MELBOURNE tall Stefan Martin hopes the new interchange rules will give him the opportunity to become a more permanent fixture in the Demon's young side in 2011.

Martin struggled to break into the senior side in the early part of last season playing only two games before succumbing to a hip complaint which was operated on during the off-season.

Martin was drafted in the 2008 NAB FL Pre-Season draft as a ruckman and forward but spent his first two years at Melbourne finding his feet in defence.

Last year in the VFL, the 24-year-old was utilised up forward and pinch-hit in the ruck, a role similar to that played by Collingwood's Leigh Brown last season.

With the new interchange rules this year, benches have been cut back to three players and one substitute meaning the role of a genuine second ruckman may be extinct.

"[My role] is probably to be a versatile player and to fill gaps where they're needed," Martin told afl.com.au.

"I guess with the new interchange rule, that sort of player that can play ruck and at either end can be pretty important to teams with one less interchange player.

"I played the first two years as a backman and the last year or so I've been playing as a forward and in the ruck so I've got experience in all three positions.

"At this stage [my aim is] to be a regular member of the 21 players for the Melbourne Football Club."

Having been thrown into a variety of positions since he arrived at the club has meant Martin has not been able to settle into one role and while he doesn't mind developing his versatility, the former basketballer admits it has taken him longer to adapt to football than most.

"It's probably fair to say it has taken me a bit longer [to develop] but hopefully I can get it all together this year," Martin said.

"It takes a little while to work things out and it could be as simple as how hard you have to train to make it or your diet, things like that as well as the on-field stuff.

"I guess you can argue that [it would be easier to develop in one position] but at the same time I'm happy to do whatever the team needs. If that means I need to play a bit everywhere then that's fine."

Martin has been one of the standouts of Melbourne's pre-season, impressing on the track.

Last Friday in Melbourne's first round NAB Cup clash Martin again was showcased up forward, in the ruck as well as spending some time in defense.

The versatile Demon looked surprisingly quick and agile for his size, the pay-off from shedding 7kgs since last year as well as getting his hip right.

"The hip's great now," Martin said.

"It sort of hung around last year which was really annoying but I've got all that cleared up and it's as good as ever now so I'm really looking forward to this year.

"I've leaned up a little bit and have been cutting out a lot of carbohydrates. We've got a great nutritionist at the club now and she's educated all the players. I've been eating more protein and varied my diet a little bit."

Melbourne will play its second NAB Cup match at Etihad Stadium on Thursday February 24.

Stefan Martin is a $145,300 defender in the Toyota AFL Dream Team competition.