I thought Hale was doing okay for Hawthorn.

Yeah he is. But Martin is playing the same role, is more versatile and we didn't have to give up our 2nd round (Howe) pick for him.

Couldn't believe it when in his first match he was brought in to stop an in form Johnathon Brown. I do admit I lost faith last year after all his injuries kept him out. Had him down for a certain de-listing at the end of the year. Glad to be wrong.

Yep, Stef Martin is quickly coming of age. Loved the starting 18 with him up forward. His ruck work is good, his flexibility is full of potential, he is amazingly quick and is quickly becoming a reliable mark.

At some stage in 2012 I am looking forward to Jamar, Martin and Gawn all being in the starting 22.

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Well said. Wholeheartedly agree.

Gawn is coming along very nicely at Casey, and in my opinion will play a few games towards the end of the year. He is a very skilled tap ruckman in the Jamar mould, and is very mobile for such a big person, and is developing his marking and round the ground work.

I wouldn't be surprised if when all three play that they don't have the Russian play mostly as a tall marking forward, and Max Gawn would do most of the ruck work. It is an exciting prospect and may point to the setup when we are in our premiership window. It would also prolong Mark Jamar's career. Needs more kicking for goal practice though....

I liked the promise he showed early in his career. Then came the injuries, then last years pre-season I watched him drop marks and look completely unco and pretty much put a line through him.

He's been the big improver so far, very happy with his agility and he puts in an honest contest to relieve Jamar.

Seems to be someone come from nowhere each year.

After what Jamar has done, it gives me hope than anyone can suddenly click and get moving. Stef is on his way, I wonder if Newton can do the same?

Great point about his agility. he actually bends down for the ball and can play many positions. A great improver. I used to be mortified when Jamar came off - not so worried now, and allows Jamar to take the odd speckie down forward.(If only he could kick a bit straighter)

Definitely didn't see this coming at the start of the year.

He could easily slot into the full time role if the worst happened. He wouldn't be Jamar, but how busy he is around the ground would hold him in good stead. I still don't like him forward, and I reckon we'll get exposed if he stays there, like we were in the first quarter on Sunday... but everywhere else he's awesome. Can't believe a ruckman can dodge, then bend down to touch the ball on the ground and kick long and accurately to space like he did on the last play of the day...

I'm very surprised. But pleasantly so.