MATTHEW Cottrell’s football journey was nearly over before it even began.
Not that he knew about it at the time.
As the Blues arrived on the Sunshine Coast for its pre-season camp, Carlton Media wound the clock back with Matthew Cottrell and Michael Gibbons. It was this time 12 months ago when the duo found out they would be on Carlton’s list in 2019.
However, Cottrell detailed that the day of Friday 8 February could’ve gone down very differently.
While Carlton was making preparations to inform him and Gibbons of the news, Cottrell thought disaster had struck at the camp’s final session.
“It was at training that day. Will Setterfield fell across my knee and it buckled underneath me: I didn’t know what I had done,” Cottrell said.
“I got rushed around, was having scans and luckily enough there was just a bit of bruising.
“I kind of figured out afterwards they were were rushing so much — because they were going to announce the news that night.”
Cottrell was quick to say that the doubts had set in, as he and Gibbons were under no illusions that a spot on the list wasn’t guaranteed.
For the boyhood Carlton fan, he felt as though he had been cruelled at the final hour.
“It was a rollercoaster. I was thinking that they were going to wait until the deadline just in case an injury happened,” he said.
“For that to happen, I thought ‘Crap, they may not take me if I’m injured’. Obviously, it turns out I was fine and I’m still here today.
“There are some awesome memories being back here in Mooloolaba, that’s for sure.”
Cottrell echoed the sentiments of his teammate Gibbons, who said that he had a “soft spot” for his counterpart given they were announced as Blues on the same day.
While saying there journeys are “definitely linked”, Cottrell said the big difference between he and Gibbons was the experience at senior level.
It’s no surprise that Cottrell is hoping to join him in 2020.
“For him to get a chance in his first year was great to see, so hopefully I can join him this year and beyond,” he said.
“Obviously I was battling for a spot on the list last year but - in a way - I’m doing the same this year. I’m battling for a spot in the team.
“It’s a different challenge.”'
There’s definitely a feeling of unfinished business so far this pre-season for Cottrell, who has been regarded as one of the Club’s most impressive trainers by a number of teammates.
Cottrell is hoping that, without the weight of the final list spot on his shoulders, he’ll be able to tick off the debut box in 2020.
“The shackles are off in a way. There’s relief for being on the list but there’s also the want to keep working hard and seeing your goal in front of you,” he said.
“I have so much more confidence this year compared to the last: actually being on the list helps!
“The coaches have told me to take the game on and keep playing to your strengths. Mine is my running so I’m going to bring that week in, week out and see where it takes me.”
