Matthew "Killer" Bourke was a mercurial forward who came to the Old Xavs after playing with VFL clubs Hawthorn and Fitzroy. A high-leaper, with strong hands to match, and a brilliant kick for goal, Bourke could and did dominate any of the big games he played. Between 1992 and 1999, over 121 games, he was the most feared player in the VAFA. He was captain of the club in 1993 and 1994. He kicked 8 goals in his final game, the 1999 Grand Final and won the Jock Nelson Medal. He was a senior premiership player in 1995, 1997, 1998 and 1999 and wore the Big V 8 times.

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