Stefan Martin played in all 22 games in the 2017, with his high work rate establishing him as one of the competition’s premier ruckman. 

This year, he was named in the Lions’ seven-man leadership group and led by his actions on field

Martin, one of the team’s more consistent performers, finished fourth in the count for Club Champion.

Statistics:

Games: 22

Disposals per game: 17.4

Tackles per game: 2.6

Marks per game: 4.0

Kicks per game: 8.6

Hit-outs per game: 35.0

Total goals: 1

Coaches’ Comment, Ben Hudson Ruck/Midfield Coach   

"A solid year from a player who is a workhorse every week. Playing all 22 games, he averaged 35 hit outs, 17 disposals and 5 clearances per game which placed him amongst the top ruckman within the competition."

"A clear strength of his playing style is his ability to find a team mate and hit to advantage at boundary throw ins

"Joining the leadership group in 2017 provided him opportunity to step up as a player for our club and lead by example. The consistent performance during the season saw him place 4th in our 2017 best and fairest."

In their own words:

“It feels very much like we're on a path at the moment."

"We'll have those bad losses every now and then but I think in general we feel really positive.

"I expect to win every week, which is something I probably couldn't say in the past. It feels great. 'Fages' is huge on a growth mindset and committing to the development.

"He's a nurturing voice. Instead of lambasting us for poor performances he takes on a paternal role in a way, making sure we don't lose our confidence after (a poor) performance and shows us statistics to prove that we're on the right track."

  • Martin speaking to ESPN AFL in July, 2017