MATTHEW Owies didn’t want to be kept waiting while on the sidelines. 

And, after a request from VFL Senior Coach Luke Power, he found the perfect distraction. 

Sidelined with a hamstring injury back in Round 3, Owies was offered the chance to hone his coaching craft with the Carlton Reserves, ensuring he remained involved while undergoing his rehabilitation. 

It was a four-week block which Owies thoroughly enjoyed . . . but not as much as he enjoyed being back in senior action last weekend, kicking three goals under the roof.

“It was a really cool opportunity, making the best of a best situation. Coaching is always something I’ve thought about,” Owies told Carlton Media.

02:33

"It made me see the game differently": Owies on coaching opportunity

Matthew Owies spoke to Carlton Media following his Round 9 return from injury.

“It made me see the game a little bit differently and probably helped me on my return, to be able to read the space and know that some of your running doesn’t have to impact the ball to make a difference on the team.

“It made my recovery a little better: I was happier in that four weeks knowing that I could still be part of it and give back to the younger boys.”

While not shutting down the prospect of a future in coaching, Owies is still hoping that’s a fair while off. The proof was in the pudding on Saturday night in terms of just how much he enjoyed pulling on the Navy Blue jumper once again.

02:48

AFL R9 | Best of Cottrell, Newman and Owies

Watch some of the best moments from Matthew Cottrell, Nic Newman and Matthew Owies in the Round 9 clash with the Western Bulldogs.

That reaction was evident after each of his three goals, generating energy from teammates and fans alike in Marvel Stadium to get the Blues back in the game.

“It’s something I try to bring to the team: a bit of energy, a bit of passion. Sitting up in the stands, you get a bit jealous of the boys when they’re kicking goals and you hear the roar of the crowd,” he said.

“It was pretty electric. I usually get carried away a little bit, it’s not every day you get to live out your dream of kicking goals in the AFL.

“I know the boys feed off the energy of the crowd . . . it’s pretty awesome to get a reaction like that. I do whatever comes naturally.”

02:24

Simon-Ullungura speaks about Tiwi culture

Tiwi Traditional Custodian Jeffrey Simon-Ullungura spoke to the players about Tiwi culture ahead of Sir Doug Nicholls Round.

The chance to pull on the jumper is something which Owies never undervalues, and that’ll be the case again when he pulls on the Blues’ 2023 Indigenous guernsey against the Pies.

Having linked up with one of the best to ever do it across 2020 and 2021, Owies and his teammates are always looking to educate themselves during the annual Sir Doug Nicholls Rounds.

“It’s a pretty privileged situation we’re in. Eddie Betts was a big part of my journey and I have learnt a lot from him both on and off the field,” he said.

“We’re in a pretty great environment where we get educated about culture a lot . . . I learnt a lot about the Tiwi Islands [on Wednesday]. You’re forever learning and I’m excited to see a culture that’s a big part of the history of Australia expressed.”