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Mathew Stokes
Mathew Stokes
Mathew Stokes
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Mathew Stokes (born 22 November 1984) is a former professional Australian rules footballer who played with the Geelong Football Club and the Essendon Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL).

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Mathew Stokes grew up in Darwin, Australia, with his parents John and Jennifer, and three sisters Jaylene, Anne-Maree and Amy.[2] Stokes' ancestors were Indigenous Australian (Larrakia), Filipino and Spanish.[3][4] His father is a life member of the Palmerston Magpies, having played 148 games for them in the Northern Territory Football League (NTFL).[2] Growing up, Stokes played basketball, cricket and rugby league,[2] but age restrictions limited his involvement in Australian rules football until he was 11 years old.[2] Stokes' main sporting passion was for basketball, where he played at every junior level growing up and won an under-14s best and fairest award whilst still only seven years of age.[2][5] When he was finally eligible to play football as an under-14, Stokes forced his way into the Palmerston Magpies senior team[2] at only 14 years of age.[6] In 2002, he was a member of Palmerston's premiership-winning side,[2] and it was then that he began to switch his focus from basketball to football.[2] Stokes' achievements in the local junior leagues saw him selected to represent Australia in the under-17's national team,[6] alongside future AFL players Luke Hodge, Luke Ball and Nick Dal Santo.

Stokes was overlooked in the 2002 AFL draft though, and moved to Adelaide to begin playing in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) for Woodville-West Torrens.[6] Taking up a part-time job as a zookeeper off the field,[6] Stokes continued to establish himself in the SANFL over the next three years. His persistence paid off when he was selected with the 61st pick in the 2005 AFL draft by the Geelong Football Club.[6]

AFL career

[edit]

It was not until his seventh game, making his mark against Port Adelaide in Round 15, 2006, that he kicked two final-term goals to lift Geelong's finals chances, one of which he marked and kicked from 40m out under pressure. For the rest of the year Stokes was inconsistent and as a result was in and out of the team.

In 2006, Stokes played in Geelong's VFL grand final side, losing to the Sandringham Zebras.

Stokes cemented his spot in Geelong's best 22 players. His best game in the 2007 home-and-away season was against Fremantle, in round 17, when he kicked a career best 5 goals. He was a member of Geelong's 2007 AFL Premiership side, overcoming a dislocated kneecap in the first quarter to make a solid contribution to the team's record 119-point win over Port Adelaide.

Stokes escaped severe head injuries in a 2008 pre-season practice match against the Brisbane Lions,[7] when in the last quarter he suffered a blow to the head after being tackled by Brisbane midfielder Albert Proud.[7] He was declared OK after being stretchered from the ground, and despite having a sore head, didn't need to be taken to hospital.[7]

Stokes playing for Geelong in 2008

Stokes was reported in Geelong's Round 7 clash against the Brisbane Lions, after striking Brisbane's Michael Rischitelli in the match's first quarter.[8] Stokes went on to garner two goals and 12 disposals for the game.[9] At the AFL Tribunal, he accepted a one match suspension for the incident,[8] but due to his poor tribunal record, which includes a four match suspension for an incident in the 2007 pre-season, his ban could not be reduced with an early plea.[8] Stokes went on to play 22 games for 2008 including the loss in the 2008 AFL Grand Final against Hawthorn. He had a career high 31 disposals (22 kicks, 9 handballs, 13 marks and 2 goals) in the round 2, 99-point win against Essendon.

Stokes played 19 games in total for 2009, including the second qualifying final against the Western Bulldogs. He withdrew from the preliminary final against Collingwood due to groin soreness, and as a result of Geelong winning the preliminary final by a large margin and all players performing well, he could not force his selection back into the team for the grand final against St Kilda.

Stokes later revealed that the decision to withdraw from the preliminary final was driven by "letting down his teammates" in the 2008 Grand Final loss by playing unfit,[10] and stated that:

"Someone had to miss out and the boys played well last week, so I didn't really expect to come back in. I've moved on from the fact I'm not playing and I've dealt with it and I'm quite happy with the decision because I knew the consequences of me not playing in the prelim(inary) final."[10]

His best games of 2009 came against Brisbane in round 5 (13 kicks, 11 handballs, 4 marks and 3 goals); Sydney in round 7 (13 kicks, 8 handballs, 6 marks, 6 tackles and 3 goals) and against Adelaide in round 4 (12 kicks, 11 handballs, 6 marks, 4 tackles and 2 goals). He kicked a season high 4 goals against the Western Bulldogs in round 9. Stokes was ranked 18th in the AFL for goal assists per game in 2009.

Despite interest from the West Coast Eagles to secure Stokes,[11] Geelong re-signed Stokes to a two-year contract extension at the conclusion of the 2009 season.[12]

The Geelong Football Club imposed sanctions against Stokes for his 2010 drug arrest including being banned from playing for Geelong's AFL team until round eight. Stokes was an automatic inclusion to the team in round eight and played a total of 18 games for the season. His best games came in the round 11 win against West Coast at Subiaco (24 disposals, 16 kicks 8 handballs, 5 marks and a goal); the round 14 win over North Melbourne at Skilled Stadium (28 disposals, 10 kicks 18 handballs and 9 marks); the round 15 win against Hawthorn at the MCG (22 disposals, 12 kicks, 10 handballs, 3 marks and 4 goals) and in the Semi Final victory over Fremantle at the MCG, (22 disposals, 10 kicks, 12 handballs, 6 marks and 3 goals). Stokes was ranked 12th in the AFL for goal assists per game.[13][14]

On 1 September 2015, Stokes announced the final round clash against Adelaide would be his last for Geelong and he was subsequently delisted,[15] he announced his official retirement from the AFL on 6 November.[16]

In January 2016, he came out of retirement to sign with the Essendon Football Club as a top-up player due to the club's supplements controversy.[17] He announced in August he would retire after his 200th game in round 22 against Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.[18]

Personal life

[edit]

Stokes interests outside of football include feral pig shooting, and fishing.[19] Stokes grew up supporting the Collingwood Football Club.[19] His football hero was Nathan Buckley of Collingwood.[19] His overall sporting hero is American basketball player, Josh Howard of the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA,[19]

Growing up, Stokes was close friends with other future AFL players, including Trent Hentschel, Aaron Davey and Alwyn Davey.[6]

Whilst playing in the SANFL, Stokes worked part-time as a zookeeper, and hopes to return to the profession after his football career.[2] As a result, he studies zoology via correspondence.[5]

On 3 February 2010, Stokes was arrested on charges of possession and trafficking of cocaine.[20] On 27 April 2010, Stokes pleaded guilty to the possession charge in the Geelong Magistrates' Court after a deal between prosecutors and Stokes' lawyers to drop the trafficking charge. Stokes was placed on a 12-month good behaviour bond and ordered to pay $3000 to the court fund. A conviction was not recorded by the magistrate.[21]

After retiring as a player, Stokes was employed by the AFL as its Indigenous engagement and programs manager.[22] He remained in this role until December 2018, when he returned to the Geelong Football Club as its people and engagement manager.[22]

Statistics

[edit]
[23]
Legend
  G  
 Goals
  K  
 Kicks
  D  
 Disposals 
  T  
 Tackles
  B  
 Behinds 
  H  
 Handballs 
  M  
 Marks
Season Team No. Games Totals Averages (per game)
G B K H D M T G B K H D M T
2006 Geelong 27 9 9 5 72 45 117 51 23 1.0 0.6 8.0 5.0 13.0 5.7 2.6
2007 Geelong 27 21 32 15 195 159 354 111 58 1.5 0.7 9.3 7.6 16.9 5.3 2.8
2008 Geelong 27 22 38 17 235 162 397 122 54 1.7 0.7 10.7 7.4 18.0 5.5 2.5
2009 Geelong 27 19 29 19 157 143 300 75 55 1.5 1.0 8.3 7.5 15.8 3.9 2.9
2010 Geelong 27 18 28 12 166 179 345 76 32 1.6 0.7 9.2 9.9 19.2 4.2 1.8
2011 Geelong 27 22 29 16 208 233 441 95 70 1.3 0.7 9.5 10.6 20.0 4.3 3.2
2012 Geelong 27 20 15 6 149 161 310 70 63 0.8 0.3 7.5 8.1 15.5 3.5 3.2
2013 Geelong 27 24 12 6 285 348 633 123 65 0.5 0.3 11.9 14.5 26.4 5.1 2.7
2014 Geelong 27 20 7 4 270 239 509 80 55 0.4 0.2 13.5 12.0 25.4 4.0 2.8
2015 Geelong 27 14 4 2 135 132 267 58 33 0.3 0.1 9.6 9.4 19.1 4.1 2.4
2016 Essendon 48 11 6 5 107 103 210 58 30 0.6 0.4 9.7 9.4 19.1 5.3 2.7
Career 200 209 107 1979 1904 3883 919 538 1.0 0.5 9.9 9.5 19.4 4.6 2.7


Honours and achievements

[edit]
Brownlow Medal votes
Season Votes
2006 2
2007 —
2008 —
2009 —
2010 3
2011 2
2012 -
2013 7
2014 6
2015 -
Total 20

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Mathew Stokes

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Mathew Stokes (born 22 November 1984) is a former professional Australian rules footballer of Larrakia Indigenous Australian descent who played 200 games and kicked 209 goals in the Australian Football League (AFL) from 2006 to 2016, primarily as a for the , where he won premierships in 2007 and 2011, before finishing his career with the . Born in , to a family of mixed Larrakia, Filipino, and Spanish heritage, Stokes grew up playing and alongside Australian rules football before focusing on the latter. He represented the at the 2000 AFL Under-18 National Championships and later played for the in the (SANFL), earning the most improved player award in 2003. Overlooked in the 2002 AFL National Draft, Stokes honed his skills in the SANFL and was selected by with pick 61 in the 2005 AFL National Draft. Stokes made his AFL debut for Geelong in 2006 against Richmond and quickly established himself as a dynamic and forward, playing 189 games and kicking 203 goals for the club over 10 seasons. He played pivotal roles in Geelong's 2007 and 2011 premiership triumphs, featuring in both Grand Finals and contributing significantly to the team's success with his speed, ball-winning ability, and goal-kicking prowess—highlighted by a career-best five goals against Fremantle in 2007 and 633 disposals in 2013, placing third in the league that season. His tenure at Geelong included a 76% win rate across his games and cemented his reputation as a key player in one of the AFL's most dominant eras. Seeking to extend his career, Stokes announced his retirement from at the end of the 2015 season amid injuries and inconsistent form, then joined Essendon as a delisted for the 2016 season. In 2010, he faced drug possession charges, which were resolved through diversion without a . At Essendon, he wore number 48 and played 11 games, kicking 6 goals, before opting not to continue without a renewal and retiring at age 31. After his playing days, Stokes transitioned into off-field roles, serving as the AFL's Indigenous Engagement and Programs Manager to support Aboriginal and Islander communities in football. In December 2018, he returned to in a community and sponsorship capacity, notably contributing to cultural initiatives like Sir Doug Nicholls Round and reflecting on his journey from Darwin to AFL stardom. He later founded Seeker Global to create opportunities for Indigenous youth and has continued media commentary, including on cultural issues as of 2024. Stokes has since advocated for better post-career support for players, openly discussing challenges such as migraines, memory loss, and adjustment difficulties stemming from repeated head knocks during his career, which led him to consult a neurologist around 2017.

Early life

Background and heritage

Mathew Stokes was born on 22 November 1984 in . As a Larrakia man of Indigenous Australian heritage, Stokes also has Filipino ancestry, reflecting the diverse cultural influences in his family. He grew up in a large, close-knit family with parents John and Jennifer, alongside three sisters—Jaylene, Anne-Maree, and Amy—in the multicultural environment of Darwin, where Indigenous, Asian, and other communities intermingled. His father, John, played a pivotal role in shaping his early interests, having been a life member of the Palmerston Magpies Football Club after playing 148 games for the team. Stokes' upbringing in this vibrant setting exposed him to a blend of cultural traditions, including strong family gatherings with aunties, uncles, and cousins, which he later described as "amazing" and integral to his identity. His initial exposure to came through local community influences, particularly via his father's involvement with the Palmerston Magpies, where Stokes began playing at age 11 after trying sports like and . This community connection laid the groundwork for his later involvement in junior clubs.

Junior football career

Mathew Stokes began his competitive football journey in the , playing for the Palmerston Magpies in the (NTFL). As a Larrakia Indigenous Australian, his early involvement was influenced by the strong football culture in his Darwin community. Eligible to play from under-14s, he rapidly progressed, forcing his way into the senior team at just 14 years old. That year, Stokes contributed to the Magpies' premiership success in the 2001-2002 NTFL season, a pivotal achievement that solidified his commitment to the sport over . His performances earned him selection to represent the Northern Territory at the AFL Under-18 National Championships in 2000. Despite his promising displays, Stokes was overlooked in the 2002 AFL National Draft at age 17. He relocated to Adelaide with family support to further his development, joining Woodville-West Torrens in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) from 2003. Over three seasons, he established himself as a key midfielder-forward, playing 65 games and booting 72 goals, with notable performances including consistent goal-scoring output that highlighted his versatility and work rate; he earned the club's most improved player award in 2003. His SANFL form, particularly in 2005, drew AFL attention after previous draft snubs. Stokes' persistence culminated in his selection by the with pick No. 61 in the 2005 AFL National Draft, at the age of 21. This late pick marked the end of his junior pathway and the beginning of his professional career, rewarding years of dedication in state-league football.

AFL playing career

Geelong Football Club

Mathew Stokes made his AFL debut for the in round 9 of the 2006 season against Richmond at Skilled Stadium, where he showed early promise as a quick and agile . Initially inconsistent and in and out of the senior side, Stokes played a total of 9 AFL games that year, including contributing to Geelong's VFL Grand Final loss to Sandringham, before cementing his place in the club's best 22 by the following season. His progression to regular selection was marked by improved consistency and versatility, transitioning from a pressure forward role to a more dynamic capable of accumulating possessions and providing drive from the contest. Stokes played a pivotal role in Geelong's 2007 premiership success, featuring in 21 games during the season and delivering key performances, including five goals against in round 17. In the against , he suffered a dislocated kneecap in the first quarter after a marking contest but returned later in the match to contribute to the Cats' 119-point victory, showcasing his resilience. He continued as a core member of the team in 2008, playing 22 games and helping secure the , before contributing significantly to the 2009 premiership campaign with strong midfield output—ranking 18th in the AFL for goal assists per game—though a groin injury sidelined him for the preliminary final and . Stokes fully participated in the 2011 premiership win, playing 22 games that season and adding to his reputation as a versatile player who could impact games both inside 50 and through the midfield. The 2010 season presented challenges for Stokes, as a drug-related suspension stemming from a legal incident led to him missing the first seven rounds, disrupting his momentum but not his long-term standing with the club. He returned strongly thereafter, playing 18 games and maintaining his dual role as a forward and midfielder. Over his decade with from 2006 to 2015, Stokes amassed 189 games and 203 goals, embodying the club's emphasis on toughness and adaptability. In August 2015, amid a contract dispute, he announced that round 23 against would be his final game for the Cats, concluding a tenure defined by three flags (two as a premiership player) and unwavering loyalty to the team.

Essendon Football Club

In late 2015, following his retirement from Geelong at the end of the 2015 season, Mathew Stokes reversed his decision and signed a one-year contract with Essendon in January 2016 as a top-up player to address the club's shortages caused by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) investigation into the supplements saga, which resulted in 34 players, including several active ones, receiving 12-month suspensions that affected the 2016 season. His move was influenced by former Geelong teammate James Kelly's prior commitment to the Bombers, providing a familiar presence in a rebuilding environment. During the 2016 season, Stokes served primarily as a depth player, appearing in 11 games and kicking 6 goals while averaging 19 disposals per match. His prior premiership-winning experience at helped facilitate a smoother transition into the Essendon lineup, where he contributed leadership and versatility in the forward-midfield rotation. Stokes encountered several challenges, including adapting to a new club culture amid ongoing fallout from the supplements investigation, which imposed team-wide sanctions such as a points deduction and loss of draft picks, contributing to Essendon's struggles and eventual finish. Personal hurdles included and injuries that limited his consistency and availability throughout the year. At the conclusion of the 2016 season, Stokes announced his retirement following his 200th AFL game against the , marking the end of his playing career with Essendon after a brief but impactful stint.

Post-playing career

Administrative roles

Following his retirement from playing at the end of the 2016 season, Mathew Stokes joined the Australian Football League (AFL) in 2016 as its Indigenous engagement and programs manager, a position he held until December 2018. In this role, Stokes focused on developing and implementing initiatives to support Indigenous participation and welfare within , drawing on his Larrakia heritage to foster cultural connections and pathways for Aboriginal and Islander individuals in football. In December 2018, Stokes transitioned to the , where he was appointed as the club's inaugural people and engagement manager. This newly created role encompassed responsibilities in , Indigenous affairs, and player mentoring, with a core emphasis on creating an Aboriginal engagement, program, and welfare strategy in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. Stokes' work included providing tools for player success and legacy-building, particularly for Indigenous athletes, to enhance their cultural and within the club. Under Stokes' leadership at , key initiatives advanced Indigenous community programs, such as targeted welfare support for Indigenous players and broader cultural engagement efforts. A notable contribution came during the 2023 Sir Doug Nicholls Round, where Stokes played a pivotal role in organizing celebrations of First Nations culture, including sponsorship of pre-game and half-time performances to highlight Indigenous players and heritage at GMHBA Stadium. Stokes' administrative efforts have significantly bolstered diversity and inclusion in the AFL, by establishing structured pathways for Indigenous involvement beyond playing, promoting measures, and integrating cultural awareness into club operations. These contributions have helped drive league-wide progress in supporting Aboriginal and Islander communities through football.

Media and public commentary

Since retiring from playing, Mathew Stokes has established himself as a regular contributor to newspaper, offering insights on various AFL matters through opinion pieces. In a 2023 piece, Stokes openly discussed his post-career health challenges, revealing that around 2018—two years after his AFL career ended—he began experiencing migraines, headaches, and memory loss due to repeated head knocks, leading him to consult a neurologist and advocate for improved support for retired players. In April 2025, he critiqued the frequent use of "personal issues" as an excuse for player absences, arguing that while genuine challenges warrant support and privacy, clubs should hold players for behavioral lapses that impact team performance, rather than treating all cases uniformly. This piece highlighted the need for greater club in managing player welfare without shielding avoidable . Stokes extended his commentary on on-field conduct in May 2025, addressing sledging in the context of Port Adelaide's sending a threatening text to player Bailey Dale. He contended that even seemingly harmless sledges targeting personal vulnerabilities, such as family or cultural sensitivities, should be prohibited, drawing parallels to the experiences of Indigenous players like to underscore the potential for lasting harm. In September 2024, Stokes voiced concerns over ceremonies in AFL matches, describing them as having become overly politicized and divisive when performers inject personal activism, such as protests against the Voice to Parliament. As a Larrakia man, he emphasized that these rituals should remain simple, respectful acknowledgments of Indigenous custodianship to foster unity, rather than platforms for individual agendas that risk alienating audiences. He revealed his own disinterest in such ceremonies before major games during his playing career, prioritizing focus on the match while honoring his culture privately. Stokes also contributed to coverage of Geelong's 2007 premiership team reunion in 2025, sharing reflections on his role in the drought-breaking victory over during media appearances around the . He recounted overcoming a severe sustained early in the match, which required and rehabilitation, yet did not prevent his participation in the 119-point triumph, symbolizing the team's resilience. These accounts positioned him as a reflective voice on premiership legacies and personal perseverance. Throughout his media work, Stokes has positioned himself as a proud Indigenous advocate in AFL discourse, promoting cultural sensitivity and respect without endorsing performative excess that could undermine broader efforts. His perspectives, rooted in his Larrakia heritage and playing experience, aim to balance tradition with the sport's inclusive ethos.

Personal life

Family and interests

Mathew Stokes has maintained a relatively private family life, with limited public details available about his or children. He has spoken openly about his close bond with his , John Stokes, who was diagnosed with motor neurone (MND) in February 2023 and passed away in September 2024 after a prolonged battle with the illness. Growing up in Darwin, Northern Territory, Stokes developed a strong affinity for outdoor pursuits, including feral pig shooting and fishing, which remain key hobbies reflecting his connection to the region's rugged landscapes. As a young fan of Australian rules football, he supported the Collingwood Football Club and idolized Nathan Buckley, a sentiment that persisted despite his professional career with rival teams. Stokes' Larrakia Indigenous heritage has shaped his family traditions and personal commitment to community, particularly through mentoring programs for Aboriginal youth. He has served as an ambassador for the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME), emphasizing meaningful engagement to support vulnerable Indigenous communities and foster cultural pride among young people. In February 2010, during his time with the , Mathew Stokes was arrested by as part of raids on homes in , charged with possession and trafficking of after allegedly purchasing one gram of the drug for $500 from a nightclub to give to a friend. The incident occurred amid a broader police operation targeting drug supply in the area, but Stokes' involvement centered on the single transaction facilitated via text messages. Geelong responded swiftly by suspending Stokes from senior football until round eight of the , effectively barring him from rounds 1 through 7, and imposing a $5,000 fine. Additional club sanctions included requiring him to secure full-time employment until round four, train outside regular hours and initially without other players present until round one, then with VFL-listed players through rounds 1-4, and engage in a drug-related community program; he was also mandated to undergo counseling. These measures aimed to enforce accountability while allowing a structured return to training from round five. On April 27, 2010, Stokes appeared in , where the trafficking charge was withdrawn, and he pleaded guilty to possession of , receiving a 12-month good behaviour bond without a recorded. Following the ruling, Stokes issued a public apology, expressing deep and regret for the embarrassment caused to the club, his teammates, and supporters, vowing to make amends through his actions on and off the field. The incident significantly damaged Stokes' reputation as a premiership player, drawing widespread media scrutiny and highlighting vulnerabilities in player conduct during the AFL's preseason period. Within , it strained team dynamics temporarily, as Stokes acknowledged the support from coaches and players but noted the need to rebuild trust, with the club emphasizing rehabilitation over outright banishment under AFL illicit drugs policy guidelines.

Career statistics and honours

Playing statistics

Mathew Stokes played 200 (AFL) games and kicked 209 goals across his career from 2006 to 2016, primarily with (189 games, 203 goals) and later Essendon (11 games, 6 goals). His career averages included 19.4 disposals, 4.6 marks, and 2.7 tackles per game. The following table provides a season-by-season breakdown of his key statistics:
YearTeamGamesGoalsAvg. DisposalsAvg. MarksAvg. Tackles
20069913.05.72.6
2007213216.95.32.8
2008223818.15.62.5
2009192915.84.02.9
2010182819.24.21.8
2011222920.14.33.2
2012201515.53.53.2
2013241226.45.12.7
201420725.54.02.8
201514419.14.12.4
2016Essendon11619.15.32.7
Stokes contributed significantly in both forward and midfield positions, beginning his career as a small forward before transitioning to a midfield role around 2013. His peak statistical seasons aligned with Geelong's premiership-winning years in 2007 and 2011.

Awards and achievements

Mathew Stokes was a key contributor to the Geelong Football Club's success during his tenure, earning two AFL premiership medals as part of their victorious teams in 2007 and 2011. In the 2007 Grand Final against Port Adelaide, he recorded 18 disposals and three goals, helping secure the club's first flag in 18 years. His role in the 2011 premiership further solidified his legacy as a versatile midfielder-forward in one of Geelong's most dominant eras. Throughout his career, Stokes polled a total of 20 Brownlow Medal votes, reflecting his consistent performance across multiple seasons. His highest individual tallies came in 2013 with seven votes and 2014 with six votes, during standout years where he averaged strong disposal counts and goal contributions. The full breakdown of his Brownlow votes is as follows:
SeasonVotes
20062
20103
20112
20137
20146
Total20
Stokes also received recognition for his on-field excellence at , finishing fourth in the club's Carji Greeves Medal count for in 2013. Additionally, he was awarded the Community Champion three times (2009, 2013, and 2014) for his contributions to community initiatives alongside his playing duties. As an Indigenous player of Larrakia, Spanish, and Filipino heritage, Stokes was selected for the Indigenous All-Stars team on multiple occasions, including in 2007 and 2009, honoring his representative status during his peak playing years. These selections underscored his impact as one of the AFL's prominent Indigenous talents.

References

  1. https://afltables.com/afl/stats/players/M/Mathew_Stokes.html
  2. https://nit.com.au/09-08-2022/3625/i-could-not-perform-the-most-basic-office-function-matthew-stokes-opens-up-on-post-afl-hardships
  3. https://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/34173/from-cat-to-don
  4. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-02-03/cats-star-stokes-on-drug-charges/320714
  5. https://www.footywire.com/afl/club/player-biography/1663.html
  6. https://this.deakin.edu.au/career/kicking-career-goals-moving-from-one-challenge-to-the-next/
  7. https://www.geelongcats.com.au/news/1338979/stokesys-road-home
  8. https://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/business/geelong-business/former-geelong-cats-star-matthew-stokes-business-seeker-global-helping-indigenous-youth/news-story/cf31b9a6a56698acbf9f6cdbeb42db17
  9. https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/former-geelong-star-mathew-stokes-shock-welcome-to-country-reaction/news-story/337a3efeaeb98deabf1f2e79e8efa265
  10. https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/about-six-years-ago-i-began-seeing-a-neurologist-mathew-stokes-on-head-knocks-20230328-p5cvzz.html
  11. https://geelongcats.wordpress.com/current-players/mathew-stokes/
  12. https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/if-you-want-the-perks-of-being-an-afl-player-accept-the-responsibilities-20250402-p5lojn.html
  13. https://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/lifestyle/mathew-stokes-when-i-first-got-here-there-wasnt-any-kind-of-cultural-stuff/news-story/c3f8ebb235f2a005e22762b9eacf9350
  14. https://www.geelongcats.com.au/news/725099/draft-memories-stokes
  15. https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/geelong/geelong-midfielder-mathew-stokes-has-matured-as-a-footballer-and-a-person-since-2010-drug-arrest/news-story/8e678926adbaf6a3e3af416a7af5a917
  16. https://www.geelongcats.com.au/news/438300/stokes-to-play-ntfl
  17. https://www.geelongcats.com.au/news/843382/stokes-recalls-the-day-he-was-drafted
  18. https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/mathew-stokes-retires-why-he-leaves-geelong-a-star/news-story/57bf2d25dbb05c29be26d1c70832d750
  19. https://www.geelongcats.com.au/news/458324/cat-stats-mathew-stokes
  20. https://www.essendonfcpastplayers.com.au/past-player-profiles/listing/stokes-mathew/
  21. https://www.afl.com.au/news/122542/stokes-the-little-man-turning-into-a-giant
  22. https://www.geelongcats.com.au/news/450821/stokes-to-play-final-game-for-cats
  23. https://www.afl.com.au/news/199854/premiership-cat-mathew-stokes-calls-time-on-his-afl-career
  24. https://www.afl.com.au/news/107336/two-time-premiership-player-stokes-calls-time-at-geelong
  25. https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/mathew-stokes-my-road-back-after-cocaine-arrest-20220616-p5au3p.html
  26. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-01-29/essendon-bombers-sign-former-geelong-cat-mathew-stokes-for-2016/7125890
  27. https://www.afl.com.au/news/86024/bomber-out-for-200-mathew-stokes-to-retire-after-dogs-clash
  28. https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/essendon-topups-matthew-stokes-says-he-would-not-be-a-bomber-if-james-kelly-didnt-commit-first/news-story/75fa57ce1260a52c99835c8df50ed4a3
  29. https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/the-replacements-how-the-essendon-topup-players-have-handled-2016-20160826-gr1m65.html
  30. https://www.geelongcats.com.au/news/258972/premiership-cat-returns-home
  31. https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/radionational-breakfast/mathew-stokes-calls-on-the-afl-to-go-beyond-symbolism/13728712
  32. https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/afl-to-keep-building-on-indigenous-round-recognition/q41ys88kp
  33. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/afl/article-14581893/AFL-stars-personal-issues-teammates-Mathew-Stokes-criticism.html
  34. https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/some-sledges-might-seem-benign-but-should-be-off-limits-20250513-p5lywd.html
  35. https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/welcome-to-country-at-the-footy-is-not-the-place-to-push-personal-views-20240918-p5kbhi.html
  36. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/afl/article-13866489/Indigenous-Aboriginal-footy-AFL-Matthew-Stokes-Welcome-Country-GWS-Brisbane.html
  37. https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-grand-final-2025-geelong-cats-players-reflect-on-2007-premiership-win-over-port-adelaide-power-where-are-they-now-tips-predictions-norm-smith-medal-latest-news/news-story/9f1789c57e1b68b993d883e23e859425
  38. https://www.instagram.com/p/DPFq2PRD08K/?hl=en
  39. https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/premiership-cat-mathew-stokes-recounts-his-fathers-battle-with-motor-neurone-disease/news-story/758149a98da6aeecca77d3d41533725e
  40. https://www.geelongcats.com.au/news/75758/investicat-stokes
  41. https://www.gq.com.au/success/opinions/aime-hoodie-day-ambassador-matt-stokes-on-why-mentoring-makes-a-true-difference/news-story/263958e9e382d253ccd36962c0ca620a
  42. https://www.smh.com.au/sport/cats-star-stokes-faces-lifetime-ban-20100203-ncih.html
  43. https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/geelongs-mathew-stokes-charged-with-drug-offences/news-story/2acd7aed12f99905458374a98267b5e1
  44. https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/stokes-suspended-by-cats/p2u6mb8pc
  45. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-04-27/stokes-escapes-serious-punishment/412264
  46. https://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/mathew-stokes-gets-good-behaviour-bond-for-drug-possession/news-story/637e40f7908a5b4c46fffd0aba862bd3
  47. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-05-13/ashamed-stokes-apologises-over-drug-case/434240
  48. https://www.afl.com.au/news/71131/stokes-firing-up-in-cats-midfield
  49. https://www.geelongcats.com.au/news/386211/gallery-mathew-stokes
  50. https://www.afl.com.au/news/504310/indigenous-all-stars-named
  51. https://www.nmfc.com.au/news/129228/indigenous-all-stars-named
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