UWA and me
I started at UWA one year after being drafted to the Fremantle Football Club. I initially undertook a Science and Commerce double degree part-time but realised how long that was going to take so I decided to complete one part of the double degree, and that was the Bachelor of Science.
Although I found it challenging at times to fit everything in completing a degree as well as a full-time sporting profession, I loved the focus and life balance it gave me and have found the fundamental science skills I learned are critical in other areas of my life. I was also fortunate enough to meet my future wife through studying science as well as a lot of other great people. I began an MBA part-time and have been doing this over the last four years – so my connection with UWA spans quite a number of years!
While at UWA I learnt some valuable skills in time management. Juggling study with a full time football career taught me to compartmentalise my different commitments and be 100% focused on each task when required. Learning anatomy and exercise physiology was also directly beneficial to me being an athlete.
Having that thorough understanding of how my body works helped me enormously in getting the best out of my elite preparation and performance. More recently, the MBA units and the related in-class experiences have given me better business skills and are complementing the practical team dynamics, culture and leadership I have gained from my football career.
During my undergraduate degree in the Sports Science, Exercise and Health department at UWA, I was fortunate enough to be involved in the Unigym program and the fantastic work that has been achieved there over the last 30 years.
The unique structure of this program allows children who have movement difficulties to become more proficient in their day-to-day activities. Additionally, the Thriving program operates within the department and works closely with children with complex health issues including cancer, metabolic disease and autism. Both programs have improved the lives in many young West Australians. I was fortunate to be part of the program and able to have a direct impact in young lives.
Advice to your younger self
Practically, for uni I’d recommend doing a maths bridging course while school maths is still somewhat fresh in your mind. Don’t wait until you’re 26 years old, as it presents a challenge!
Otherwise, I would say don’t change much. Take calculated risks, be open to failure and understand how important individual growth and development is. You can change and improve - no matter your ability or background.
Ultimately, back yourself and enjoy the ride! You’re only young for a short period of time, so absorb all the lessons and experiences that you’ll be offered. Learn as much as you can, expose yourself to plenty of different experiences and people and back your judgement.
Life after footy
There is potential that I can pursue some media interests in combination with further exploring the business world where I have already started to dip my toe in the water with Woodside and small companies I am involved with, PickStar and PMY Group. I have been fortunate enough to have built some excellent professional and personal relationships that have afforded me plenty of opportunities throughout my football career and, hopefully, beyond.
About Matthew
A super athlete and Fremantle’s most decorated player in its 21-year history, Matthew Pavlich has long been among the game’s biggest stars. His combination of size, speed and skill has seen him sit as one of the AFL’s best all-round talents of the modern era.
Hailing from Sacred Heart College and Woodville-West Torrens in Adelaide, Matthew was selected by Fremantle with the fourth pick in the 1999 National Draft.
He has since starred in a number of roles for the Dockers, becoming the first and only WA based player to play over 300 AFL games. Matthew has been named an All-Australian six times including in the midfield, fullback, half forward and full forward positions. Early in his career, Matthew helped Fremantle advance to their first finals series in 2003 and a preliminary finals berth in 2006.
After being at the coalface of the club’s rebuild in 2007/08, more recently Matthew led Freo into five of the last six finals series including the club’s first Grand Final appearance in 2013. He captained the Dockers for a record 9 years and ranks 6th all time for games played as an AFL Captain.
Off the field Matthew has focused on obtaining a Bachelor of Science from UWA and is near completion of his MBA. He is the AFL Players Association's President, a member of their board of directors and is brand ambassador for a number of corporate organisations including Woodside, Homeloans, Frasers Property Group, Crown and Adidas. He is also works in media with The West Australian, Nova and Channel 7.
Matthew has been involved in a number of small business ventures. He is co-founder of PickStar, an online platform providing direct connections to over 500 sports stars for events, marketing and promotions; as well as being an associate of PMY Group which develops, implements, manages and commercialises digital, technology and data projects for its clients.
Matthew is married to wife Lauren and they have two young children, Harper and Jack. They are expecting a third child in the latter half of 2016.