Nic Martin acknowledges that the pre-season request raised his eyebrows.
After playing forward in juniors and then being bypassed for the draft, he worked on his endurance to the point where he became a very reliable winger at AFL level, so the half-back role was certainly new.
“I never played a minute down in juniors,” Martin told AFL.com.au. “When the rumour circulated during pre-season that I may play halfback, I laughed a little.
“But it was serious, so I got to work in the pre-season and I’m trying to build every week and improve.”
The 23-year-old is averaging 30.6 disposals this year, a significant increase from last year’s 22.0 on the wing, with 5.7 intercept possessions.
He’s an important component of Essendon’s recovery, with his work ethic and serenity with the ball setting the Bombers up time and again.
“There are many tricks of the trade. I have a fantastic support system in the backfield, particularly Mason Redman and Andy McGrath as high backs – their ability and experience are invaluable,” Martin remarked.
“I’ve also been working closely with Benny Jacobs, the backline coach. But when I say’me’, a lot of our defensive transition and counting off were certainly not my strong suits at the beginning of my career.
“So that’s what I’ve been trying to improve every week.”
Essendon secured second place on the ladder with a two-goal win over Richmond in Dreamtime at the ‘G, with returning defender Jordan Ridley excelling on the opposite wing to Martin, who won the Yiooken Trophy.
“Dreamtime, they’re always challenging games, Essendon and Richmond; we witnessed that last year and expected no less. It doesn’t matter where these two teams are on the standings; they always play close games, and it’s a truly special day to be a part of.
“(Richmond’s Noah) Balta has been playing primarily forward this year, and he was moved back, resulting in a shorter forward line, but our system prevailed. I thought Jordan was terrific, Ben McKay was good, and I usually play against smaller opponents.
“[Ridley] has not skipped a beat. I felt the conditions were hard… It was dewy and moist, and he was impeccably clean in the air and ground. It was a pleasure to have Jordan back.”
