AFL: Stef Martin leaves the Brisbane Lions to join the Western Bulldogs

After eight years with Brisbane, Stef Martin is returning to Victoria to join the Western Bulldogs.

Veteran ruckman Stef Martin has joined the Western Bulldogs, ending an eight-year stint with the Brisbane Lions.

In a three-way trade agreement also involving North Melbourne, the Lions sent Martin to the Bulldogs and draft pick 70 to the Kangaroos, and will receive draft pick 63 in return.

Martin, who joined Brisbane from Melbourne, made 133 AFL appearances for the Lions and won the 2015 Merrett-Murray Medal as Club Champion.

The 33-year-old strongman was also named the Lions’ best finals player in 2019.

Stef Martin has departed the Den after 133 games for the Club.

Thank you and good luck, Stef 🙏

— Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) November 10, 2020

“In thanking Stef, we all think of his total contribution to our club over the years he has been here and the absolute and total professionalism he has not only displayed himself, but embedded through our playing group,’’ Lions general manager of football David Noble said.

“His leadership has grown enormously in the recent years as part of the senior leadership group.

“I’m sure his journey still has some way to go and we wish him well.”

Martin missed a large chunk of Brisbane’s 2020 campaign through injury but returned for the last round of the regular season and the finals.

Quality ruckman with a wealth of experience.

Enjoy some of Stef Martin's best work 👇#MightyWest pic.twitter.com/wXbdoqtEeB

— Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) November 10, 2020

Bulldogs general manager of list and recruiting Sam Power said Martin was an “important acquisition”.

“We wanted to bring in an experienced ruckman this off-season to bolster our squad and Stef certainly fits that description,” Power said.

“He has been a very good player for a long period of time and we know what he will bring on the field.

“We’re also excited by the prospect of him working with our emerging ruckmen, Tim English and Jordon Sweet, to help them develop into the best players they can be.”