Ruckman Mark Jamar has continued his strong form with another dominant display in the VFL against Geelong on Saturday.
After finding his feet in his opening two matches at his new club, Jamar has become a major force not just at the stoppages, but around the ground.
His first two matches against North Ballarat and Collingwood combined produced 19 disposals, seven marks and 50 of the Bombers 90 hit outs.
As he becomes more aware of his new teammates and structures, those numbers have grown, starting last week against his old side Casey where he had 14 disposals, three marks and 44 of Essendon’s 65 hitouts.
On Sunday, the 32 year-old was named the Bombers best with 22 disposals, six marks and 40 of 53 hitouts (Geelong had 19).
“I think it just takes a bit of time, I was coming in pretty underdone and then I had an injury set back and lost a bit of fitness,” Jamar said after Saturday’s win.
“Today I started to feel like I was timing the ball better and am more aware of what is around me. Having good players around you gives you more confident.
“One thing last year is I don’t think I took too many contested marks so it’s something I love doing and it’s been a focus of mine this season.”
The ‘Russian’ as he is affectionately known originally arrived at Tullamarine as a ruck coach before signing on as a player in the wake of the Court of Arbitration for Sport verdict.
“It’s more about working with Gach Nyuon, Sam Michael, Matty Leuenberger and Shaun McKernan and helping these guys develop their game. If I can help them in anyway, that’s what I’m here for,” he said.
“They can do a lot of things that I can’t do, but what I can show them is a lot of body work and stuff that I have learnt over the past 14 years.”
Jamar played 155 games with Melbourne over a 14 year period, a tally he is hoping to add to during his time with the Bombers.
“I think Leuey is doing a great job and obviously I work closely with him and McKernan who has gone up to help out in the ruck,” he said.
“Whenever I’m required I’ll be ready to go – I look forward to getting that opportunity at some stage.”
Jamar’s impact on the match was not lost on VFL coach Matthew Egan in the rooms after Saturday’s game.
“I thought he was outstanding today, his contested marks, when the team really needed it was super.” Egan said.
