MELBOURNE cruised to its second win from as many games with a solid 77-point win over GWS on Sunday night, and one big key to the Dees’ success was none other than skipper Kate Hore.

Taking on one of the more mentally and emotionally challenging tasks in AFLW – taking over as captain of the reigning premiers from a legend of the game in Daisy Pearce – taking on the new role does not seem to have slowed down Hore at all, only making her grow even more. Adding the captaincy to her bow is like she has been given a power up in the metaphoric computer game known as her football career.

Not always one to get all the attention in a star studded Demon outfit, Hore played a true captain’s game on Sunday night as she helped guide her side to another win.

From the opening minutes of the game, she was stamping her influence on the game.

Not one of the tallest targets in Melbourne’s forward line, Hore more than makes up for it in contest strength, taking a solid grab out in front of her opponent and with a 40m+ kick, slotted Melbourne’s first goal of the game.

It was not long before it was two goals on the board for Hore, this time snapping round her body after picking up the loose ball about 30m out.

Her third major came inside the final few minutes of the term, as she broke free of her opponent in front of goal to take a strong mark and convert truly.

She almost had a fourth goal for the first quarter but her final shot of the term skewed wide.

One underrated aspect of Hore’s game is her footwork agility. She is light on her feet, and able to quickly dart around her opponents to evade them.

She ultimately finished the first quarter with three goals, 13 disposals, five marks, three tackles and a whopping 231m gained.

Speaking of metres gained, it is not just in the forward line where the Dees skipper is so dangerous.

Although predominately a forward, Hore’s game has grown so much in recent years that she can play just about anywhere on the ground, and this was evident again on the weekend.

She has the running capacity to make an impact through the midfield and she did so on several occasions over the weekend, even running with top Giant Alyce Parker.

Much like her predecessor Pearce, Hore can also play in defence, playing an intercepting sweeping role she can excel at thanks to her strong marking ability.

As others started to step up as the game progressed, Hore’s numbers dropped off and her influence began to be more about what she was doing without ball in hand. Olivia Purcell, Sarah Lampard, Tayla Harris, Blaithin Mackin and others really started to grow into the game and create a huge influence as the game progressed, so Hore’s fast start with ball in hand did not have to be maintained for four quarters.

She ultimately finished the game with five goals, 23 disposals, eight marks, six tackles and a whopping 420m gained.