Matthew Bate

[shoe]

Ahoy Demons fans. Watched your game today, nice work Demons , i'd tipped them too.

I don't get to see as many Demons' games as some of the other teams in Perth, but I really liked this kid today. Tried non stop all game, and i kept noticing him go back in for second and third efforts. Not afraid to dive in and do the dirty work. What do Dees fans think of him?

 

[Animosity]

Hating to be critical after such a deserved win and a great game by bate .... His season overall has been frustrating, he finds plenty of the ball but his disposal can do anything or go anywhere. He is only a young bloke,so there are some promising signs he will mature well. Seems to be settling in better every week as the season goes on. Overall frustrating '07 .. but will mature in leaps and bounds next year

 

[TelkoTheGreat]

Recruited fromCroydon/Eastern U18Height/Weight191cm / 90kg

Matthew Bate (born May 24, 1987) is an Australian rules footballer playing for the AFL’s Melbourne Football Club.
He is instantly recognisable on the field with his bright red hair, which is more noticeable whilst wearing the red of the Demon's guernsey, although has also been dyed black during his playing career.
Bate plays as a tall forward or defender. He won the Morrish Medal as best player in the TAC Cup in 2004. He was drafted 13th overall by Melbourne in the 2004 AFL Draft and made his AFL debut in Round 5 of the 2006 season.
Bate's achievements thus far as a senior player include a nomination for the NAB AFL Rising Star award for his performance against Carlton in Round 18 of the 2006 season.
He is already considered an important part of Melbourne's midfield rotation, an impressive feat for someone playing in their second season of AFL football.
Playing in his second year of Senior AFL Football for the Melbourne Demons, Bate is now an important member of the team. Operating across half-forward and along the wing, Bate has been commended for his fine marking, booming kicks and endurance.

Small load down on him for you................. He is a LEGEND

 

[Bateanator]

Absolutely love the kid. Good hands, nice big long kick, can get the goals too (unlike miller at his best). Was probs my favourite player until newton.
Can't go past the (now shaven) red hair

 

[demonfan9]

He is a gem. Has the ability to play midfield or key position, but there is no doubt that he is more valuable as a key position, specifically centre half forward. He is probably more of a versatile CHF than a pack-breaking CHF, but with time I think he will get better and better with his pack marking and physicality.

As Bateanator said, he has very clean hands, is a big left foot kick and can score some goals. His workrate is fantastic too.

 

[mfcrox]

All I will say is that I am very excited with our future... and Riley really impressed me with the moves he made (Sylvia in the guts, Frawley on Waite, bringing Dunn back in, etc.).

Having a bloke like Bate in our side is awesome... I may be getting a little bit excited, but I think we have found a genuine superstar of the future, someone that the opposition will hope is missing when we play them. He has only just had 5-6 games at centre half forward, and what he has shown in those games has me pumped-up.

He has awesome dukes, a nice penetrating kick, a good engine... this kid will be an All Australian, and will win a Brownlow... mark my words. Baters, Brock, Jones, Sylvia, Davey, Rivers (we all know these blokes have the talent, if it clicks together)... jeez, I tell you what... I AM PUMPED.

 

[davey_magik]

His field kicking can leave something to be desired at times, but I like the fact he generally kicks long inside 50 rather than stuffing up short passes.
We all know about his strength overhead and he is also quite strong in the body as well. Still not sure whether he could be our CHF for the next 10 years, but he's doing very well at the moment.

He is an excellent kick for goal even with his strange action, but I don't believe every player should have to use a certain kicking action to get it right, TJ for example holds and drops the ball in a far different way to a lot of 'textbook' kicking styles and he's one of the best field kicks going around.

 

[StingaArmstrong]

His field kicking can leave something to be desired at times, but I like the fact he generally kicks long inside 50 rather than stuffing up short passes.
We all know about his strength overhead and he is also quite strong in the body as well. Still not sure whether he could be our CHF for the next 10 years, but he's doing very well at the moment.

He is an excellent kick for goal even with his strange action, but I don't believe every player should have to use a certain kicking action to get it right, TJ for example holds and drops the ball in a far different way to a lot of 'textbook' kicking styles and he's one of the best field kicks going around.

The only concerning thing about his kicking action is that it is a bit too high for a ball drop, the way he holds it isn't a problem. TJ is such a good kick because he guides the ball right onto his boot. However that aspect of Bate's kicking has improved since i first saw him play. I'm unsure of him as CHF full time, but he's doing well at the moment.

 

[davey_magik]

I know, just pointing out that there is no one style that works for every player.