Stefan Martin admits he was somewhat surprised when he was made aware that the Brisbane Lions were planning to trade him.
The ruckman this week completed his move to the Western Bulldogs as part of a three-way trade involving North Melbourne and the Lions.
Martin, 33, says he was expecting to be with Brisbane in 2021, but Joe Daniher’s arrival from Essendon and the emergence of Oscar McInerney prompted the club to make a call on his future.
“It sort of developed as the year went on. It was looking really likely that I’d be around at the Lions until very late in the year,” he said on SEN’s Whateley.
“I had the exit interview after that lost Preliminary Final (to Geelong) and it became fairly clear that with Joe coming in they might have changed their structure a little bit, especially with the way ‘Big O’ came along in my absence.
“It was unclear what my role might be and even with the list sizes being reduced, whether they were able to have me around.
“After that point, Paul Connors (manager) and I started talking to the Bulldogs.”
Martin admitted: “I was surprised.
“I had a really good run and then obviously just a horror run this year with the body.
“I was surprised in one sense but on the other hand, I’ve seen first-hand how slippery the slope can be after 30 and you have a year like that with injury interruptions.
“I’ve said it many times before that clubs have to move on and make decisions.
“I definitely thought I was going to be around until late in the year, but that’s cool and I only wish the Lions the best.”
Martin, who expects to play every week, outlined what his role will be alongside young Bulldogs big man Tim English while stating what his goals are with his third club.
“Over the last 13 years I’ve learnt a ton about what it takes to be a ruckman, the types of training habits you need to have and that sort of thing,” he added.
“I’d love to talk with Tim about that and Jordon Sweet for that matter.
“Both elements are really critical. I don’t just want to come there and be a coach. I’m there to do a job on-field as well.
“But to have Tim come out a better player after my time there would be absolutely core to that goal.”
The former Melbourne player has already exchanged text messages with English and is looking forward to working with the talented 23-year-old and the star-studded Dogs midfield.
“‘Bevo’ (Luke Beveridge) and I had a chat about it and we think that if Tim and I can be a really strong presence in there, it will give those guys the chance to absolutely flourish,” he said.
“They’ve shown that they are absolutely one of the most damaging midfields in the game.”
Martin makes his way to The Kennel after 133 games over eight seasons with the Lions following 57 matches with the Demons between 2008 and 2012.