One of the most decorated players of Port Adelaide’s early AFL era, Matthew Primus has been elevated into the club’s Hall of Fame, recognising his extraordinary influence as a player, leader, and coach at the highest level of Australian football.
Primus was inducted during a ceremony at Adelaide Oval as part of the club’s annual Season Launch and Hall of Fame event on Monday evening.
Known for his leadership and strength, the ruckman and former captain played 137 AFL games and kicked 76 goals for Port Adelaide across nine seasons.
The fan favourite etched an iconic chapter in AFL history, with his dominance at stoppages so pronounced that AFL ruck rules were changed in response - a testament to Primus’ athleticism and strength in the contest.
His extensive list of accolades includes dual All Australian selection in 2001 and 2002, a John Cahill Medal, and induction into the South Australian Football Hall of Fame.
Having also been awarded Port Adelaide Life Membership in 2016, the club great now adds induction into the Hall of Fame to his football legacy.
Universally respected, Primus wore the iconic number one guernsey from 2001 to 2005 but sadly missed Port Adelaide’s 2004 AFL premiership after suffering an ACL injury.
It was a devastating blow for the ultimate team player, but former teammate, and premiership player, Dom Cassisi said Primus’ leadership had laid the foundation for that premiership success.
“To win a premiership, it's a whole journey, and there's as many downs as there are highs to get there,” Cassisi said.
“And I think it's pretty fair to say that I don't know if we would have won that flag in ‘04 if we didn't have a leader like Matty guiding us during those years leading to it.”
Another club great, premiership player Dean Brogan, described Primus as an exceptional leader who changed the game.
“Matty got the balance really well in terms of being social and having fun outside of being a serious leader. He loved to have a beer with the boys, and he started the captain’s barbecues,” Brogan said.
“That stuff matters when you're a leader and you're captain, it can't just all be footy, footy, footy.
“He changed the game for ruckmen, and they called it the ‘Matty Primus rule’, because he'd either jump really hard or he'd get across the line and hold out.
“I've never seen someone train so hard and work to basically exhaustion. But the big thing for me, that he helped me with, was just setting the tone for your teammates and how your first contest is at that first centre bounce.”
He then reflected on what this honour would mean to his former teammate, and friend.
“I know he loves the club; he bleeds Port Adelaide. This would mean the world to him. I love how he's come back and he's a part of the club when he can be, I love he's still connected to the club.
“This is well deserved, and I think this would be one of his finest moments.”
It’s a sentiment echoed by Cassisi who said, “If anyone's going in the Port Adelaide Hall of Fame, it's Matty Primus.”
Following his playing career, Primus transitioned directly into coaching, serving as an assistant coach from 2006 to 2010 under Mark Williams.
In July 2010, he was appointed caretaker coach for the remainder of the season before being confirmed as senior coach from 2011 to 2012.
He later continued his coaching journey with the Gold Coast Suns and Southport Football Club, further contributing to Australian football beyond Alberton.
Primus’ induction recognises not only his individual brilliance on the field but also his leadership, commitment, and lasting influence on Port Adelaide’s culture.
Matthew Primus
AFL games: 137 (1997-2005)
AFL goals: 76
AFL Honours
- All Australian selection (2001, 2002 – vice captain)
- International Rules selection (2002)
- South Australian Football Hall of Fame inductee (2014)
Club Honours
- John Cahill Medal runner-up (1997)
- John Cahill Medal winner (2002)
- Port Adelaide best team man (2000, 2001)
- Port Adelaide captain (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005)
- Port Adelaide coach (2010, 2011, 2012)
- Port Adelaide life member (2016)
