There was a sense of relief within Carlton’s human resources division last week.
The signing of Matt Cottrell to a new three-year contract was not only a boost for the club’s football operations, securing one of its most underrated players until 2027, but it also brought an end to the influx of fake job applications until the same year.
Last year, when Cottrell was sidelined due to injury, he created a LinkedIn profile for himself. However, what began innocently as an exploration of the business realm quickly turned into a platform for his mischievous pranks.
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These pranks reached a peak when the club’s media team advertised a job opening for a video producer. Initially excited about the potential candidate described by the HR team, their enthusiasm quickly waned upon learning the applicant’s identity.
“Yeah, it’s Matt Cottrell,” was the unexpected response.
With Cottrell now back in full fitness and firmly established as a key player in Carlton’s increasingly competitive lineup, there is reassurance that his focus over the next three years will remain squarely on football, rather than concocting fake job applications.
“It was during my injury last year when I had a lot of spare time,” Cottrell explained. “So, I created a LinkedIn account and applied for some jobs within the club. I didn’t expect anyone to take notice, but they all responded. I think they found it amusing. However, I didn’t get any of the positions.”
Similar to his persistence on LinkedIn, Cottrell’s determination is evident on the football field. Overlooked in his draft year, the lifelong Carlton supporter was unfamiliar with the Supplemental Selection Period when his manager contacted him a few weeks later.
Despite the surprise, Carlton extended him an opportunity to train with the team during the summer as a trialist. It was a chance that he readily embraced, even leaving his part-time job in carpentry to pursue it.
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Impressing the coaching staff with his exceptional endurance during months of training, Cottrell eventually earned a spot on the club’s roster the following February, becoming one of the first players signed under SSP regulations.
Now, just a few seasons later, Cottrell has fulfilled a lifelong ambition by donning the iconic Blues jersey, following in the footsteps of his grandfather Len, who played for the club in the 1950s. He aspires to continue representing Carlton for many more years to come.
“It’s incredibly meaningful to me,” Cottrell remarked. “As a die-hard Blues fan, and with my grandfather still around, seeing the joy it brings him while watching at home fills me with pride. Although he doesn’t venture out much, he never misses a game.
“He often offers me advice, although it may not always align with the modern game. He prefers the old-school approach, which can be quite amusing.”
Off the field, Cottrell’s vibrant personality shines, particularly in the company of his housemate Tom De Koning. Recently, it has been Nic Newman and Jacob Weitering who have borne the brunt of their playful antics.
“Nic Newman is easily amused. With age, he’s become less patient,” Cottrell quipped. “As for Jacob Weitering, it’s best to keep a safe distance when the prank unfolds. He has quite the temper.”
On the field, Cottrell’s exuberance is evident in his goal celebrations, especially after pivotal moments like his match-winning goal against Sydney in 2020 or his crucial goal against Brisbane this year, which capped off Carlton’s remarkable 46-point comeback.
“I doubt I’ll repeat the celebration from the Sydney game,” Cottrell chuckled. “Before that match, I was watching highlights of Giannis Antetokounmpo and his intense celebrations inspired me.
“Recently, my celebrations have been rather spontaneous. Before the Richmond game, I had lunch with some of the reserve players who requested a unique celebration if I scored, so I gestured towards them afterward.
“As for the Brisbane game… well, I’m not entirely sure what that was about. I flashed a peace sign and decided to run away from Charlie. He didn’t appreciate it, which probably means it was effective. But I’m nothing like Sam Walsh, who plans his celebrations meticulously with his brothers at the beginning of each week.”
Cottrell’s role has become invaluable at Carlton, operating as a high half-forward who transitions to the wing. His relentless running and defensive pressure make him an integral part of the team’s strategy, a fact recognized internally at the club.
While he acknowledges Richmond’s Kane Lambert as a trailblazer in his position, Cottrell also studies footage of former Adelaide forward Tom Lynch to refine his skills.
“It’s not the most glamorous role,” Cottrell admitted. “Fans don’t attend matches to watch a half-forward execute their patterns. They’re there for players like Charlie Curnow, not someone like me whose job is to link up with the winger. Nevertheless, it’s a role that suits my playing style.
“I can provide defensive support and then challenge my opponent when transitioning to attack. Fortunately, the club values this role highly. Internally, it’s held in high regard, which motivates me to continue performing.”
Cottrell’s proficiency in this role ensures his place in Carlton’s lineup for the next three seasons, rather than in its media department. This means that any aspirations of assuming the role of the club’s video producer will have to be put on hold, at least for now.
“I doubt I’d excel in that role,” Cottrell chuckled. “I’ll stick to football.”
