Meet the Matts: South Coast Flame pair proud to reach 50-game milestone

Matt White and Matt Mazevski have been at the NSW National Premier League club from the start, since its inception in 2017.

White recently created Flame history by becoming the first player to reach 50 club games. Mazevski is on the brink of joining him at the special milestone.

White, who is the Flame's club captain and NPL Four team goalkeeper, said he was proud to lead the side.

"To be at the Flame since the birth of the club, and captaining the side, has meant the world to me. Getting to 50 games, I feel privileged to be able to play that many games for the club," the 28-year-old said.

"I love the culture at the club. We have all the juniors coming through and it feels like one big family. It's been difficult this year with COVID-19 obviously, but last year the junior and seniors all mixed in together.

"We've come heaps far since the inception of the club. In the first season, we were just outside the semis. Second season, we made the semis. And this year, we're undefeated so far. The club's growing and there's plenty of depth in the club. We're just going to move forward from here."

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White said he had built a special connection with Mazevski since they both arrived at the Flame.

"Matty and I, our friendship has just grown since then and it shows on the field," the captain said.

"I look at Matt as another leader in the club. He's a fantastic player and we're lucky to have at our club."

Mazevski, a former Wollongong Wolves junior, previously played for Football South Coast club Tarrawanna before making his Flame debut three years ago.

Now 23, he has become a key member of their midfield and is set to play his 50^th club game against Parramatta this Saturday afternoon.

"Being so young and playing first grade at 20 was good for me. The club has been awesome to me so I'm pretty grateful to play my 50^th for the club," Mazevski said.

"I love the club's philosophy and the way they give young players a chance at first grade. I've lost count on how many players have made their debuts for the club. Not many clubs offer young kids a chance to play first grade like that and we're becoming relatively successful now each year. It's pretty special to me, this club."

Mazevski said he was excited to reach the 50-game milestone alongside White.

"'He's probably my best mate in the team so it's good to have him by my side," he said.

"I'm obviously only 23, but I'm one of the most experienced players there with a few first grade games under my belt. 'Whitey' has been terrific. He's talked me through how to be a leader and he's a great role model for the boys and for me."