In like Flynn! Big man lands at West Coast

The Eagles have completed a free agency deal to bring ruckman Matt Flynn to the club from Greater Western Sydney

West Coast has strengthened its ruck division with the arrival of Matt Flynn from Greater Western Sydney today.

The Eagles signed him as an unrestricted free agent on a three-year agreement once the paperwork was completed.

Flynn appeared in 33 games with the Giants after being selected with the 41st overall in the 2015 draft, including nine this season.

The Narrandera product, which stands at 202cm and weighs 107kg, will offer some bulk to the Eagles’ big man department following the retirement of high-flying champion Nic Naitanui.

“We prioritized adding to our ruck stocks this off-season, so we’re thrilled Matt chose to join the club through free agency,” List Manager Rohan O’Brien said.

“Matt has spent eight seasons in the AFL system and is physically mature so we expect he can come in and make an impact.”

Flynn was enthusiastic about the chance at West Coast after touring the Mineral Resources Park facility and meeting some of his new colleagues last week.

The Giants Academy graduate had to wait until his sixth season on the GWS list to make his debut, but he is eager to battle for a regular berth at the Eagles.

“I think I’m in a position now eight years into my career,” Mr. Flynn remarked.

“It took me five years to get into the Giants lineup, and I’ve played some good football since then, but I haven’t been able to cement my spot.”

“The opportunity for me was to put myself in a position to compete for that, but when you look at the West Coast list, you still have some very good bookends and some very good players through the middle.”

“The potential is there so the opportunity to play but then the opportunity to help build the club back up in a sense will be pretty good too.”

Flynn already has a soft spot for his local club Narrandera Eagles’ blue and gold, with a photo of him donning their uniform as a kid circulating on social media.

He had 17 disposals and 39 hitouts against West Coast in the Eagles’ round two triumph against GWS last season, and was thrilled by the atmosphere at the world-class Optus Stadium.

“As an opposition player it was deafening when the Eagles kicked a goal and when we kicked one it was absolute silence,” Flynn told the media.

“It was quite incredible. That ground is amazing, so it will be an honor to call it home for the next few years.”