THE STUDENT takes on the teacher on Sunday, when Stefan Martin lines up against former teammate Mark Jamar for the first time.
Martin has been one of the Brisbane Lions' raging success stories this season, starring in his seven games since being given opportunity following injuries to regular rucks Matthew Leuenberger and Trent West.
But Sunday’s match provides a whole different challenge for the 27-year-old, coming up against the man he once learned from at Melbourne.
Martin and Jamar played five seasons alongside each other at the Demons – and Martin said they still regularly speak – but pleasantries will soon be put aside for four quarters at Etihad Stadium.
"We trained a lot against each other and played together a bit too," Martin said.
"I haven't played a game against him but I've done a lot of hours training against him. I guess we know each other's games pretty well.
"He's easily one of the most skilful tap-ruckmen in the game. I've always really respected his ability to get tap outs and take contested marks as well.
"I always looked up to him years ago when I was second fiddle. I very much respect him."
But Martin is now commanding respect of his own, after an amazing career revival that looked unlikely two months ago.
In seven games he is averaging 19 disposals, 30 hit-outs and five marks a game, to not only pose a threat in the ruck, but around the ground.
He has taken down some of the biggest ruck names in the game, including Nic Naitanui, Will Minson and Shane Mumford.
Martin has played just 69 games in seven seasons and said having confidence in his body was a huge relief, but admitted he still had to play with an edge.
"I want to keep believing that way, that I'm still fighting (for my spot)," he said.
"I think it's a healthy place to be because every game you go in trying to prove something to everybody.
"That's how I'm going to keep viewing it and I think it's a good thing to do it that way.
"AFL careers can turn around very quickly, either in a good direction or bad direction. I'd like to think I'll view it that way for the rest of my career."
Martin has just moved apartments in Brisbane and is in the early stages of trying to negotiate a new deal with the club.
"I'm really enjoying my life up here," he said.
"I would love to be here. The footy club's been great to me and I really appreciate that. I love the club a lot and it'd be great to be here for a long time."
