A QUIET word from one of his best mates and the lure of learning from a modern day great was all Stefan Martin needed to head to the Brisbane Lions.

Martin's young career was at the crossroads after he fell out of favour with Melbourne coach Mark Neeld last season.

The 26-year-old was hampered by a foot injury and restricted to just seven matches in 2012 before heading to the Lions in exchange for picks 53 and 73 during the AFL Gillette Trade Period.

"At the end of the season I had a meeting with Mark Neeld and he let me know that … if they got a trade they liked the look of, they weren't opposed to doing that," Martin said.

"I realise footy is a business these days. I wasn't offended or anything that they would trade me, that was fine.

"I wasn't happy that I didn't play a lot of football that year, it's always frustrating when you're injured, but to have a fresh start in Brisbane is really exciting."

Martin had a terrific 2011, finishing eighth in Melbourne's best and fairest, and is expected to support Matthew Leuenberger in the ruck and spend some time forward.

Ironically it is the same role Mitch Clark - who left the Lions for Melbourne 12 months ago - filled in his time at the club.

Martin's good mate and fellow former Demon Brent Moloney came to Brisbane just prior to Martin via free agency.

The robust midfielder had nothing but good reports for Martin when making his decision.

"He said all the guys were great, which was good to hear. He thought it would be good for my football too," Martin said.

"He had a chat with the coaches here too - they must have asked about me - and he seemed to think it could work for me because I could try to learn from Jonathan Brown.

"When he told me that, I totally agreed with him.

"It worked out well that Brent was here. He was one of my better mates at Melbourne so that's another good thing about coming here."

Since the bungled trade for Brendan Fevola - that cost them experienced forward Daniel Bradshaw in the process - the Lions have been searching for a sidekick for Brown.

Although not expected to play as a permanent forward, Martin said the chance to play alongside Brown was too good to pass up.

"Personally it was huge. I haven't played footy all my life, I started when I was 19, so I feel like I've still got a lot of learning to do and I couldn’t think of anyone better to learn off than him.

"I think he would be the best mentor as far as I could see, so that was a huge determinant in it all."

Brown has been on extended leave since the recent birth of his son Jack and will line up for his first session alongside Martin on Monday.

Michael Whiting covers Brisbane Lions news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL