Stef Martin

[pitchfork 181]

I think Stef did a great job tonight. He broke even in the middle, at least. His second efforts were good. And he kept running. Needs a bit of confidence/practice marking in front of his face and above his head, but I was more impressed with him tonight than in any game he's played outside of the backline. Given that there's not much room in the backline, Spencer's injured and PJ is the past, maybe Stef will hang around in the ruck for a while?

[dee-luded 2,958]

I think Stef did a great job tonight. He broke even in the middle, at least. His second efforts were good. And he kept running. Needs a bit of confidence/practice marking in front of his face and above his head, but I was more impressed with him tonight than in any game he's played outside of the backline. Given that there's not much room in the backline, Spencer's injured and PJ is the past, maybe Stef will hang around in the ruck for a while?

He did a great job last year, I don't know what some people we're watching last year, but the comments we're negative towards his ruckwork. He was good last year, but is just still a boy learning his game.

[Hellaintabadplacetobe 4,150]

I think he needs to stay in the team. Crucial for the Russian to get a decent rest. Bail also deserves to be in the team so the hard decisions start to be made now with players due to come back into the 22. Morton and Watts are both weeks away. What a wonderful problem to have.

By the way, I was privileged to have some 1 on 1 time with LJ at half time. He had his 1st run yesterday and expects to be in full training in 6 weeks. He is a lovely, humble bloke and appreciated me taking the time to talk to him...As I did of him of course.

[Sir Why You Little 35,320]

He looked like a young Jeff White out there tonight didn't he...i kept getting Flashbacks to '98 B)

[Binmans PA 26,665]

Yeah, Martin was solid with his ruck duties tonight, although a couple of times (particularly early) he was out muscled. Up forward however he was mainly impotent. He did one or two good things, like bringing the ball to the ground and locking it up once or twice, but yeah, he needs work on his marking and occasionally just general awareness. He will probably make way for Bail next week, as Jamar can probably go it alone. That said, it's always a little worrying going in with only one ruckman-- if Jamar was ever to get injured we'd be just about buggered. Martin knows how to leap though-- hello, basketballing background.

[RalphiusMaximus 6,000]

I think he needs to stay in the team. Crucial for the Russian to get a decent rest. Bail also deserves to be in the team so the hard decisions start to be made now with players due to come back into the 22. Morton and Watts are both weeks away. What a wonderful problem to have.

By the way, I was privileged to have some 1 on 1 time with LJ at half time. He had his 1st run yesterday and expects to be in full training in 6 weeks. He is a lovely, humble bloke and appreciated me taking the time to talk to him...As I did of him of course.

One of the news services said that Petterd was injured, so there could be a spot opening up for Bail to come back in, at least for next week.

As I have mentioned before, how good is it that we have so many players hwo should be in the team that we have to make decisions like this? Not only do we have Watts, Morton and Jurrah to come back, players like Cheney, Bail, Martin, Straus, Blease (when he gets over the leg) and even Newston are pushing for spots. Next year we'll have Gawn and Fitzpatrick fighting for those spots too. We're getting to the point where we could almost field two teams.

[dee-luded 2,958]

Yeah, Martin was solid with his ruck duties tonight, although a couple of times (particularly early) he was out muscled. Up forward however he was mainly impotent. He did one or two good things, like bringing the ball to the ground and locking it up once or twice, but yeah, he needs work on his marking and occasionally just general awareness. He will probably make way for Bail next week, as Jamar can probably go it alone. That said, it's always a little worrying going in with only one ruckman-- if Jamar was ever to get injured we'd be just about buggered. Martin knows how to leap though-- hello, basketballing background.

He needs to be @ Casey to work on his Forward Play. He can have the time & space to try different things & skillsets of fading this way or that with the ball in his mits.

He has more time top develop these tricks @ Casey before his return. I hope.

He's a good one I believe.

[Binmans PA 26,665]

He needs to be @ Casey to work on his Forward Play. He can have the time & space to try different things & skillsets of fading this way or that with the ball in his mits.

He has more time top develop these tricks @ Casey before his return. I hope.

He's a good one I believe.

I see where you're coming from mate, but I think he's at the stage where AFL level is the best place to learn this. He'll gain confidence from his rucking performances and hopefully that will flow onto his forward work.

[Sir Why You Little 35,320]

He needs to be @ Casey to work on his Forward Play. He can have the time & space to try different things & skillsets of fading this way or that with the ball in his mits.

He has more time top develop these tricks @ Casey before his return. I hope.

He's a good one I believe.

i would give him one more game in the seniors after tonight. Winning builds confidence.

Steph got better as the game progressed. He's raw, but confidence can build.

[DeeSpencer 23,641]

Gave Jamar the proper rest he needs. Won his share of hitouts, I will be interested to see the % to advantage. Had one ripper to Moloney I believe. Up forward kept presenting despite average delivery, unlucky not to bag a goal. Took a great grab on a strong lead around half back at some stage.

Offers more than Dunn and Newton in the position, no offense to those 2, but they are only stop gaps where Martin has the height to be a real option for the future. Keep playing him!