FOR MOST of his 31-game career, Stefan Martin has not been able to nail down a position as his own.But in the changed landscape of football in 2011, that inability to settle into a spot may prove to be his biggest asset.

The introduction of the substitute rule has meant an increased emphasis on big players who can ruck and play at one end of the ground, which as seen Martin's value to Melbourne skyrocket.

"It's obvious with the sub rule that that's a handy aspect to have. Even without that it is probably something Bails (coach Dean Bailey) values pretty highly," Martin told melbournefc.com.au.

"He wants to build versatility into the whole list. If I can be one of those players who is versatile, the match committee will view that pretty favourably I would have thought."

Martin says he doesn't mind the idea of being used around the ground and is getting used to the role.

"It's been interesting. In the past I've struggled to make the transition within a game between the different areas or different positions. I guess if I try to contribute in any position I'm in, then that's all that can be asked of me," he said.

A need to adapt to new situations has required a new level of fitness for Martin, which happened by accident over summer when a mysterious virus caused him to lose seven kilograms.

While the 24-year-old went through agony and was unable to stomach even the blandest food for a few days, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

"I got a bit sick just before pre-season and lost about seven kilos. Running around I felt a lot better, endurance-wise. That happened by chance and I decided to stay that way and be a bit leaner this year," he said.

"I was up to 107 during the China trip and now I'm at 101. I'm a lot lighter than I was and I feel much better for it."

Martin admits to some frustration at spending the bulk of last year alternating between the VFL and the sidelines with a hip injury. After managing just two senior games in 2010, he feels rejuvenated this year.

"I feel that I'm contributing moreso than I have in the past and that's a really good feeling. I'm not starring or anything but to be adding a bit to the group definitely helps motivation-wise," he said.

The off-season departures of John Meesen and Paul Johnson have highlighted Martin's position on the Melbourne ruck pecking order, but he knows that that doesn't mean he is guaranteed a spot.

"If I'm going to make it, it won't be because there aren't quality players around me, it's going to be because I do enough to earn it."