The Trade Period can be an exciting and tense time for clubs and fans, and this is especially so for players, with every deal a potentially life-changing move.
For 2017 signings Nathan Wilson and Brandon Matera, the pair have relished a return to their home state of Western Australia to play for Fremantle.
Former GWS Giant Wilson has supported Fremantle since he was a child and said he has also loved being closer to his family.
“It was good to come home with family here and only 45 minutes down in Mandurah, so they can come up if something is wrong, or if I need something they’re just right there rather than a four and half hour flight,” Wilson said.
Wilson said that having his family and friends nearby has made the good times even sweeter while being a help after any disappointments.
“Having everyone here, it just puts a smile on my dial,” Wilson said.
“When I was in Sydney, especially after a loss, you’d just go home and just talk to them on the phone or Facetime, but to actually see everyone there in good spirits, it’s nice having their support every week.”
Matera, who was traded from the Gold Coast Suns, said he’s cherished playing in front of his family again.
“It’s pretty cool to come back and play in front of mum and dad who have missed out, and my brother as well, they haven’t seen much of my games so it’s good to be back and play in front of them,” Matera said.
“It’s exciting to come to a new footy club but also nervous as well, meeting all new boys, getting to know all the new structures, roles and all that sort of stuff so it took a bit of time to settle in but I thoroughly enjoyed my first year here.
“I’m definitely settled in now, the boys are good, everyone at the club gets on well so it makes the transition very easy.”
Matera has a close relationship with his family, and said he is looking forward to making up for lost time.
“We’re a pretty close, tight family, so my sister moved over (to the Gold Coast) probably four years ago to do some uni, she loves it and probably won’t move back to Perth,” Matera said.
“I’ve got my brother back here and obviously I’ve missed a big chunk of his life in the last seven to eight years away so it’s good to be back around him most days.
“Mum and dad have always been there, my dad is probably my biggest critic so he always keeps you in line and gives you advice, but they’ve been a massive support for me.”
