Matthew Bate was interviewed on SEN this morning. He was introduced as the player required to carry the mantle for the forward line in the absence of so many injured players.

Matthew explained that he played in yesterday's VFL practice game with Casey to develop some more match fitness after missing a lot of the preseason. His injury was to a quad muscle which he reinjured on coming back. Because it was a recurrence of an injury he had to take care with his rehab.

When asked where he expected to be played he said that most likely at half forward but that he might also end up a bit closer to goal.

Matthew was asked how tough it was being an early draft pick and seeing others drafted at the same time playing in successful teams. He said that he was craving team success having played in finals when he first broke into the side. He is sure that in the future it will become a good team.

Bate is helping mentor Jack Watts who is really keen to learn. He was really good in first half before being rested and all he needs is some more confidence in match play.eBaye also said that Sam Blease has an amazing attitude to training. He has put on a lot of muscle and if we get him up and running, he will be an asset to the team.

Finally, he was asked if he receives any ranga barbs for his red hair. Matty answered that making jokes about hair colour is not like being racist and it's become like water off a ducks back to him. in fact, he gets bagged more when he uses hair product for trying to cover it up!

Sam Blease excites me.

Sam Blease excites me.

Thats a bit rich for a saturday

Thats a bit rich for a saturday

I know but I just couldn't help myself

Not a bad listen, wish it went longer tho.

will have a great year Matty. i heard what he said, he wants to win badly & thats the attitude we need with all our young kids.

Can't wait to see sam blease play either!!

I heard the tail end of the interview and one of the presenters was very complimentary about the way he plays and said that if Bater was playing with Geelong he'd be a star. I don't know about that but he certainly has the opportunity to step up again this year and, with the added talent and maturity at the club, the fact that we currently occupy a lowly position shouldn't hold him back.

That was pickers WJ. (liam Pickering)

Edited March 20, 201016 yr by condemned 84

That was pickers WJ. (liam Pickering)

Yes the first time has been civil to the Demons in his life-Liam Pickering is an over rated Bogan, but he at least sees the class of Master Bate so i will cut him some slack this time!!

Yes the first time has been civil to the Demons in his life-Liam Pickering is an over rated Bogan, but he at least sees the class of Master Bate so i will cut him some slack this time!!

Go easy on the Bogans please Wyl.

Go easy on the Bogans please Wyl.

Apologies my friend...slip of the tounge..won't happen again!!

Yes the first time has been civil to the Demons in his life-Liam Pickering is an over rated Bogan, but he at least sees the class of Master Bate so i will cut him some slack this time!!

Wow, really? I was watching commentary of a game from last year recently, and he was super complimentary in the face of some Derwayne dribble. Does he really have a history of talking down about the dees?

Wow, really? I was watching commentary of a game from last year recently, and he was super complimentary in the face of some Derwayne dribble. Does he really have a history of talking down about the dees?

I have heard him pay out on the Demons often on Radio, often by not even giving them any answer at all. But DerWayne is far worse, so i could imagine Liam sticking up for the Demons in his presence.

Dwayne really does seem to hate the Demons-love to ask him why one day, and then just give him the biggest vocal spray. Port Adelaide should never have even considered creeping out from their little SANFL. We shall all pay for that one sometime in the future.

This year Port are covering part of the seating at AAMI stadium with Port coloured coverings to mask the lack of support-Highly innovative Nightmare is Port Adelaide.