Versatile Crow Brodie Martin is eager to establish himself in the forward line after a stint in defence last season.
A neat kick and natural reader of the game, Martin was earmarked for a role across half-back last year. However, an untimely hamstring injury late in the pre-season robbed him of the opportunity to cement his place and he started season 2012 in the SANFL.
The former rookie was limited to two AFL games in the opening half of the season – being named as an emergency for another four. After three near-best on ground performances for Sturt, the 24-year-old earned a call-up against St Kilda in round 12 and impressed, gathering 21 touches.
Martin’s most eye-catching performance of the year came against Port Adelaide in round 15. After starting the match as the substitute (for the second week in a row), the speedy utility kicked 3.2 in less than three quarters of footy.
But the injury curse struck the unlucky Crow again the following week. He strained his hamstring early in the match against Greater Western Sydney and didn’t pull on the Crows guernsey again in 2012. His impressive stint up forward against the Power was enough to convince coach Brenton Sanderson to switch Martin back to attack, and the move is paying early dividends.
Martin kicked two goals in an intra-club match and another three in the trial win over Fremantle.
“It’s hard work up there … it’s much easier to get a kick down back, but I like the new role,” Martin said after Saturday's game.
“When I played as the sub last year I came in as a forward a couple of times and managed to get on the end of a few goals. I think Sando liked what he saw in those games.
“I’m a jack of all trades and master of none at the moment, but if I can play anywhere on the ground it’s pretty handy. Hopefully, I can continue this form for a bit longer yet.”
Martin has been limited to 14 games since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in only his second match against Port Adelaide in July, 2009. He’s hoping continuity in training and playing will allow him add to his career total of 16 games.
“I’ve had a pretty good pre-season and been reasonably injury free,” he said.
“Now, I’m just looking to get that match fitness into my legs and confidence in my body, which I have. If I can get two of three more weeks of that, I’ll be good to go.”
Martin kept Adelaide in the contest in the first half against Freo, kicking consecutive goals in the second quarter. He snared a third goal at a crucial stage of the final term after getting on the end of some Josh Jenkins brilliance. He was one of four multiple goalkickers for the Crows.
“With the big guy leaving last year, it’s presented a few more options and looks for us up forward,” Martin said.
“If everyone keeps contributing and kicking goals, it’s going to make it hard for Sando to pick a team and I’m sure that’s what he wants.”
The Crows outscored the Dockers nine goals to three after half time to snatch a five-point win. Martin said the team’s ability to respond to a lacklustre start was important for the development of the group.
“Even though it was only a trial match, it was good we were able to come back,” he said.
“It shows good character and is something we can take into the season proper. It was great just to get a good hit-out for a full four quarters.”
