Lion Stefan Martin reveals on-field rivalry and off-field bond with Brodie Grundy

Veteran Brisbane ruckman Stefan Martin is bracing for a litmus test against Collingwood superstar Brodie Grundy, but there’ll be no hard feelings when the two mates go toe-to-toe.

Stefan Martin is primed for his battle with star Collingwood ruckman Brodie Grundy. Picture: Michael Klein

Veteran ruckman Stefan Martin is bracing for a litmus test against All-Australian Brodie Grundy but there’ll be no hard feelings when the pair go toe to toe on Easter Thursday.

In a twist to the Gabba sellout between Brisbane and Collingwood, Martin told The Courier-Mail he and Grundy shared a friendly bond off the field fuelled by mutual respect and a few quirks.

The pair met during the off-season with Martin joking they immediately warmed to each other’s “left of centre” personalities.

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Brisbane Lion Stefan Martin is primed for his clash with Collingwood star Brodie Grundy. Picture: Michael Klein

“I’ve caught up with him a couple of times just in the off-season and it’s been good. We’re pretty similar blokes which is good cause we’re both a bit left of centre,” he laughed.

“A few blokes who have played with both of us say we’re similar so it was nice to pick each other’s brains a little bit about footy and stuff.”

Brisbane’s pre-season ruck battle dominated headlines with Martin eventually retaining his place ahead of boom rookie Archie Smith and the 32-year-old has since repaid the faith.

Martin says he and Grundy are fierce rivals on the field but share a healthy off-field relationship. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Martin ranks above average for disposals, kicks, handballs, contested possessions, clearances and intercepts after four rounds but he knows taming a red-hot Grundy will be his biggest test to date.

“He’s the premier ruckmen or definitely in the top premier ruckmen in the league, so it’s always a big battle,” he said of facing the Magpies star.

“I do look forward to it because he’s a real competitor and I like to try and rise to the occasion. He’s a big influence in whether they win or lose and their midfield in general is star-studded, so we’ve got to be at our best to beat them.”

Martin and Grundy will lock horns again on Easter Thursday at the Gabba with Grundy currently AFL’s form ruckman. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Though his early individual form has been solid, Martin insists individual stats are not the focus for a Brisbane side finally hitting their straps.

“Everyone just want to do their bit to win the games. I think more than other years blokes really just don’t care about their individual stats as much and they just want to do everything they can to help the team,” he said.

“It’s a bit of organic development as players mature and we’re seeing the fruits of our labour with wins now. We want to keep seeing that and we’re happy to sacrifice our individual games for it.”

Originally published as Lion Stefan Martin reveals on-field rivalry and off-field bond with Brodie Grundy