He's just turned 21, but already Bate has been voted third in the club best-and-fairest within 33 AFL matches, finishing behind winner James McDonald and runner-up Nathan Jones last year.
Bate is the future of the club and how much he represents will be fascinating to follow, as he looms as a genuine leader in the red and blue.
And with the great David Neitz now retired and Russell Robertson set for an extended period on the sidelines, Bate spoke openly of his aspirations to join the club's leadership group next season.
"It's definitely an aim of mine," Bate told melbournefc.com.au.
"It's going to depend on how I go about my business for the rest of the year and [I've got to] show that I'm ready to lead and stand up … because 'Robbo' is out for the rest of the season and 'Neita' is out.
"I'm trying to seek feedback on where I'm trying to get better, and I'm just trying to apply that."
After winning the Morrish Medal and finishing runner-up in the Eastern Ranges best-and-fairest, Bate was selected at No.13 in the 2004 NAB AFL Draft. He said he had relished his opportunity to play at the highest level since joining the club in '04.
"It's a great journey being able to do what you love doing and trying to make your dream a reality and play AFL footy, but I've learned a hell of a lot -- it's only my fourth year, but I feel like I've learned so much already," Bate said.
"I'm still learning heaps and I feel like I've come a long way, but I still feel like I've got a long way to go".
It hasn't all been smooth sailing for Bate however, who has missed a handful of matches each season since debuting in 2006. Hamstring injuries have predominantly been the issue - including this season - along with some knee and thigh problems.
"Towards the end of last year, I got a [thigh] injury and missed a few games … I had a really good pre-season, but in the last praccie match I did my hammy, which was really frustrating," Bate said.
"I did a part of it in the tendon, which takes a long time to recover. So I missed longer than I normally would with a hamstring and I had a few set backs trying to come back.
"It took me a good five weeks and then I made my way back through Sandy (VFL affiliate Sandringham) reserves and Sandy seniors to build my fitness up there.
"It's definitely been a slow, frustrating start to the season. But it's good to be up and going now."
One of Melbourne's most versatile players, Bate has the ability to play down back and in the midfield, but it is as a forward that he is showing his wares at the moment.
"I like being versatile … it makes it a bit easier for the coaches to pick you because you're not just a player who is picked in one position," Bate said.
"We get trained to be able to play in multiple roles and I really enjoy them. But I do like playing that half-forward role, because you're a lead-up player and you can still runaround like a midfielder."
He said the introduction of the new coaching staff has also provided a personal spur.
"They've been really positive and they're always trying to teach us. Josh Mahoney, my forward coach, has been really good and he's a very upbeat guy. He's got a great football mind - all of them (the coaching staff) have - so they've been fantastic.
"We need to reward them with on-field performances."
As for away from the ground, Bate is studying a personal training course, having joined forces in this area with teammates Ben Holland, Daniel Bell, Ricky Petterd and Michael Newton.
"That's been really good and it's really important to do something outside footy so you're focus isn't 100 per cent on footy", Bate said.
"You've got to have a life outside of footy."
But he is also hoping to join with another teammate Russell Robertson in his other passion away from the field - playing the guitar.
"We've tried to get together to do a few songs, but he's been so busy this year with his commitments … he'll have a bit of time off now, so we'll have to have a jam," Bate said.
