For a bloke of his size to have played only 50 games and generated the stats he has (4th kicks and I50's, 5th m + contested m) is fantastic. Some of the things he showed demonstrated a little x factor.

He's only played footy for 6 years.

He may not yet be a gun, but if he keeps improving (and barring injury, that is inevitable) he soon will be.

Im a fan, and commend him for a great year. I think he is maybe a touch over rated by us all due to the fact that he came from seemingly nowhere. Hopefuly he backs it up in 2012 becasue i can never again rate a player after one good seasons... fell for that trap when Dunn played well in 2010

One of the club's big improvers in 2011, Martin came back from off season hip surgery to play a major role as the second ruckman to Mark Jamar. Moreover, when the Russian and Jake Spencer were both injured on the same weekend in late April, Martin competently took over the mantle of the team's main man in the ruck and he did it well.

Games MFC 2011 21 MFC Total 50 Goals MFC 2011 10 MFC Total 16

Games CSFC 2011 1 Goals CSFC 2011 0

MFC Kicks 225 (4th), Marks 96 (5th), Contested Marks 18 (5th), Inside 50s 58 (4th)

Club Champion 147 votes (8th).

take off the first 2 words of the first sentence, and you have nailed it

clearly the clubs biggest improver this year

At the start of the year I regarded 2011 as a 'make or break' year for Marto. Well he made it with flying colours, and was clearly our most improved player. His greatly improved skills, speed and mobility, multiple efforts, and his emerging versatility, made him a valuable team asset, ideally suited to the new interchange rules. He still has some way to go in areas such as pack marking and goal kicking, but given that he has only been playing the game for a relatively short time, further improvement is a realistic expectation imo. Well done Stef.

Edited October 20, 201114 yr by Deeoldfart

massive faux pas andy - Stefan Martin

Fixed thanks & apologies to Stef.

I still reckon he played some of his best footy in defence and I think we might see him back there in 2012.

Athleticism, height and ball handling especially at ground level make Stef a standout for 2011.

I would however now be looking him as CHB - assuming that big Max comes on as back up ruck man.

Athleticism, height and ball handling especially at ground level make Stef a standout for 2011.

I would however now be looking him as CHB - assuming that big Max comes on as back up ruck man.

Maybe in a few years time.

But he cannot do it now, Stefan is far better at the role than Max.

I don't know if Max would even be suited to the back-up role. Certainly not until he builds up his frame and his ability to take a mark and kick a goal.

Martin may not be that much further ahead in that regard but his far more mobile and is like another mid when the ball hits the ground.

Can i ask who the better second rucks in the league are than Stef? truly versatile ones, now that Leigh Brown isnt playing? anyone?

Gun!

Breakthough season to say the least. Perfect timing with the interchange/sub rule and having an abundance of straight-up rucks on the list. He offers the versatility so badly needed in today's game.

Jamar's injury was the making of Martin. If he can get dangerous when he goes forward he'll be super good.

Can i ask who the better second rucks in the league are than Stef? truly versatile ones, now that Leigh Brown isnt playing? anyone?

North have Petrie / McIntosh. Not necessarily better.

Essendon, depending on who you think their 1st ruckman is, have Hille, Ryder or Bellchambers.

Can be better on their day.

West Coast have Natanui.

Freo's Zac Clarke / Griffin aren't bad.