MELBOURNE has welcomed back a familiar name, with defender Marty Hore re-joining the club ahead of the 2024 AFL season.

Hore, who was part of the Demons’ list between 2019 and 2021, earned another opportunity via the Pre-Season Supplemental Selection Period on Monday, following two impressive years in the VFL.

At 190cm tall, Hore is set to add to the Demons’ defensive stocks; Melbourne List Manager Tim Lamb confident he can build on his most recent form.

“We are really pleased to welcome Marty back to the club, and offer him a spot on our list,” Lamb told Melbourne Media.

“Since departing the club at the end of 2021, Marty has had a really strong two years in the VFL; firstly for North Melbourne and then most recently with Williamstown. We have kept a close eye on what he’s been able to produce and believe he has a lot to offer our program.

“Marty is thoroughly deserving of this opportunity, and we look forward to having him part of the red and blue once again.”

Hore was first selected by Melbourne with pick No.56 in the 2018 National Draft, making his AFL debut the following year.

The 27-year-old went on to play 14 senior games before a knee injury saw him sidelined for the 2021 campaign, and subsequently delisted at season’s end.

He played for North Melbourne’s VFL side in 2022 and Williamstown this past season; his efforts earning him back-to-back selection in the VFL Team of the Year. Hore also claimed the Seagulls’ best and fairest award in September after averaging 23 disposals and 10 marks across 19 matches.

Originally from Bendigo, Hore joins draftees Caleb Windsor and Koltyn Tholstrup, as well as father-son selection Kynan Brown, in recent additions to Melbourne’s list.

All commenced pre-season training alongside the Demons’ first to four-year players on Monday.