Only constant physiotherapy and massage from his mother Jenny prevents his body from locking down.
It was on the Yorke Peninsula in January this year that a simple miscalculation while taking a bend on a stretch of road caused his ute to roll several times and land almost 50 metres from the bitumen.
Also in the vehicle was Alicia Redden - the sister of Port Adelaide player Jarrad.
While she escaped with minor injuries, she knew her life-long friend was in serious trouble.
The days following the accident were a blur of machines for Matt and his family as they prepared themselves for the worst diagnosis, but the young man’s fighting spirit saw him pull through.
But the car accident that almost claimed the 20-year-old’s life has left the young mechanic with a severe brain injury: he was unable to talk, move without help or understand the world around him.
That was just three months ago.
It was around that time that Jarrad Redden began a campaign to raise funds to help improve the quality of life of Matt and potentially others who have suffered similar injuries.
Over just 90 days, the injured Power ruckman raised more than $20,000 to support a young man he’s known since childhood.
In return for the generosity shown by the community, Redden will be joined by friends and former players in the Matt Sinclair Ride from the Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre to Edithburgh on November 15 and 16.
It's a challenging 220-kilometre pedal that will see many townspeople along the peninsula join the ride as it nears its destination.
Matt has taken remarkable steps forward thanks to constant care at Hampstead allowing his injured brain to slowly begin repairing.
He is now able to talk to friends, family and even kick a soccer ball from his wheelchair.
Matt will be there as his peloton rides into Edithburgh on Sunday and as his condition progresses, anything seems possible.
“We’ve had so much help in getting this ride up and running, especially from the Port Adelaide Football Club, Matt’s mum Jenny and the entire Yorke Peninsula community,” Redden told portadelaidefc.com.au.
“I’d particularly like to thank Steve and the team at Bicycle Express on Halifax Street for supplying me with a bike and the guys with all their gear and servicing everything.”
For Matt’s mother Jenny, seeing her son’s improvement and the support he’s receiving is heart-warming.
“It’s really hard to describe what it’s like to go through what we’ve experienced this year, but I can’t see how we could’ve managed without all the support we’ve received,” Jenny said.
“The whole community has been truly remarkable and for Jarrad, and everyone involved in the Matt Sinclair Ride, to do what they’ve done in setting up this event is brilliant.
“We want it to be a safe, fun and successful weekend so we ask everyone to get involved.”
Redden and the Matt Sinclair Ride peloton will depart the Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre on Hampstead Road, Northfield on Saturday morning and cycle overnight to Edithburgh.
“We’ve had so much help in getting this ride up and running, especially from the Port Adelaide Football Club, Matt’s mum Jenny and the entire Yorke Peninsula community,” Redden told portadelaidefc.com.au.
“I’d particularly like to thank Steve and the team at Bicycle Express on Halifax Street for supplying me with a bike and the guys with all their gear and servicing everything.”
For Matt’s mother Jenny, seeing her son’s improvement and the support he’s receiving is heart-warming.
“It’s really hard to describe what it’s like to go through what we’ve experienced this year, but I can’t see how we could’ve managed without all the support we’ve received,” Jenny said.
“The whole community has been truly remarkable and for Jarrad, and everyone involved in the Matt Sinclair Ride, to do what they’ve done in setting up this event is brilliant.
“We want it to be a safe, fun and successful weekend so we ask everyone to get involved.”
Redden and the Matt Sinclair Ride peloton will depart the Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre on Hampstead Road, Northfield on Saturday morning and cycle overnight to Edithburgh.
