EFNL 2022: Ex-Melbourne, Essendon ruckman Mark Jamar joins Doncaster
Doncaster is set to boast arguably the Eastern league’s most dominant ruck combination this season, with another former AFL big man joining its ranks.
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Doncaster’s ruck division will take some beating this season with another former AFL big man joining the Premier Division club.
Ex-Melbourne and Essendon ruckman Mark Jamar has lodged a transfer to join the Sharks, following three seasons with Sunraysia league outfit, Ouyen United.
Jamar played 155 games for the Demons from 2002-2015 before five with the Bombers in 2016. He earned All Australian selection in 2010.
The 198cm Jamar is set to combine with former Melbourne teammate Jake Spencer, who dominated in the ruck for the Sharks this season, taking out the club best and fairest.
Doncaster senior playing-coach Chris Annakis confirmed the move this afternoon and said Jamar’s friendship with Spencer helped attract him to the club.
“We had Mark come down to some of our games last season. He’s a good friend of Jake’s so we were pretty keen to get him on board,” Annakis said.
“He’s feeling good, he’s stayed fit and I think he’s just keen to get back into the club environment and still play some footy while he can.
“I think our midfield as a whole is pretty excited at having Jake and Mark as that one-two punch.
“When we rest one, we’re not going to lose anything when the other one comes in – it’s pretty exciting and probably pretty scary for opposition ruckmen coming up against them.”
Doncaster finished eighth with a 3-6 record in 2021. The club’s luck with injury in recent years hasn’t been favourable, but Annakis said his list was in good shape leading into season 2022.
“A lot of the guys are well-rested, we’re well-aware of the time off and the impact it can have on bodies as we come back, so we’ve really monitored our pre-season before Christmas – everyone’s feeling good,” he said.
Doncaster opens its season when it takes on Norwood away on Saturday, April 9.
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