Fans all over Australia know Matt Cottrell for his incredible energy and determination on the AFL field. Playing for the Carlton Football Club, he has become a favourite among supporters.
In this article, you will know Matt Cottrell’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more. Learn everything you want to know about the life and success of this hardworking professional athlete.
Matt Cottrell’s Biography
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matthew Cottrell |
| Date of Birth | 29 February 2000 |
| Age | 25 |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Height | 184 cm (6′ 0″) |
| Weight | 80 kg (176 lbs) |
| Education | N/A |
| Turned Pro | 2019 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1.1 million |
| Salary/Career Earnings | $362,200 |
| Current Team | Carlton Football Club (AFL) |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Matt Cottrell began dreaming about AFL stardom as a young boy, growing up in Victoria. He started his football journey at the Pearcedale Football Club, where he played from a young age.
His hard work paid off when he went on to play for the Dandenong Stingrays in the NAB League. In 2017, he played only a couple of games, but by the next season, he had become a mainstay in the team, playing 19 games and impressing with his swift running and strong work ethic on the field.
Remaining determined despite being overlooked in the main drafts, Cottrell’s journey is a testament to confident perseverance. He is also the grandson of former Carlton player Len Cottrell, giving him deep family ties to the game he loves.
Professional Career
Cottrell joined the Carlton Football Club through the pre-season supplemental selection period in 2019. He played his first full season in the VFL with the Northern Blues before making his debut for Carlton’s senior AFL team in Round 11 of the 2020 season.
Quickly developing a reputation as a hard-running forward and midfielder, he became known for his ability to make an impact in crucial moments, most memorably kicking a late winning goal against Sydney in just his fifth game.
Over the years, Cottrell gradually grew into a reliable first-team regular and crowd favourite, admired for his unrelenting energy, smart defensive running, and team-first approach.
In 2024, he secured elevation to Carlton’s senior list after helping Carlton reach its first finals campaign in over a decade, and by 2025, he continued to be a valued player for the Blues.
Matt Cottrell’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Matt Cottrell’s estimated net worth stands at around $1.1 million. This amount includes his AFL salary, bonuses, and earnings from endorsements.
Contract
Cottrell signed a three-year contract extension with Carlton in early 2024, binding him to the club until the end of the 2027 season. This new deal rewarded his loyalty, hustle, and steady performances, making him a core part of Carlton’s ongoing success strategy. His contract reportedly features modest performance incentives and base pay growth, reflecting his value to the team.
Salary
Cottrell’s AFL salary is approximately $360,000 per season, reflecting his elevation from Carlton’s rookie to its senior list. This base salary is supplemented with performance bonuses and match payments, which vary by season depending on appearances and on-field contributions. The amount positions him in the reliable, yet not marquee, tier of AFL earners.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Base Salary (A$) | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Carlton | N/A | Rookie list, development contract |
| 2020 | Carlton | $170,000 | Debut AFL year, COVID season |
| 2021 | Carlton | $210,000 | Rotational player |
| 2022 | Carlton | $250,000 | Increased regular appearances |
| 2023 | Carlton | $290,000 | Regular starter |
| 2024 | Carlton | $265,400 | Senior list promotion, finals run |
| 2025 | Carlton | $362,200 | Contract extension phase |
Career Stats
| Year | Games | Kicks | Handballs | Disposals | Marks | Tackles | Goals | Avg Disposal | Avg Goals | SuperCoach Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 5 | 44 | 9 | 53 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 10.6 | 0.4 | 41.0 |
| 2021 | 14 | 118 | 47 | 165 | 37 | 31 | 3 | 11.8 | 0.2 | 48.6 |
| 2022 | 18 | 159 | 108 | 267 | 71 | 32 | 9 | 14.8 | 0.5 | 60.2 |
| 2023 | 17 | 160 | 78 | 238 | 72 | 34 | 11 | 14.0 | 0.6 | 62.3 |
| 2024 | 14 | 100 | 52 | 152 | 45 | 27 | 9 | 10.9 | 0.6 | 49.9 |
| 2025 | 6 | 70 | 29 | 99 | 23 | 11 | 2 | 16.5 | 0.3 | 66.2 |
| Totals | 74 | 651 | 323 | 974 | 256 | 139 | 36 | 13.2 | 0.5 | 55.7 |
FAQs
1. How did Matt Cottrell join the AFL, and which team does he play for?
Matt Cottrell joined the AFL after being recruited by the Carlton Football Club through the pre-season supplemental selection period. He got his first senior game with Carlton. He continues to play for Carlton, where he is valued for his relentless energy and team-first attitude.
2. What position does Cottrell play, and what makes his role important at Carlton?
Cottrell primarily plays as a high half-forward who often pushes up to the wing. His work rate stands out, as he excels at covering ground both offensively and defensively. This makes him crucial for linking play between defense and attack, and for putting consistent pressure on opposition teams.
3. What are some of Matt Cottrell’s most memorable moments on the field?
One of Cottrell’s most memorable moments came during his fifth career match, when he kicked a late winning goal against Sydney, helping Carlton snatch victory. His ability to make an impact in crucial moments has made him a fan favorite and a reliable player during finals campaigns.
4. Has Cottrell signed any recent contract extensions, and how long is he committed to Carlton?
Cottrell signed a new three-year contract extension with the Carlton Football Club in early 2024. This deal keeps him at the club through the end of the 2027 season, rewarding his performances and value as an integral part of the team.
5. What is known about Matt Cottrell off the field?
Off the field, Cottrell is recognized for his easy-going personality and commitment to giving back to the community. He often participates in club events and supports various charity and sports programs, helping inspire young players and connecting with fans.
