Matthew Shir is a name that may not headline every current AFL news bulletin, but his journey from a promising young talent with the Adelaide Crows to his life post-football remains a point of interest for dedicated fans. Drafted in the late 90s, Shir’s career was a testament to persistence in an elite sporting environment. In this article, you will know Matthew Shir’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more, as we look at where the former Crow is in 2025.
Matthew Shir’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matthew Shir |
| Date of Birth | September 7, 1981 |
| Age | 44 |
| Education | Secondary School in Wodonga |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Height | 183 cm (6 ft 0 in) |
| Weight | 81 kg (179 lbs) |
| Turned Pro | 1999 (Drafted) |
| Net Worth | $500,000 – $1 Million (Estimated) |
| Career Earnings | ~$150,000 – $250,000 (AFL Estimated) |
| Wife | N/A |
| AFL Debut | Round 1, 2001 vs Sydney Swans |
| Club | Adelaide Crows |
Early Career
Matthew Shir grew up in regional Victoria and showed immense promise as a junior footballer. He honed his skills playing for the Murray Bushrangers in the TAC Cup (now the Coates Talent League), a premier pathway for young AFL hopefuls. His ability to find the football and his work rate in the midfield caught the eye of recruiters across the country. In the 1999 AFL Draft, the Adelaide Crows selected Shir with pick 63. Being drafted late in the national draft meant he had to work exceptionally hard to earn his spot on a senior list that was still transitioning from its back-to-back premiership era. His early days at the club were spent developing his body and game in the SANFL, proving he could compete against seasoned men before getting his opportunity at the highest level.
Professional Career
Shir made his professional AFL debut in Round 1 of the 2001 season, running out onto the field against the Sydney Swans. It was a significant milestone, marking the culmination of his junior hard work. He showed glimpses of potential as a midfielder/forward who could contribute to the team’s engine room. However, his professional career was unfortunately hampered by persistent injuries. During his time with the Crows, he struggled to string together consistent games, managing only 11 senior appearances between 2001 and 2002. Despite his best efforts to return to full fitness, he was delisted by Adelaide at the end of the 2002 season. After his AFL career concluded, Shir didn’t leave the game entirely; he returned to grassroots football, notably playing for Wodonga in the Ovens & Murray Football League, where he became a premiership player and a key figure in regional football, adding experience and leadership to local clubs like the Wodonga Raiders.
Matthew Shir’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Matthew Shir has an estimated net worth between $500,000 and $1 Million.This wealth is not primarily from his short AFL career but likely stems from his post-football career and investments over the last two decades.
Contract
During his time with the Adelaide Crows (1999-2002), player contracts were significantly lower than today’s standards. As a late draft pick and a developing player, his contracts would have been standard rookie-tier agreements of that era, likely renewable on a one-to-two-year basis.
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Salary
In the early 2000s, the average AFL salary was around $150,000, but players with limited games like Shir would have earned closer to the minimum base salary, which was approximately $40,000 to $60,000 per season, plus match payments for the 11 games he played.
Career Earnings
| Year | Club | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Adelaide Crows | ~$55,000 |
| 2001 | Adelaide Crows | ~$55,000 |
| 2000 | Adelaide Crows | ~$40,000 |
| Total | — | ~$150,000 |
Career Stats
| Stat Category | Total |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 11 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Disposals | 78 (Avg 7.1) |
| Marks | 16 |
| Tackles | 13 |
| Debut | 2001 |
| Last Game | 2002 |
FAQs
1. Which AFL team did Matthew Shir play for?
Matthew Shir played for the Adelaide Crows. He was drafted by them in 1999 and was on their list until the end of the 2002 season.
2. How many games did Matthew Shir play?
He played a total of 11 senior AFL games during his career with the Adelaide Crows.
3. What is Matthew Shir doing now?
After his AFL career, he returned to local football in Victoria, playing for Wodonga. In 2025, he is likely working in a private professional capacity outside of the media spotlight.
4. When was Matthew Shir drafted?
He was selected with pick 63 in the 1999 AFL National Draft from the Murray Bushrangers.
5. Did Matthew Shir win a premiership?
He did not win an AFL premiership with Adelaide. However, he became a premiership player at the local level with Wodonga in the Ovens & Murray Football League after leaving the AFL.
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