RETURNING big man Mark Jamar is eager to create a strong rucking partnership with in-form tall Stef Martin.

Jamar is set to play his first match since injuring his knee against Adelaide Crows in round seven, when the Demons play Richmond at the MCG on Saturday.

In his absence, the versatile Martin has been among Melbourne’s best performers, progressing his game with some fine ruck work and the ability to play up forward and down back.

Jamar, who was an All-Australian last year, is now hopeful the partnership can become one of the team’s genuine strengths.

“Stef’s really grabbed his opportunity and he’s been playing great footy and I’ve been so happy for him,” he said from AAMI Park on Friday.

“Hopefully we can continue to build a good partnership and finish the second half of the season off strong.

“Stef’s proven himself in the ruck in the last six weeks. Even if he starts in the ruck, that’s a great opportunity for him and he’s more than willing to start in the ruck.”

Jamar said he had been working closely with Martin to help progress his game in the ruck.

“I’ve been working with Stef for the last two years and I think he’s doing a great job,” he said.

“I’ve been watching him very closely and I always go up to him at half-time to let him know things I’m seeing and he’s reporting back to me.

“So we’ve got that good relationship and I want that to continue.”

With Jamar back in the side, developing ruckman Max Gawn, who showed plenty to like about his game in his three matches, has made way this round.

But Jamar didn’t rule out the possibility of the three big men featuring in the same side in the future. 

“You’ve got to be careful you don’t go in too tall,” he said.

“But the thing about us is that Stef can play key forward and key position back.

“I can go forward and Gawny can go forward, so we’ve got that versatility.

“As we get more experienced together, we could probably look at doing something like that.”