MIDFIELDER Dom Tyson says ruckman Mark Jamar has found a new lease of life and remains a critical part of the team’s make-up.

Speaking at AAMI Park on Thursday, Tyson said the 31-year-old had completed a strong pre-season and was in top rucking form.

“Mark Jamar is in great touch as well, so he adds plenty for us and he’s almost like a new player in a way,” he said.

“He's playing great footy and is getting better with age, big ‘Russian’.

“It's great to have him up and firing, but it’s a big challenge this week against Shane Mumford, who is one of the better rucks in the comp, so it’ll be a good contest.”

Meanwhile, Tyson said he was looking forward to play on StarTrack Oval (Manuka Oval) – a venue he played several matches at with the Giants.

“I’ve played there a few times and a few of the Melbourne boys have played there once or twice,” he said.

“It gets pretty cold in Canberra in the early mornings there, but it’s a good deck and there will be around 10,000 there, so it’ll be around capacity and it should be a good hit out.”