2009 Player Review - # 34 Stefan Martin

[Demonland 65,565]

Stefan Martin – Stef basically played in every position on the ground this year. He started the year down back and did some really good jobs. He played on guys like Brett Ebert and Mitch Morton and was able to hold his own. Then he played forward and was able to kick goals and then, in the latter part of the year, he played in the ruck. We're looking for him to be that flexible player but he will also work hard in the ruck and midfield areas over the summer. He is a really important player, coming off just his second year where he played 19 games. Settling him down in one position will help his consistency – Sean Wellman on Melbournefc.com.au

[JACKATTACK 17]

Settling him down in one position will help his consistency

As a defender, not a forward.

[Nasher 33,068]

Where's his ceiling and what's his role?

I think he's the second ruck with extra strings to his bow that we're been crying out for.

[rpfc 27,515]

Where's his ceiling and what's his role?

I think he's the second ruck with extra strings to his bow that we're been crying out for.

Great minds, Nasher...

He could play till his early thirties as a very capable back-up ruckman.

Competes in the centre, can defend one-on-one, can take a mark up forward, and has an adequate and workable handpass.

Now to fix his kicking.

But it's not a huge issue as how many kicks would a second ruck reasonably get? 5 or 6?

[Keyser Söze 0]

He'll be a spare parts man.

We need to give him more time up forward so he can get more comfortable, but when matured he'll be a swing man for us.

KPF, KPB and into the ruck when needed.

[waynewussell 4,092]

He will be the second/third ruckman and versatile key position move. Lets face it, he sucked in the ruck when he first went in - knew nothing about positioning etc. However, by the final rounds, he was proving quite effective in the role. He has a huge upside, great leap, fast and agile (basketball stuff). He is suprisingly good by hand with effective LONG handball. His snap kicks around the body were fantastic. We're on a winner here!

[deeflog 679]

Another PSD gem, we are on a roll with them in the past couple of years, and lets hope there is one more with Luke Ball

[Demonised 1,215]

A quick learner, is SM. Look for even more improvement next year.

[beelzebub 22,225]

He'll be a spare parts man.

We need to give him more time up forward so he can get more comfortable, but when matured he'll be a swing man for us.

KPF, KPB and into the ruck when needed.

Well the first thing that came to mind re Martin is that hes a sort of Mr Fixit...so we're similarly minded here. its handy to have a chameleon type player. Depending on the day he can adjust the balances as required. As he gets more of a mature body with associated strength then he will really provide dividends. In two minds whether to lob him in "a" position or multitask him as at present. All in all hes been one of the surprise packets and highlights over last couple of years.

[Captain Jack 0]

I like Stef Martin.

Mick Malthouse was quoted as saying re: Leigh Brown - He's not the best backman, forward or ruckman in the team but he can play all those positions and give relief to other players.

I think Stef will prove to be a much better player than Leigh but from a top coach in the competition it seems we are on to a winner

[Jurrah Coffee 0]

I like Stef Martin.

Mick Malthouse was quoted as saying re: Leigh Brown - He's not the best backman, forward or ruckman in the team but he can play all those positions and give relief to other players.

I think Stef will prove to be a much better player than Leigh but from a top coach in the competition it seems we are on to a winner

Just hope Stef becomes a better kick than Leigh Brown.

[Rogue 585]

I like most of what I see with Martin, and have from the start.

I hope he can improve his kicking though, or he may get overtaken in a couple of years.

[hoopla 418]

I like most of what I see with Martin, and have from the start.

I hope he can improve his kicking though, or he may get overtaken in a couple of years.

Tend to agree. Has fantastic potential - but really has to improve his kicking to take full advantage of it.

Given his pace and his clean hands, could be a very dangerous forward option ( again...if could kick!)

[titan_uranus 22,460]

We should pursue the rucking role for Martin for a number of reasons. Firstly, I don't think he's good enough as a forward, and he gets squeezed out of the defence by the other KPPs we've got. Secondly, it means we don't have to continue using PJ. Thirdly, his mobility suits the role.

[Swampfox 190]

We should pursue the rucking role for Martin for a number of reasons. Firstly, I don't think he's good enough as a forward, and he gets squeezed out of the defence by the other KPPs we've got. Secondly, it means we don't have to continue using PJ. Thirdly, his mobility suits the role.

I think the opposite

Sure he can ruck but i would prefer him playing a follower role pinch hitting on occasions but i do feel that playing full time ruck will shorten his career

Think he is far more value to the team playing on those hard to match up types or being moved onto players having a purple patch to shut them down

Reminds me of a quicker version of Earl Spalding

[Deeoldfart 7,778]

A great PSD pickup. Seems to be a fast learner, and is developing great versatility for a player of his size. I expect him to be around the MFC for a long time.

[jikajika 0]

Good looking bloke, too.

Alluring squint in the left eye. Suggestive, full lips.

Isn't he an astronaut?

[jabberwocky 2,301]

As he grows in size and confidence would like to see him throw himself into the aerial contests a bit harder and a bit more often. He has the size, leap and judgement to be a damaging aerialist if he backs himself a bit more. Potentially the best at the club in this regard.

I have noticed him take a couple of marks that showed he has the knack of getting his body positioned nicely into a marking contest and gets good hang.

His kicking lacks any penetration. He kicks the ball too high and it spins too quickly.

A big pre-season and a stronger frame might see Stef impose himself a lot more.

Edited October 16, 2009 by dandeeman

[monoccular 16,138]

A top quality CHB who reads the play extremely well - lots of courage and knows when to mark and when to spoil.

Sure he can pinch hit up fprward, a useful extra string to the bow depending on match ups and state of play, and also a handy back up ruckman.

But the next two years will need to see more structure - CHB for mine.

[Lil_red_fire_engine 10,219]

2009 was a great year for Martins football development by being played in so many positions. It is still clear to me that he is a more natural backmen and with this athleticism would like to see him settled back in 2010 which hopefully if injury free releases Garland forward.