The VFL Magpies have a defender in jet black boots who has been turning heads through 11 home and away games in 2017.

And now Marty Hore will test against the best in the state after receiving an invitation to October’s AFL RookieMe combine.

Hore arrived at the Holden Centre at the beginning of last season as a highly-touted left footer from the Bendigo Pioneers in the TAC Cup.

Hore placed second (behind current VFL teammate Lachlan Tardrew) in the Pioneers Best and Fairest in 2015. He received an invitation to the state Draft Combine, but went undrafted as a 19-year-old.

Two years later, he will return to testing with two seasons of VFL experience under his belt.

“It’s really pleasing for him,” coach Jared Rivers told Collingwood Media’s ‘From Lulie Street’.

“He’s worked really hard on his game and he’s had his best year by far.”

Hore produced arguably his best performance of the season against Werribee at Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The 21-year-old had 25 disposals at a remarkable 96 per cent efficiency, while also taking a team-high 11 marks.

Playing as a key or extra defender, Hore has averaged 22 disposals per game for the VFL Magpies this season.

His impressive marking has been a cornerstone of his game, leading all teammates and ranking fifth in the VFL for marks taken (84) in 2017.

“He’s really suited to that third defender role with his intercept marking,” Collingwood VFL General Manager Chris Dixon recently told VFL expert Paul Amy.

“His judgment of the ball in the air is as good as I’ve seen from a state league player of his age.”

The VFL Magpies have had success creating greater opportunities in recent years. Rupert Wills was drafted from the VFL program in 2015, while key forward Ash Close received an invitation to the state combine the same year.

Last year’s combine crop included current Pies Kayle Kirby (Vic Country) and Liam Mackie (South Australia).

MARTY HORE’S SEASON TO DATE

Games: 11
Kicks: 176 (1st at VFL Magpies)
Marks: 84 (1st)
Disposals: 239 (2nd)
Conested marks: 17 (4th)
Uncontested marks: 67 (1st)
Inside 50s: 32 (3rd)
Rebound 50s: 39 (1st)

IN PHOTOS...

All images courtesy of Collingwood VFL photographer Shane Barrie.