Demon nabs Rd 18 nomination

Melbourne utility Matthew Bate has been rewarded for a scintillating round 18 performance with a nomination for the NAB AFL Rising Star award.

Bate racked up 28 touches, took nine marks, kicked a goal and was one of the few Demons who stood out against the Blues on Saturday.

Speaking from the Junction Oval on Tuesday, Bates was happy about being recognised fore his efforts.

"It was a real honour to win this award.

"Obviously there's been some really good names nominated this year and it was a real privilege to be nominated," Bates said.

"Obviously you work pretty hard and this is just some really good recognition and obviously a chance to win the award, which is really good."

When asked directly whether it will give him bragging rights over his other young teammates, Bates jokingly said, "Not out loud anyway."

"No boasting, we're all good mates here," he said.

After winning the Morrish Medal as the best player in the TAC Cup in 2004 and coming second in the Eastern Ranges' best and fairest, Bate was recruited by the Demons as Melbourne’s first selection as pick 13 in the 2004 NAB AFL Draft.

Since then, he has increased his body size and maturity, both of which complement his good power and leg speed while his versatility means he can play almost anywhere.

"I've never really played midfield like I had this year before so I'm just trying to get that fitness level you need to play at midfield and that's one thing I've been working on."

"They like me to run and take them on and kick the ball the long and I've been doing that and I've really enjoyed doing that. It's been fun."

"I've been working on my ability to run both ways, offensively and defensively. I've still got a lot of improvement left in that area," he said.

He spent his first year at the club playing in the VFL and was rewarded when he was a member of Sandringham's premiership side before making his senior debut in round five this year against the Kangaroos. In 2006, he has averaged 17 possessions in the nine senior games he has played, and he has kicked six goals and taken 52 marks.

Matthew’s versatility playing as a tall defender or forward has seen him settle into the Demons’ senior line-up this season.

The 19-year-old left footer has played nine matches since and is constantly improving. His 28 possessions and one goal against Carlton was his best match of the season.

The 191cm redhead also gained attention during the 2004 NAB AFL Draft Camp, recording a 14.1 beep test and 8.37 second agility run.