WHEN the substitute rule was introduced at the start of the season, most analysts predicted that genuine ruckman would be disadvantaged.

Teams have predictably begun using a utility type to pinch-hit in the ruck while their number one option has a rest.

But these part-time ruckman are becoming just as important as the first choice players, as they can often get under the guard of opposition teams while also having an ability to play in multiple positions.

The attrition rate for ruckman this season has been incredible. The Dees lost Mark Jamar in round seven to a knee injury for several weeks, and since then almost all the league’s top ruckmen have had a stint on the sidelines.

Only Dean Cox, Matthew Leuenberger and Dean Brogan have managed to play in every match so far this season.

But the Dees fared worse than most when both Jake Spencer and Jack Fitzpatrick were injured playing in the VFL on the same weekend. 

Enter Stefan Martin.

Already used as a utility for the first few rounds of the season, Martin was called upon to fill the rather large gap in the ruck during Jamar’s extended absence.

Since round eight, Martin is second in hitouts to advantage with 27 in three rounds, behind only first-choice Kangaroos ruckman Todd Goldstein. Over the same period Martin sits fourth in total hitouts with 97.

In last Friday’s match against the Blues, Martin notched up a career-best 40 hitouts. He had already managed his best disposal figures in round three, with 21 against the Lions.

And it’s not just hitouts where Stef has been able to have a significant impact.

Over the past three matches Martin leads the Demons for clearances with 17, is third in inside 50s with 12 behind Brent Moloney and Colin Sylvia, and is fourth in contested possessions behind the recognised midfielders.

And with Max Gawn playing good football in the VFL senior team, there is a silver lining to the Dees’ injury problems.

This week will be a big challenge as we face the Bombers, one of the teams to benefit greatly from the sub rule with two highly talented big men - David Hille and Patrick Ryder - capable of having an impact up forward as well as in the middle. Throw in genuine ruckman Tom Bellchambers and the Bombers have been able to stretch almost every side.

Despite the injury worries in the ruck and an up-and-down formline, the Demon midfielders have been able to battle on at stoppages this year. The Blues are ranked first in clearance differences this season, with an average of almost 10 more than their opponent per match. While the Demons lost the clearance count by 9 last Friday night, they still sit fourth overall with 17 more than their opposition so far this year.

Only inaccuracy has cost Melbourne an outright lead in the centre bounce scoring rankings after round 10, with the Dees kicking 15.23 from the middle to share top spot with Collingwood.

And with the emphasis on forward pressure so important in the past couple of seasons, it comes as no surprise that 7 of the top 8 sides lead the way in scoring from forward 50 turnovers this year.

If a team wins possession in their defensive 50, the best sides are able to quickly win the ball back before they can clear the area, and then manage to put the score on the board.

The Demons are the first of the teams outside the eight in forward 50 turnover scoring, with 21 for the season. Again, Carlton leads the way with 29 thus far.

This week’s focus might well be to deny Essendon their scoring opportunities from midfield stoppages. The Bombers are among the leaders in scoring from ball ups and throw ins through the middle of the ground, so our midfielders have a tough job ahead of them to get the ball going our way on Friday night.

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