Number 7 – Saturday 20 July, 2002, - Derby defender

In his first two seasons, teenager Matthew Pavlich played as a forward and showed tremendous promise.

But the arrival of Chris Connolly for the 2002 season saw the South Australian swung to the other end of the ground as a defender.

Pavlich excelled all season long in his new role, but there was no greater performance than his best-on-ground effort in the second Carlton Mid Derby.

Pavlich had 27 possessions, 11 marks andkicked a goal to help Freo defeat the Eagles and give Connolly his first Derby triumph.

Pavlich was named as the All Australian full-back at the end of the season – his first of six selections in the prestigious team.

He also won his first Doig Medal in 2002 – a prize he’s claimed six times.

Match Day Information

Be in the rooms pre-match for Pav's 300th game