Matthew Bate

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Matthew Bate
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Personal information
Birth May 24, 1987 (1987-05-24) (age 21),
Recruited from Croydon/Eastern U18
Height and weight 191cm / 90kg
Playing career¹
Debut Round 5, April 29, 2006, Melbourne vs. Kangaroos, at Melbourne Cricket Ground
Team(s) Melbourne (2005-)

33 games, 27 goals

¹ Statistics to end of 2007 season
Career highlights

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.

Bate capped off a fine 2007 season for Melbourne by finishing third in the club's Best and Fairest Award (the Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Medal) with 179 votes; behind the winner James McDonald (260 votes) and fellow second season player Nathan Jones (190 Votes).

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