 Matera's form declined once he reached his 30s.Most of his premiership teammates retired around him leaving Matera one of only a handful of experienced Eagles left by the turn of the century – Matera was named a vice captain of the club in 1999, holding this position for three seasons.The team's fortunes took a turn for the worse in 2000 and 2001, missing the finals for the first time since 1989.