Sydney Uni American Football Club

Our series chatting to the Lions who represented Australia at the 2011 World Cup continues with Matt Croasdaile. An intense, powerful player, Matt has been a workhorse back for the club for a number of years. The only thing that saved the other team’s D in 2011 was Matt moving overseas- it’s been years since anyone in NSW could stop him.

Name: Matt Croasdaile

Number: 33

Position: Running Back

Years playing at Lions: 6

Favourite Outback Experience: Captaining Australia at the World Championships and nearly beating European Champions, Germany. In the 4th Quarter, with the score at 23 – 20, the crowd was extremely loud and being Austrian, they wanted Germany to lose which meant they were right behind us. The game was a great moment for Australian Gridiron and will provide a strong platform for the future of our sport in this country.

A patient runner, Matt carries the ball against Germany

Favourite non-football memory of the trip: sightseeing in Innsbruck, Austria with my best mates. It is unbelievably picturesque and a place you should visit at least once in your lifetime. The town in surrounded by mountains and when you reach the top of them on a cable car, the view of the town is breathtaking.

Favourite Lions experience: running 70 yards for a touchdown in my first Waratah Bowl (2006). Representing the Lions in the state’s biggest game is a great honour and I was glad that I could help the team win the game with a crucial score.

A powerful, downhill runner, Matt has been described as "one tough cookie to tackle"

How the Lions helped you get where you are: The club provided an extremely motivating and supportive environment from the day I arrived. I was able to thrive off the energy of senior members and learn the skills (and attitude) necessary to reach the highest level of the sport in this country. The Lions have the best coaching staff and player group in the country – if you want to become the best player you can be, there is only one place to play in Australia.