RUCKMAN Mark Jamar’s fine career with Melbourne has come to a close, after 155 AFL games from 2003-15.
Jamar, 32, addressed the players and coaches at AAMI Park on Thursday that his time with Melbourne after more than a decade had come to an end, after the club did not offer him a contract for 2016.
Manager of football operations Josh Mahoney praised Jamar’s career, which spanned 14 seasons on the list.
“Mark gave us tremendous service over a long period of time,” he told melbournefc.com.au.
“He experienced some terrific times, including being named All-Australian, but he also suffered a number of injuries in his career, so to be able to achieve what he did was a fine effort.
“Mark should be very proud of what he achieved as a player and should take pride in the work he has done with Max Gawn and Jake Spencer.”
Jamar couldn’t speak highly enough of the club, but conceded he was disappointed his time had finished up at Melbourne.
“I met with the club on Thursday morning and we decided that my time as a player at Melbourne had come to an end,” he told melbournefc.com.au.
“I’ve just got to take a few weeks and spend some time with the family and decide [if I want to try and keep playing in the AFL] in the near future. But the body’s good and I really enjoyed playing footy this year, so I haven’t ruled anything out.
“At this stage, I’m going to reflect on my time as a player at Melbourne and just sit back and enjoy the memories.”
Affectionately known as ‘Russian’, he was originally selected at No.6 in the 2002 AFL Rookie Draft (held in December 2001).
His best season was undoubtedly 2010, when he was named All-Australian and finished third in the club best and fairest award. He had 643 hit outs for the season, after playing all 22 games.
Jamar’s best effort in front of goal was five goals against Carlton in round 21, 2009.
Overlooked in the NAB AFL Draft, after being an under-18 All-Australian in 2001, Jamar worked his way up from the rookie to senior list.
He made his AFL debut against Hawthorn in round one, 2003 and featured in 20 matches from 2003-05, including Melbourne’s first elimination final loss to Essendon in 2004.
Jamar’s breakout season came in 2006, where he played 22 matches, and featured in Melbourne’s second elimination final win over St Kilda, which remains the club’s most recent finals victory. He missed the second semi-final loss to Fremantle due to injury.
From 2007-09, Jamar played 31 matches, with injuries playing a part in this period.
After almost being traded to Port Adelaide at the end of the 2009 season, he had his finest AFL year in 2010.
From 2011-15, Jamar played 60 matches, with injuries again interrupting, before Jake Spencer and then Max Gawn took over the ruck mantle in 2015.
Jamar finishes his career with the Demons as a life member and much-admired player by the red and blue faithful.
Mark Jamar
AFL debut: 2003
AFL matches: 155
AFL goals: 56
Melbourne life member: 2013
Melbourne third best and fairest: 2010
Most Melbourne matches in No.40 jumper: 155
Most Melbourne goals in No.40 jumper: 56
All-Australian: 2010
Draft history: 2002 AFL Rookie Draft, held in December 2001 (No.6)
Recruited from: Port Pirie Lions (SA)/North Adelaide (SA)
