![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/24\/2026\/07\/F3_67155.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
“I’m actually lost for words trying to explain it. It’s an experience I’ll never take for granted.<\/p>\n
“Awesome from start to finish.<\/p>\n
“The training camp (in Sydney) beforehand was very intense and specialised \u2026 long training days.<\/p>\n
“We were on the field five-and-a-half hours a day, getting continuous reps in for five or six days straight.<\/p>\n
“And then you’d throw in hydrotherapy and stretching and all types of meetings after that.<\/p>\n
“It was pretty full-on.”<\/p>\n
His impressive play in New Zealand further enhanced his reputation as one of the nation’s brightest gridiron prospects.<\/p>\n
Despite his relative inexperience, Matheson more than held his own against older and more seasoned players.<\/p>\n
“I didn’t allow any sacks on the quarterback, or tackles on our running back. That’s all I can ask for in my position,” he said.<\/p>\n
“But as a team, I thought we played incredibly well, especially the O-line.<\/p>\n
“I thought we all did our jobs and that’s what makes a team a team.”<\/p>\n
While about 10 of his teammates were Victorians, Matheson was the lone country-based player, provoking some good-natured ribbing.<\/p>\n
“I was copping it a fair bit in training camp for being from the country,” he said.<\/p>\n
“It was all love though.<\/p>\n
“A great bunch of guys \u2026 glad to have gone into battle with them.”<\/p>\n
Matheson claimed the No. 57 jersey, the same number he wore with distinction during his first season with the Dragons, and also for the state team.<\/p>\n
His performances so far for the Dragons, Victoria and Australia have attracted the interest of a couple of US colleges.<\/p>\n
Matheson, who is in the final months of his year 12 studies at Castlemaine Secondary College, has already had one chance to impress scouts, attending an NFL-sanctioned national scouting combine in Naples, Florida, in early January.<\/p>\n
The nation’s second-largest pro football combine, it provides draft-eligible athletes and free agents opportunities to showcase skills for scouts through verified mental and physical testing and a seven-on-seven showcase.<\/p>\n
Approaching crunch time in his year 12 studies, Matheson has launched into preseason training with the Dragons each Wednesday night and Sunday.<\/p>\n
He is hopeful they can go one step further this season by landing the championship.<\/p>\n
Some of the early signs are promising.<\/p>\n
“From what I’m aware of, the team is looking a lot better than last year in terms of numbers,” he said.<\/p>\n
“There’s been a lot more people added to the group chat.<\/p>\n
“It’s never a bad thing getting more bodies to training.”<\/p>\n
No longer surprised by his ongoing rapid progression, Bendigo Dragons president Steve Bradshaw said everyone involved with the club was proud of Matheson’s achievements.<\/p>\n
“Over the past 12 months, Felix has shown outstanding growth both on and off the field,” he said.<\/p>\n
“His commitment to improving his game, willingness to learn and relentless work ethic have seen him develop into one of the brightest young talents in Australian gridiron.<\/p>\n
“This opportunity is a testament to the countless hours of hard work, dedication, and determination he has put into becoming the player he is today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
BENDIGO Dragons offensive lineman Felix Matheson admits the emotion of representing Australia in gridiron was beyond his wildest dreams. The 17-year-old from Castlemaine is still on a high after donning the green and gold in a stirring 34\u201322 win over New Zealand in Auckland earlier this month. Matheson earned selection following his standout performances for […]<\/p>\n