Record-breaking State Game for Matt Flapper
Ocean Grove’s Matt Flapper has been recognised for achieving the most state games played of any Victorian and even Australian player – a record-breaking 442 games for Victoria.
Matt’s milestone game was achieved against Western Australia at the Sides Championships in Devonport as part of The Nationals 2025.
This surpassed the previous record held by another Victorian, Mark Jacobsen.
Recognised for his efforts
On Saturday, December 6, Bowls Victoria had the unique pleasure of formally handing over the commemorative shirt framed to recognise Matt’s 442nd game in State colours.
Bowls Victoria General Manager of Bowls Operations, Geoff Rietschel was on hand to personally make the presentation to Matt.
“This is a remarkable feat which is hard to see being surpassed. It is a distinct privilege to be making this presentation, congratulations to Matt for all he has achieved, his role on and off the green, and his influence in bowls,” he said.
The presentation was made immediately prior the Ocean Grove vs Eastern Park Saturday Pennant game and Matt was joined by his wife Linda and his Ocean Grove teammates.
Matt spoke briefly recounting his State career in Under-18s, Under-25s, and long career with the Open Side. He even spoke about looking forward a future playing for the Over-60s – jokingly! Matt’s still a good few years away from that particular milestone.
It appeared to be no distraction for Ocean Grove who went on to win their game 105 shots to 57.
Bowling since his teens
Matt started bowls at 12 years old at Creswick Bowling Club. He would play with his dad and older brother Anthony. He later bowled for both Flemington & Kensington Bowls Club and Darebin Bowling Club before heading regional to be the greenskeeper at Central Wendouree for almost a decade.
Matt next played for Essendon Bowls Club (where he still plays on a permit in the Premier side for the current 25/26 season Metro Pennant) before making the move to Ocean Grove Bowls Club in 2012.
In 2002 Matt made his state side debut for Victoria, clocking up 100 games by 2006. By 2012 that number was at 250 and included 70 games for Australia. In 2014 Matt skipped the Men’s fours team of Wayne Ruediger, Brett Wilke and Nathan Rice to a bronze medal at Kelvingrove Bowls Club during the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. He was also a key player in Victoria winning 3 x Alley Shield’s at the Open Sides Championships (2002, 2016, 2018).
An incredible career in Victorian Bowls
Apart from his on-green performance, Matt has also served as the U18 State Coach since 2018 where his leadership and mentorship has been integral to the success of our Under-18 bowlers, many of whom have continued their own bowls careers.
In 2023, Matt was one of four bowlers awarded Life Membership with Bowls Victoria.
Bowls Victoria congratulates Matt on this milestone achievement following an incredible career in bowls. We have created a tribute video with well wishes from some very familiar faces available on the BVTV Youtube Channel by clicking HERE.
