New Bulldogs ruck Stefan Martin says it isn’t an impossible equation for he and fellow big man Tim English to play in the same team.
Speaking on RSN this morning, the 34-year-old recruit shared that he’s already had some preliminary conversations with English about how that dynamic will work.
“We’ve had a few carefree chats about it, and we’ve got some decent ideas - part of the equation is that we can probably be fairly effective around the ground and up forward,” Martin said.
“(Tim)’s a very mobile guy, and I like to think I am too, despite him being a really tall ruckman.
“If we can have high energy on the ball and be involved in scoring chains, but also potentially play some different roles as a forward that could help too.
“(How we’ll work together on-field) is probably the million dollar question, but I’m really excited by the prospect (of working with Tim), and to work with Jordon Sweet as well.”
Martin touched on St Kilda’s Paddy Ryder and Rowan Marshall ruck combination as an example of how dual ruckmen can work.
“The phrase ‘building chemistry’ is thrown around a lot with ruckmen, but sometimes it’s not appropriate because one guy goes on-ball, and then the other guy goes on-ball, so there’s not really chemistry involved,” he said.
“I think having your roles interlink could be part of the equation, but those two (Ryder and Marshall) have shown it can really work.
“They’re probably a good duo to learn from.”
Martin also admitted he is looking forward to playing alongside the Bulldogs’ midfield bulls.
“The host of midfielders – and I probably shouldn’t single any out – but the star quality and depth is really, really exciting,” he said.
“That midfield group in general is something I’m really excited about - the midfield is looking pretty exciting on paper, as is the rest of the team.”
Martin joined the Bulldogs via a three-way trade with Brisbane and North Melbourne, and was one of three new recruits welcomed during this year’s AFL Trade Period.
