Since joining the Lions in 2012, ruckman Stefan Martin has been consistently tainted with injury concerns and says the Lions medical team helped him through a ‘dark time’.
At the 2015 Club Champion award, Martin said:
“I was injured for the first 18 months coming to Brisbane, it was a really dark time but a bunch of people stuck by me.”
“Thanks to the medical department, Paul McConnell, Smithy and the PPT team.”
“The physiotherapists as well, especially Pete for consoling me when I’m crying on the Gabba after I’ve torn my third hamstring.”
Read: Club Champions Say Thanks
Martin went on to thank the Club for believing in him when they first traded him during the 2012 Exchange Period.
“Thank you to the Brisbane Lions for taking a gamble on me three years ago. It’s a great family we’ve got here and a lot of good people around.”
“Thanks to the coaches, thanks for allowing me to play ruck for this Club. It’s probably the thing I’m most proud of in my life.”
Stefan left special thanks for those who helped him with his transition to the Club in his early days.
“Thanks to Manny Lynch and the Lynch family – they’ve been like my family in Brisbane.
“Leonie is the most genuine woman you could meet and Manny is the best bloke.
“He did everything within his control to keep everyone happy and it doesn’t always work out that way but he’s been like a brother to me and they took me into their home - they’ve been like my family up here.
“And thanks to the playing group, I couldn’t think of a better bunch of blokes, I really appreciate coming in everyday and hanging out with you guys, it’s been unreal.”
Watch Stefan's acceptance speech from 2:00.
