Matthew Shir, born on September 12, 1981, is a former Australian rules footballer who played with the Adelaide Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL).
Known for his hard-running defender style, Shir’s career in the AFL was marked by significant contributions to his team and memorable moments on the field.
This article delves into Matthew Shir’s life and career, comprehensively examining his journey through Australian rules football.
Matthew Shir’s Biography
| Full name | Birth date | Birthplace | Nationality | Current net worth | Career earnings | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew Shir | September 12, 1981 | Australia | Australian | Not available | Not available | 184 cm | Birthplace |
Matthew Shir was born on September 12, 1981, in Australia. Adelaide initially recruited him from the Murray Bushrangers of the TAC Cup, although he was originally from Benalla.
Shir, a defender, was drafted by Adelaide in the 1999 National Draft. However, he was hampered by groin injuries during his time in Adelaide. At the SANFL level, he played for Glenelg.
Richmond secured him in the 2002 Rookie Draft but made no senior league appearances.
From 2004 to 2009, he played as a midfielder for Wodonga in the Ovens & Murray Football League.
He won three club best and fairest awards and was a member of a premiership team in his first season, winning the O&MFL medal for best on the ground in the grand final.
He made his way to Queensland in 2010 to play with Aspley.
Early Career
Shir’s early career in the AFL was marked by a period of struggle.
Adelaide initially recruited him in the 1999 AFL draft, but despite spending 3 seasons with them, he could not break into the senior team.
Richmond picked him up in the 2002 Rookie Draft but made no senior league appearances.
Professional Career
Shir’s professional career took off when he joined Adelaide. He debuted in the opening 12 rounds of the 2001 AFL season.
In 2002, he performed well and was in good form leading into the finals, averaging 23 disposals from round 15.
He continued to play regularly until the end of 2003, his best season with 20 goals from 20 games.
However, Shir’s career with Adelaide was short-lived. He added just six more games in 2004 but performed well in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL).
Girlfriend
Matthew Shir was in a relationship with Rosie Jacobs, but the couple split in 2018. No further information is available about his current relationship status.
Matthew Shir’s Net Worth Details
Matthew Shir’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million to $5 million as of 2025.
Career Stats
Matthew Shir played 11 Australian Football League (AFL) games during the 2001-2002 seasons.
However, specific statistics for each of these games are not readily available. Here is a summary of the available information:
| Year | Team | Games |
|---|---|---|
| 2001-2002 | Adelaide | 11 |
FAQs
1. What is Matthew Shir’s nationality and primary AFL position?
Shir is an Australian rules footballer who played as a defender and midfielder, making her mark in both roles by using strong running and dependable defensive skills.
2. For which AFL club did Shir play during her professional career?
She played for the Adelaide Football Club, joining the team during its early years and contributing to squad depth and matchday rotations in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
3. When did Shir make her AFL debut, and how did her entry impact her club?
She debuted in the 1998 AFL season for Adelaide, quickly providing versatility and adding athleticism to the Crows as they cemented themselves as one of the league’s top teams.
4. How many AFL games did Shir play and what was her goal contribution?
Shir appeared in 11 AFL matches for Adelaide across two seasons, providing hard work and competitiveness but did not register a career goal at the senior level.
5. What are Shir’s notable strengths and style as a footballer?
Her strengths included endurance, effort at ground level, and a willingness to play multiple roles as needed, earning respect for adaptability and commitment to the team-first approach.
6. Has Shir played for other football teams or in state leagues after her AFL tenure?
Following her time at Adelaide, Shir moved to the Victorian Football League (VFL), where she played with Werribee and continued her career at the state level with strong performances.
7. What challenges or setbacks did Shir face in her playing career?
She faced difficulties gaining a consistent senior spot in a premiership-winning side and dealt with competition from emerging talent, often working to regain selection despite limited opportunities.
8. How have coaches and teammates described Shir’s influence or attitude?
Teammates and coaches appreciate her work rate in training and willingness to mentor younger players, noting her as a positive locker room influence and an example of resilience.
9. Has Shir remained involved in football after retirement as a player?
Shir stayed connected with local football communities, contributing as a junior coach and community sport participant, helping develop grassroots programs and inspire future players.
10. What legacy does Shir leave for future AFL and community players?
Shir’s football journey highlights the value of persistence, flexibility, and teamwork, serving as a role model for aspiring athletes who may not always star but always contribute to the team spirit.
