GVL Data | Hore primed for AFL return

By Josh Huntly

Jul 28, 2022

Marty party: Marty Hore donned the bottle green for the first time on Saturday. Photo: Steve Huntley

Marty Hore’s strong VFL form carried over to the Goulburn Valley League, wowing the Echuca Football Netball Club faithful in his long-awaited debut on Saturday against Tatura.

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Signing for the club in 2018, Hore’s exploits as a lethal left-footed defender saw his football trajectory swing away from the Murray Bombers initially, picked up first by Collingwood’s VFL outfit and then AFL outfit Melbourne where he played 14 games.

Injury curtailed the best part of his 2021 season, ending with his departure from the Dees late last year.

But this year, Hore has been hell-bent on taking his place back in the top flight.

The 26-year-old has been a shining light for North Melbourne’s VFL program this season, and on Saturday against Tatura the Murray Bombers got to see that quality in a blistering display at Victoria Park.

A highlight would be Hore’s effortless 55-metre goal early in the match, but his work in defence, including a game-high 15 marks among his 25 possessions, set Vic Park alight.

And after his performance against the Bulldogs, there would be few that disagree with his statement that he feels he is ready to resume life in the AFL.

“The ambition is still to get drafted,” Hore said.

“I think I’m still young enough at 26. I’ll head back to North, finish off the year and hopefully keep up the good form.

“It’s been a bit of a tough year as a team but I’m playing good footy and staying on the park.

“It’s important for me to stay out on the park; it’s where I’ve struggled a bit in the last few years.”

A football product out of Leitchville-Gunbower, Hore said the integration into Echuca’s squad was effortless.

“It’s a great club, all the fellas got around me,” he said.

“It’s been a while in the works. I think I signed about five years ago now so it was good to get that one under the belt.

“I’ve got some good relationships here — it was a great day.”

Quizzed on whether he looks set to suit up for Echuca again this round, Hore indicated a potential return for the round 18 clash against Mooroopna but said it would hinge on the club’s preferred approach heading into finals.