Matthew Sheridan

Matt Sheridan was promoted to the men’s first team squad in December 2023, signing a two-year scholarship contract with the Phoenix.

He hails from Canterbury and played his junior football for Halswell United and Selwyn United before joining the Phoenix academy in 2019.

Originally a central midfielder, Sheridan made the switch to right back in 2022.

The move paid off. After just one appearance for the reserves off the bench in the 2021 Central League, he started 17 of their 18 Central League matches the following year.

During the 2022-23 season, Sheridan regularly started for the reserves during the Central League, before being heavily involved with first team training during the National League season.

Sheridan made his A-League debut off the bench in the fifth round win over Melbourne City in Auckland in November 2023 before signing his maiden professional contract.

He went on to make a further three appearances for the Nix during the 2023-24 season, including making his first A-League start against the Central Coast Mariners in April.

Sheridan was selected in the New Zealand Olympic team and he featured twice in France.

He signed a three-year contract extension with the Phoenix ahead of the 2024-25 season, tying him to the club until the end of the 2027-28 A-League.

> 2024-25 season

Matt Sheridan established himself as an integral member of Giancarlo Italiano’s side in his second year as a professional and showcased his versatility.

Sheridan played as a centre back, winger, fullback and central midfielder across 25 A-League appearances, 22 of which were starts.

He missed just one match due to concussion and finished fifth on the team for minutes played.