In-form ruckman Stef Martin says the heat is on the Brisbane Lions" senior players, including himself, to lead the Club's 2015 revival
Martin said the Lions capitulated in the last quarter and a half against the Western Bulldogs last Saturday night and the blame lay squarely with the older heads in the team.
Martin said the experienced players had to deliver when the going got tough, starting with today’s clash with Adelaide at the Gabba.
“It felt like we were really in the game against the Bulldogs but then we just capitulated under an onslaught which happens far too frequently,’’ Martin told The Courier-Mail.
“At the end of the day, it’s up to the senior players to stem that flow. This week we’ve talked about being better leaders and being more vocal.
“The young guys can’t really be expected to do that. They are worrying about getting their own games right at this level so we have got to step up and rally the troops better.
“It’s not just through voice either. It is also really important for us to be cracking in and winning big contested balls regularly.’’
There has been nothing wrong with Martin’s form this year, averaging 19.3 disposals per game and 32.3 hit-outs to consistently be one of Brisbane’s best in a campaign that has produced only two wins but a casualty ward full of injuries.
Martin should be a clear second in Brisbane’s club champion voting behind Dayne Beams, with daylight in third place.
Martin said he and fellow ruckman Matthew Leuenberger could lead by example today by taking up the fight to Adelaide’s man mountain Sam Jacobs.
“The centre bounce and the follow-up after that is important,’’ he said. “Everyone is watching that and myself and Leuey can set the tone.
“Hopefully that rubs off on the younger boys and gets them into the contest.’’
The Crows have a powerful midfield with Patrick Dangerfield and Rory Sloane servicing a potent forward line led by Adelaide captain Tex Walker and the freakish Eddie Betts.
Martin said it was vital Brisbane got their hands to the football first, as often as possible.
“It’s a pretty important week for stoppages,’’ Martin said. “They are a very good stoppage team so our midfield unit needs to perform.
“We need to help our young backline by limiting the amount of supply into Adelaide’s forwards. Our young talls down there are sticking to the task but there’s only so much they can do. We need to take some pressure off them.’’
Martin said coach Justin Leppitsch’s review of the loss to the Bulldogs was more thorough than brutal ahead of Brisbane’s first home game since the Round 9 clash with St Kilda in May.
