MARK Jamar says coming up against Fremantle duo Aaron Sandilands and Zac Clarke is a massive task for any ruckman.

Jamar, who has rucked solely this season, with the occasional pinch-hitting from the likes of key talls Sam Frost and Chris

Dawes, said it was a challenge he was looking forward to confronting, when Melbourne takes on Fremantle at the MCG on Sunday.

“Against Freo, they’ve got two genuine number one ruckman in Clarke and Sandi, so it’s going to be a tough challenge – no matter who plays in the ruck for us this week,” he said from AAMI Park on Friday.

“Every time you play him (Sandilands), you know you’re in for a tough day. He’s so tall and he’s got a really long reach and he’s 120kg. But that’s all part of the challenge and that’s AFL footy.

“The way the competition is now, every team has got a really good, really strong No.1 ruckman. In my case, I’m shorter than most of them, so I’ve always got my work cut out, but it is part of the challenge and part of the reason we play footy –and why we enjoy it.”

Jamar said Fremantle had been impressive “from the word go” this season, but he added that Melbourne had created a genuine positive feeling at the club not seen in years. 

“The feeling around the club is very good with two [wins] and two [losses],” he said.

“There has been a lot of pressure for spots, throughout our whole list, and that’s a good sign. We’ve also been lucky not to have too many injuries, but we unfortunately copped a couple last weekend.

“We’re definitely a tight-knit group and it’s one of the closest knit groups I’ve seen in my time over the last 13 and-a-half years.”