Matthew Bate

Matthew Bate (born 24 May 1987) is an Australian rules footballer playing for the Melbourne Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL).

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 midfielder. 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. In the 2007 season for Melbourne Bate finished 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). 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 is versatile and can 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 for Casey in the VFL. He finished second in the 2011 J. J. Liston Trophy, awarded to the best and fairest player in the league.

During Trade Week of 2011, Matthew Bate requested a trade to the Western Bulldogs. However, after Mark Neeld was appointed as Melbourne's new coach he was retained and not traded.