His lack of fitness is not overblown. If anything it is largely overlooked by Richmond supporters who are blinkered by his flashes of offensive brilliance.
He is a one way footballer.
I'd say you're the one that's blinkered on this one, have seen a noticeable improvement in defensive accountability since he started playing in the guts, and shock horror he's run out games. I thought he couldn't run out 4 qtrs.? Load of overblown garbage
His contested numbers have dropped from 45% of his possessions in his first year to 20% now when he should be entering his prime. This is not bc of fitness, he'd be a shedload fitter now than he was in his first season - its bc he has been instructed to become more outside to utilise his ball use.
Tony, it certainly looks like he has been made into an outside player but that's ok. However, outside player doesn't mean non tackling player. While I appreciate he has improved his defensive side, he has a long way to go to reach elite status.
I acknowledge though that he is the least of our problems currently. He has been our best player this year IMHO.
i tend to agree with this.
hes improving areas every yr. he has a way to go in some though.
the tackle count is a worry the c/ps are a worry, the clearance count is a worry. here we have a player who is 187cm/90kg and explosive of the mark.id really like to see him play more inside and round his game out better. thing is these things will go backwards if hes playing an almost exclusive outside role.
i look at martin the way he plays, the size and strength and i see a similarity to chris judd. he may not have judds sustained speed but hes got his explosiveness. go look at what judd brings to the table.
lots of uncontested ball but just as much contested ball. he wins plenty of clearances and lays lots of tackles. in a word hes so well rounded its not funny.
there should be no reason why martin cant get somewhere close to judds alround game as his motor improves. i sure as hell hope this is the aim.
he talks about becoming elite he could do worse than look at a player like juddy who is very similar. no doubt he has the talent but atm has to improve areas of his game. hes shown hes a great offensive weapon time to show he can be just as good at winning ball and defending..
again atm id say dermott is right. at port he would spend more time fwd than in the midfield because hes not quite there with his fitness. but they would be working damn hard to get to judd like status. the one thing judd has allover martin is the ability to run and run hard for damn long periods.
