Matthews began competing in Mercantile colours in the open division at the Australian national championships in 2012.

[3][4] Matthews first made state selection for Victoria in the 2013 lightweight men's four contesting the Penrith Cup at the Interstate Regatta.

[7] In 2021 and 2022 he raced as Victoria's representative single sculler in the President's Cup, taking the bronze medal in that event in 2022.

[8] Matthews made his Australian representative debut in a lightweight double scull at the 2013 World Rowing Cup I in Sydney.

[9] In March 2022 Matthews was selected for the lightweight double scull within a broader Australian training team to prepare for the 2022 international season and the 2022 World Rowing Championships.