Matthew Ling Biography

Matthew Ling makes his AFL debut for Sydney at the SCG with 10 disposals (7 kicks and 3 handballs), 2 marks and a tackle in a 7-point win over Hawthorn.

Matthew Ling will play his first AFL game this week after having overcome a torrid run of injuries.

Since being drafted to the Swans with pick 14, the left-footer has suffered from serious toe and Achilles injuries that kept him sidelined for most of his initial two years. He was only able to play 16 NEAFL games across the 2018 and 2019 seasons.

"I came in expecting to train hard and play in my first year," Ling said.

"That didn't work out, but it's probably held me in good stead, built a level of resilience and showed me what it actually takes to get in the team and play some games.

"It was very difficult, but it has paid off now."

Sydney is confident forgotten first-round draft pick Matt Ling will put a wretched two years with injury behind him to add to the club's developing list in season 2020.

The constant setbacks have led to a frustrating time in the AFL system for Ling, who demonstrated the excitement he could bring with his speed and outside run both in defence and on a wing for the Geelong Falcons and Vic Country in his final under-18 season.

"His development has been hindered because he hasn't been able to train, let alone play," Sydney coach John Longmire said of Ling.

"It's so frustrating for him. He's such an even-tempered young bloke, so for him to be able to stick at it the way he has is a credit to him. He keeps upbeat, he keeps fronting up all the time and hopefully he'll get some reward for that now."

First-round draftee Matthew Ling signs a one-year contract extension with Sydney to remain at the club until the end of 2020.

Ling says he's enjoyed learning from some of the club's biggest stars including fellow left-footers Dan Hannebery and Dane Rampe.

"I've spent a lot of time with Dan because he hasn't been training, and 'Ramps' has been helping out with my defensive work," he said.

"Last year playing in the TAC Cup and watching the AFL, you want to be there, and now to be training with them every day is pretty special."