RUCKMAN Mark Jamar says he feels the best he’s felt in “four or five seasons” and has praised the club’s off-field team for helping him “revitalise” his career in 2014.

Jamar – who since returning from injury in round six has played akin to his 2010 All-Australian season – praised the club’s medical and fitness team, after several niggling injuries and a calf problem interrupted the early part of his season.

“People like [elite performance manager] Dave Misson and these guys have brought in better recovery protocols. Diet wise, we’ve got a bit more of an understanding now, as it gets more professional each year, in terms of what to do and what not to do,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“Our medicos, doctors, physios, masseurs and trainers are just so well equipped to tackle different parts of the body now, which might be stiff and sore, and I really see those guys working closely as a team.

“I believe they’re all working together to get the best out of every player and I don’t think the club’s functioned this well as a team – as a whole team – for a long time. I reckon a lot of the guys are really seeing the benefits of that.”

Jamar said the game’s demands meant that players had to gain extra attention from the club’s fitness and medicos these days.

“These guys just don’t spend five minutes with you and then send you on their way. They actually care about getting you out on the park and I know a lot of the other guys are feeling that way,” he said.  

“Each and every week guys are getting sore and if you have a physio session, it’s simply because of maintenance. The game’s never been more demanding, so it’s very important that you invest that time back into your body.

“Guys like Daniel Cross, Jordie McKenzie, Jack Grimes – they spend hours and hours every week on their body, as do I, just to get it right to train and play.”

Jamar, who missed most of the second half of last season with a foot injury, said the only benefit during that period was that his body got a rest from the punishment of playing.

“The one thing about having a few longer stints with injury is that your body actually freshens up,” he said

“Last year, I had the foot stress fracture, which was disappointing, but for the 10 weeks I missed, my body wasn’t getting pounded, smashed and exhausted every week.

“When you’re trying to build your fitness back up and rehab your injury, on the other hand, you’re actually prolonging your career, because you’re actually freshening up – even though mentally it takes a bit of a toll.

Overall, Jamar said he felt “revitalised” this season.

“I’ve found a new love for the game. I’m just loving the Melbourne Football Club at the moment. I’ve played the past nine matches and I’ve got a bit more run in the legs and air in the lungs,” he said.

“It’s still one of the hardest things you’ll ever do – play AFL footy – but I’m really enjoying the boys at the moment and the teammates have been a really big support to me and have been backing me in every week to contribute.

“The club’s been great. All of the coaching staff has been getting behind me and they give you the confidence to go out there and do your best – and that’s all you can ask. I just love the game and the club.”