Playing at Perth Stadium in front of his family will be a dream come true for Brandon Matera.
Originally from WA, the 25-year-old was traded to Freo from the Suns in a deal which saw Freo also receive pick no.2 in this year’s draft.
The small forward said it has been a stressful couple of weeks but is happy to be coming home.
“I am really happy to get over to Perth and meet all the boys and get stuck into pre-season,” Matera said.
“To be able to come home and play for Freo as well as being able to be with my family is huge for me,”
“Growing up I always had my family around me so moving away at 17 being up on the Gold Coast for eight years was tough.
“I am really looking forward to coming back home and being around my family again and them being away to watch me play every second week.”
The South Fremantle product was pre-listed by the Suns as a 17-year-old in 2010 and made his debut in Round 2, 2011 against Carlton at the Gabba.
The small forward has kicked 124 goals in 101 games for the Suns and said he is looking forward to fitting into Freo’s forward line.
“I hope I can provide some excitement down in the forward line,” Matera said.
“Obviously there are already some great forward pockets with Hayden Ballantyne, Michael Walters and Brady Grey, so I am looking forward to helping them out.”
Matera was recently in Perth visiting family and drove past the Perth Stadium.
“The thought of playing there is really exciting,” Matera said.
“The whole stadium looks really impressive and I was blown away by the light show.
“I think the Freo fans will be very happy in there in 2018.”
As part of the trade to secure Matera, the Suns received Lachie Weller, pick 41 and a future third round pick.
Weller said he was happy the deal had gone through and thanked the club for giving him his start in the AFL.
“I’d really like to thank everyone at the club for the last three seasons, in particular the fans and members for their support,” Weller said.
“I’ve learnt so much off Ross and a lot of the leaders at the club on and off the field.
“I know I am leaving the club a better person than when I arrived.”
