qualified Carpenter and Joiner |
When did you start playing hockey? | I grew up with a stick in my hand |
What memories do you have from the 2004 Athens Olympic Games? | The ride of a lifetime! All the work is worth winning gold. I’d do anything to experience the last minutes and initial celebration of the final again. With your closest mates and family in the stand watching, the experience is indescribable! |
Aside from competing, what do you most enjoy about the Olympic Games? | Being amongst the best athletes in the world and part of the biggest global sporting event |
What is the hardest thing to give up during training? | Nothing when you know what is ahead. It’s an experience of a lifetime. Making small and short term sacrifices are easy. |
Advice For Young Players : What can’t you live without? Do you have any superstitions? Do you have a cooking specialty? When I was younger I wanted to be…… Favourite sport besides hockey? Name one team mate who has an unusual habit/ special talent: Funniest teammate: What is the worst injury you have suffered during your Hockey career? | Don't wait to see what's in the light at the end of the tunnel, run down and make it what you want it to be TV I never wash my playing socks when on tour Stuffed chicken breast wrapped in proscuito A fireman Motorsport Rusty- The new Diamond Bevan George Syndismosis- A right ankle injury that kept me out of Hockey for five months, meaning I missed playing in the 2006 World Cup |
What is your favourite holiday destination?
What is your favourite movie?
The first thing you do when you wake up is:
The most fulfilling thing you have ever done is:
Money can’t buy: | Anywhere hot, tropical and relaxing
Italian Job
Watch the news
My hockey experiences |
