MELBOURNE has signed multi-talented athlete Kate Hore as a rookie for the 2018 NAB AFL Women’s season.

Hore, who has a basketball background and plays for the Sandringham Sabres in the SEABL, recently made the move back to football, playing with VFL Women’s side St Kilda Sharks.

“I grew up playing footy, starting with Auskick and played until Under 12s when I couldn’t play with boys anymore,” 22-year-old Hore told Melbourne TV.

“I then took up basketball and went back to footy again at the end of last year.

“I started the pre-season with the St Kilda Sharks and I’m now two games in.”

Hore said she “couldn’t wipe the smile off my face” when she found out she would be given the opportunity to represent Melbourne in next year’s AFLW competition.

“It’s an exciting time – it’s all happened very quickly but I’m absolutely loving it and loving playing footy,” she said.

“As a player, I like to run and I really enjoy playing on the wing.

“I also like getting up forward and kicking a few goals.”

Hore said the introduction of the inaugural AFLW competition last year was the key driving force in her decision to take up football again.

“I saw the AFL Women’s last year and just knew that I wanted to give it a crack,” she said.

“I went down to St Kilda and didn’t really know anyone there – it was probably the most nerve-wracking night of my life, but all of the girls down there were great and I’m absolutely loving it.”

Despite growing up a Carlton supporter, Hore said her St Kilda teammates, Meg Downie and Mia-Rae Clifford, who both played for Melbourne in the 2017 AFLW season, convinced her the red and blue was the way to go.

“They helped me make my decision and they both couldn’t speak more highly of the club,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to playing games and just being around all of the girls.

“It’s such a professional environment at Melbourne so I just can’t wait to be involved.”