Matthew Bate

[Sylvia Saint]

Where do you experts think he will play when he eventually makes it to AFL level? Will he be big enough for KP or will he play Wing-HFF?

And I guess if he doesn't quite make the grade, we could use him as trade bate (sorry, couldn't resist).

 

[Nightwolf]

He played at Croydon for years, (my club) and was exceptional off a HBF in one of their Grand Final vicories and other matches. If he grows he is capable, but i would think at the moment he is better suited to a flank or pocket at AFL level. He has good endurance, as shown in the beep test at draft camp, so you might want to stick him on a wing and see howhe goes...

 

[Jabso]

He is one of those players who could be undone by the fact that he can't exceed in any position and find his niche. An example is Bo Nixon (although the jury's still out for him). However Bate looks a likely prospect and shuld be able to find a position.

 

[SPECIALK]

at 191cm he is a likely key position player and shows all the attributes for one. he also has ambition to play in the midfield where he proved extremely dangerous when playing there for eastern this season. has a big frame so expect him to become an intimidating player once he fully physically develops. Can basically play anywhere and win that position

 

[Sylvia Saint]

Thanks... sounds like he'll be a very damaging utility in time. Can't wait!

 

[StingaArmstrong]

why do people say 191cm is too small for a key position Jared Rivers is that same height.

 

[Weaver]

Last season he was a dashing HBF. This year he struggled in some games at CHB and moved to the forward line. For mine he doesn't have the leap for a KP and relies on his body strenght to outbody opponents and take chest marks. Really loves to throw his body around.

I suspect that he could be a ruck-rover like Cameron Ling. He has good stamina, and is a big body who will be able to break open packs and win clearances.

Will be interesting to see how it goes.

 

[Demonheart]

Last season he was a dashing HBF. This year he struggled in some games at CHB and moved to the forward line. For mine he doesn't have the leap for a KP and relies on his body strenght to outbody opponents and take chest marks. Really loves to throw his body around.

I suspect that he could be a ruck-rover like Cameron Ling. He has good stamina, and is a big body who will be able to break open packs and win clearances.

Will be interesting to see how it goes.

Weaver, I've never seen him play. What are his skills like? ie kicking, marking and reading the play. Is he a one grab type of player?

 

[insider2000]

Weaver, I've never seen him play. What are his skills like? ie kicking, marking and reading the play. Is he a one grab type of player?

Bate is a very good long kicking left footer. capable to kick goals form outside 50. reads play well and has the ability to lose his opponent on a lead. needs to work on his right foot. will probably end up playing a role similar to cameron ling.

 

[Demonheart]

Bate is a very good long kicking left footer. capable to kick goals form outside 50. reads play well and has the ability to lose his opponent on a lead. needs to work on his right foot. will probably end up playing a role similar to cameron ling.

Thanks insider

 

[The Shev]

Well hopefully he can be a damaging utility. Pinch hit up forward as the third tall, have a run on the ball and play a bit down back.

 

[Vinnie Vegas]

An example is Bo Nixon (although the jury's still out for him).

No, the kidney's out of him, he'll be done now. Besides, Bo Nixon needed to play the same position for many weeks in a row to be able to adapt to it. Bate is able to play multiple positions well in the same game, as seen in the TAC Cup Grand Final this year, where he started as a key forward, kicked a few goals, then moved to the midfield and picked up 10+ touches in a quarter.

 

[AROB_DEES]

Very Happy getting him at 13, most rated him top 10, some even as early as 7

 

[Vinnie Vegas]

Yeah, Bate was definitely a good get at #13.