| Matthew Bate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 | |||
| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Matthew Bate | ||
| Date of birth | (1987-05-24)24 May 1987 (age 37) | ||
| Original team(s) | Eastern Ranges (TAC Cup) | ||
| Draft | No, 13,2004 National draft,Melbourne | ||
| Height | 192 cm (6 ft 4 in) | ||
| Weight | 91 kg (201 lb) | ||
| Position(s) | Forward / Midfielder | ||
| Playing career | |||
| Years | Club | Games (Goals) | |
| 2005–2012 | Melbourne | 102 (98) | |
| Career highlights | |||
| |||
| Sources:AFL Tables,AustralianFootball.com | |||
Matthew Bate (born 24 May 1987) is anAustralian rules footballer and former player for theMelbourne Football Club in theAustralian Football League (AFL). At the conclusion of the 2012 AFL season, he was delisted by the Melbourne Football Club and subsequently drafted to theEssendon Football Club's reserve side in theVictorian Football League (VFL). He wore the number 6 guernsey.[1]
Bate played as a tall forward or midfielder. He won theMorrish Medal as best player in theTAC Cup in 2004. He was drafted 13th overall by Melbourne in the2004 AFL draft and made his AFL debut in Round 5 of the2006 season.
Bate's achievements as a senior player included a nomination for theNAB AFL Rising Star award for his performance againstCarlton in Round 18 of the 2006 season. In the 2007 season for Melbourne, Bate finished third in the club's Best and Fairest Award (theKeith 'Bluey' Truscott Medal) with 179 votes, behind the winnerJames McDonald (260 votes) and fellow second season playerNathan Jones (190 Votes).In 2009, he came second in the club's goal kicking.
Having completed his fifth full year of senior AFL football for the Melbourne Demons, Bate appeared to have become an important member of the team who was versatile and could be utilized across half-forward, in the midfield, or at full forward. Bate has been commended for his fine marking, booming kicks and endurance. However, in 2011, he only played nine games for Melbourne, despite showing good form forCasey in the VFL. He finished second in the 2011J. J. Liston Trophy, awarded to the VFL's best and fairest player.[2]
During Trade Week of 2011, Matthew Bate requested a trade to theWestern Bulldogs. However, afterMark Neeld was appointed as Melbourne's new coach he was retained and not traded.[3]
