Already 25 years of ago when he made his league debut, Matlock made 11 appearances in 1944.[5] He was a regular member of the team in 1945 and one of just five players who participated in every game.[5] This included the 1945 VFL Grand Final loss to Carlton, which he played as a half back flanker. The following year he twisted his knee in South Melbourne's second round encounter with Essendon and was ruled out for the rest of the season.[6]
