For most aspiring young footballers, the pathway to the AFL is fairly linear.
School footy, NAB league, under 18s representation and finally taken in the AFL National Draft.
But for Stef Martin, he re-wrote the script.
The next chapter has been written and the loveable Bulldogs teammate will run out for the 200th time this weekend against Adelaide.
Growing up in Berwick, two things were important to Martin; basketball and his studies. Those skills enabled the developing giant to land at Haileybury College and from there he excelled in both.
Important to note that throughout his time at the prestigious school, no football was played. Martin represented Australia in basketball in the U20’s side and even considered playing at an American College.
Beginning University, something wasn’t sitting right for the youngster, he found no time to see his mates. With his friendship group playing local footy at Old Haileybury, Martin thought it best to go down and have a run around.
The rest as they say, is history.
Martin played just nine games that season, with the ability to play a lot of games being impacted by basketball and other commitments.
In the competition fairest and best, Martin polled 23 of a possible 24 votes, polling best on ground for eight of the games he played. That resulted in the big man claiming the mantle as the best player in the competition.
The next day, Martin landed on the back page of the Herald Sun.
Clubs became interested, particularly Melbourne and the club asked him to play for Sandringham the following season.
Two years after walking down to Old Haileybury and Martin was a Melbourne Football Club player.
Speaking on the On & Off podcast with Ads and Dunks, Martin detailed his earliest memories in the AFL system.
“I was training with the Dees and they saw me do one close-down spoiling drill and thought this guy is a full back,” he recalled.
“First two years of my career I’m a full back for at the Dees – so first game I’m on the MCG running around Jonathon Brown and Daniel Bradshaw.”
“Matthew Lloyd also did a number on me.”
“I got saved because they didn’t want me to get long-term damage – he would have kicked three on me in the first quarter and then they moved him on.”
Martin has gone on to have a long and prosperous career, playing 57 games at Melbourne before being traded to Brisbane for picks 52 and 71.
The ruckman would play 133 games at the Lions, highlighted by securing the Merret-Murray Medal in 2015 as the Lions fairest and best player.
The 35-year-old joined the Western Bulldogs in 2021 and despite only playing nine games last season, was invaluable with knowledge and experience in the big moments.
A 15th season is now upon the veteran and come Saturday, there will be no prouder person to run out onto the field than Stef Martin for his 200th.
On reflection, the career of the journeyman is best summed up by the man himself.
“I always want to feel grateful for the job that we’ve got. We are so fortunate and that’s why I would do it for as long as I can,” he said.
