IN JUST his sixth AFL game, Marty Hore, a key defender, nailed his first career goal.
And what a goal it was.
After Gold Coast’s Nick Holman put his side in front by one straight kick in the final minute of Saturday night’s clash at Metricon Stadium, the Demons required a miracle to turn the deficit into victory.
Hore provided just that.
Streaming off half-back, the 23-year-old received a handball from Jayden Hunt and nailed a long-range goal to draw his side level with 18 seconds remaining.
“It was a good feeling,” Hore told Melbourne Media post-game.
“I was hoping it was going to be a bit of left to right there, so when it went through, I was pretty happy. But we still had the game to win, so [there wasn’t] too much celebrating.”
Tom McDonald then sealed the Dees’ fate, toe-poking through the match-winning behind.
The chaotic final minute had plenty of twists and turns, with Hore becoming the unlikeliest of heroes when he watched his 50-metre bomb sail through.
“It was just on the left side there, so it didn’t work out too bad actually,” he said.
“I haven’t kicked a goal for two years now, so it was a good feeling when it went through.”
Although victory seemed near-impossible in the dying stages on Saturday night, Hore said he never lost hope.
“I think the belief in the group, we always think we’re a chance,” he said.
“We’ve just got to stick to our method, and everyone played their role in that last minute there and lucky enough we just pulled it off.”
This time last year, Hore was playing VFL football for Collingwood. Now, he’s living his dream on the big stage and loving every second of it.
“It’s been great so far. I’m just loving playing with all the boys,” he said.
“The coaches have been great, they’re so supportive. We’re just hoping to get a few more wins and stick on the right track – head down, bum up.”