Matthew Leuenberger

Matthew Leuenberger (born 7 June 1988) is a former professional Australian rules footballer who played for the Brisbane Lions and the Essendon Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL).

Matthew Leuenberger
Leuenberger playing for Essendon in April 2018
Personal information
Full name Matthew Leuenberger
Date of birth (1988-06-07) 7 June 1988
Original team(s) East Perth (WAFL)
Draft No. 4, 2006 national draft
Height 202 cm (6 ft 8 in)
Weight 105 kg (231 lb)
Position(s) Ruckman
Playing career1
Years Club Games (Goals)
2007–2015 Brisbane Lions 108 (27)
2016–2018 Essendon 029 0(4)
Total 137 (31)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2018.
Career highlights
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

Leuenberger represented Western Australia in the 2006 AFL Under 18 Championships and was rewarded with All-Australian selection as the ruckman.[1]

Leuenberger was drafted to the Brisbane Lions with their first selection and fourth overall in the 2006 national draft.[2] He made his debut against the West Coast Eagles in round 14, 2007 at Subiaco Oval.[3] His first two seasons saw him play 19 matches, and the first three of 2009 before sustaining a knee injury. He missed the remainder of the season after his knee became infected following surgery, and consequently lost 11 kilograms.[4]

Leuenberger played every match for 2010 and 22 in 2011, and amassed 724 hitouts during 2011, the second most in the league after finals.[5] During the 2012 pre-season, he suffered from tendonitis in his achilles, but was declared fit for the round one match against Melbourne,[6] however, he re-injured his achilles in round three against Fremantle,[7] which saw him miss the remainder of the season.[8]

Leuenberger missed the start of the 2013 season returning from injury, but was recalled to the senior side in round 2.[9] Despite persistent injuries, speculation arose that he would be a trade target as one of the "AFL's most wanted players,"[10] however, he re-signed with Brisbane in June, eliminating a potential trade at the end of the season.[11] He was named best-on-ground in the sixth QClash against Gold Coast and was awarded the Marcus Ashcroft Medal, after 20 disposals, 7 tackles, and 29-hitouts.[12]

Leuenberger played the first four games of the 2014 season before succumbing to another long-term injury, where he tore his meniscus and would miss at least three months.[13] After missing more than four months, he returned for the final round clash against Geelong at Simonds Stadium.[14]

The 2015 season saw Leuenberger as the backup ruckman to Stefan Martin[15] and he was predicted to leave Brisbane to a team where he would be the number one ruckman.[16] At seasons end, he decided to leave Brisbane through free agency and nominated Essendon as his club of choice.[17] He officially joined Essendon on 15 October.[18]

After playing 29 games for Essendon and 108 for the Brisbane Lions Leuenberger announced his immediate AFL retirement despite being offered a new contract for 2019.

References
  1. "2006 All-Australian U18 team". AFL.com.au. Bigpond. 30 June 2006. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
  2. Lovett, Michael, ed. (February 2015). AFL Record Season Guide 2015. Melbourne, Victoria: AFL Media. p. 514.
  3. "Matthew Leuenberger". AFL Tables. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
  4. Lutton, Phil (1 July 2009). "New incidence of deadly infection at Lions threatens coach's leg". The Age. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
  5. "2011 Team Stats & Season Highs". AFL Tables. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
  6. Davis, Greg (29 March 2012). "Brisbane Lions ruckman Matthew Leuenberger overcomes achilles injury for round 1 AFL clash against Melbourne". The Courier-Mail. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
  7. Hamilton, Andrew (15 April 2012). "Brisbane Lions lose Matthew Leunenberger in 29-point loss to Fremantle Dockers". The Courier-Mail. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
  8. "Baby steps for Lions giant Matthew Leuenberger on the comeback trail from injury". News.com.au. News Corp Australia. 23 January 2013. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
  9. Whiting, Michael (5 April 2013). "Don't expect Leuenberger to star: Voss". AFL.com.au. Bigpond. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
  10. Clark, Jay (25 April 2013). "Brisbane Lions ruckman Matt Leuenberger set to become a trade target". Herald Sun. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
  11. Australian Associated Press (19 June 2013). "Brisbane Lions key duo Matthew Leuenberger and Dayne Zorko sign contract extensions". Fox Sports (Australia). News Corp Australia. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
  12. Whiting, Michael (6 July 2014). "Lions claim bragging rights in bruising QClash". AFL.com.au. Bigpond. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
  13. Stafford, Andrew (15 April 2014). "Matthew Leuenberger out for three months". The Age. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
  14. Davis, Greg (28 August 2014). "Matthew Leuenberger and Stefan Martin to play in Brisbane's clash with Geelong at Simonds Stadium". The Courier-Mail. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
  15. Hope, Shayne (29 May 2015). "Pot-holed journey for Lions ruckman". The West Australian. Seven West Media. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
  16. Ralph, Jon (28 July 2015). "James Aish and Matthew Leuenberger expected to leave Brisbane, Lions hope to receive priority draft pick from AFL". Herald Sun. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
  17. Schmook, Nathan (12 October 2015). "Bombers lodge paperwork for free agent Leuenberger". AFL.com.au. Bigpond. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
  18. "Leuenberger a Bomber: Lions opt against matching Dons' offer for free agent". AFL.com.au. Bigpond. 15 October 2015. Retrieved 15 October 2015.
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