Injury has limited the Brisbane Lions ruckman to just 63 games in seven seasons, but the 27-year-old made the most of his recall against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night with a stellar showing.
After tearing his hamstring three times since November, Martin seemed to be falling out of the system behind Matthew Leuenberger and Trent West.
However, after both suffered long-term knee injuries, Martin was given a chance against All Australian Will Minson after just two reserves games, and arguably had the better of the battle.
"Realistically it is the last chance to prove myself," Martin said on Tuesday.
"I missed all of last year with injury and the first half of this year as well.
"I started wondering whether I'd keep doing them (hamstrings) my whole career. You never know if you're going to overcome that.
"We've tweaked my weights program a bit, and I feel on top of it now."
Martin's 17 disposals, 32 hit-outs and six clearances were instrumental in the Lions' second successive win, and he plans on backing up against Greater Western Sydney on Saturday night.
There he will face another man mountain in Shane Mumford, but is confident of repeating the performance he gave against the Dogs.
It might be his last chance, but Martin is finally confident if he falls short, it won't be his body to blame.
"I feel pretty strong and I felt a lot fitter out there than I thought I would," he said.
"I've got no reason to not feel confident now in my body. I got through an AFL game and I guess that's a pretty good test. I've got confidence in my body now."
Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting
