Matthew Bate

[Cruiseon]

This is a classic pre-season type story. A player who has ability, who has been out of favour for a year or two and who starts showing new promise in a new role under a new coach in the NAB Cup.

The question is how do we assess his ability to slot into the 5th or 6th forward spot like Hargraves, Suban, Lake and even Brodie Smitha are doing for so many in the backs?

He has bulked up, he has been playing in the midefield and his stats have been ok........ thoughts?

[fever]

until he proves himself i'm avoiding like the plague. shockingly priced too. so inbetween

[Manbearpig]

Having watched him play in the NAB Cup I don't think his disposal is good enough to warrant getting him in SC. Perhaps DT, but then you have Porplyzia who is cheaper and will probably make more money.

[ben_020285]

Don't even think about getting Masta. As has been the case for his whole career, he will put in some great performances but stink it up more often. At the moment he is barely in the Dees best 22 anyway. I can't see him averaging any more than 75 this season.

[Disco]

Bate and players like him are so frustrating. They look good and tempt us but consistently don't deliver. Bate this NAB has only played well against a crap side and was his usual self against the pies. I'd go for a rookie that's guaranteed to go up in price