Stefan Martin opens up on trade from Brisbane Lions to Western Bulldogs

Ruckman Stefan Martin has opened up on his move to Western Bulldogs, insisting he bares no grudges after being squeezed out of Brisbane Lions by Joe Daniher’s arrival.

New Western Bulldog Stefan Martin believes Brisbane’s signing of star forward Joe Daniher played a big part in squeezing him out of the Lions.

But the veteran ruckman insists he bears no grudges towards the Lions as he returns to Victoria to join his third AFL club at the age of almost 34.

“I think there’s no doubt that Joe coming played a role in that (my exit),” Martin said.

“I heard a little early that he was coming and I thought that might not be the case (that I leave Brisbane) and that we could all be in the same team.

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“But as the weeks progressed and the uncertainty about list sizes remained, and even the way the finals unfolded, I think after the year concluded it became not certain but very likely that would be the case.”

Martin joins the Dogs on a one-year deal, as part of a three-way trade with the Lions and North Melbourne.

The Lions received pick No. 63 from the Kangaroos while defender Lachie Young is off to North Melbourne.

Stefan Martin has joined Western Bulldogs after being squeezed out of Brisbane.

“I don’t care they offloaded me for not much,” Martin said.

“I thought given my age it was fair that it wouldn’t be for much value.

“I don’t harbour resentment, (and) I totally understand that anyone making decisions on lists this year especially is in a horrible position.

“I would hate to be in their shoes too, but at times I feel like I put in all I could to this club and I would have liked to have been around had it worked out.

“But I don’t harbour any resentment and I hope they have all the success they deserve, because they treated me terrifically and even in this process.”

Martin will provide much needed support in the ruck for the emerging Tim English.

The now former Lion said English had all the attributes to be a superstar.

“I reckon he has everything you need to be a perennial All-Australian,” Martin said.

“He’d probably admit one thing he might want to work on is a bit of that strength that just comes with time.

“But as well you’ve got to put your mind and your effort to it, but the sky’s the limit for him.

“It might seem like I’m going to teach and mentor him, but I’m sure I’m going to learn a lot off him as well.”

The big man said he would join the Bulldogs with a clean bill of health.

“It was a horror run with the PCL, a hamstring and a stress fracture, which was the worst run I’d have,” he said.

“Thank God I’ve had a bit of time to rest now and my back has healed beautifully and my knee’s as good as ever.

“On paper it was a horrible year but I’ve seemingly regenerated really quickly.

I’ve been going for runs lately and been going to the gym, so to have what I expect to be a perfect bill of fitness to start with the Dogs excites me.”

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Originally published as Stefan Martin opens up on trade from Brisbane Lions to Western Bulldogs