Mark Jamar says the opportunity to play football at AFL level again was too great to pass up.
The former Melbourne ruckman is Essendon’s latest recruit.
“I think the opportunity to play footy again at the highest level with a great bunch of people who I’ve got to know over the last month – that really excited me and I’m delighted to be on board,” he said.
“I had a good career opportunity with a job at Geotech in Port Melbourne.
“I spoke to the boss yesterday and he was very supportive and I look forward to maintaining the relationship – so when footy’s done I can hopefully get my old job back.”
Jamar played 155 games for Melbourne and was named in the All-Australian side in 2010.
His career with the Demons ended after last season.
In recent months the 32 year old has played in the Northern Territory Football League and commenced pre-season training with Victorian amateur club, St Kevin’s.
Jamar said his body is feeling fresh as he re-enters full-time football.
“It’s a tough game, the demands of the game grow every year,” he said.
“So I just need to be smart, put in solid sessions to build up to where I want to be.
“It’s definitely refreshing having a few months off, although I did have a kick up north a couple of times, that helped my touch a little bit.
“I’m looking forward to getting into it and doing the hard work and progressing slowly and building up to the season.”
Jamar joins an Essendon ruck division featuring former Brisbane Lion Matthew Leuenberger, Shaun McKernan who finished in the top ten of the Best and Fairest last season and young prospect Gach Nyuon.
“Gach is very exciting – I’ve worked a lot with him a lot over the last few weeks," Jamar said.
“McKernan’s done a great job last year especially, and I’ve played against big Matty (Leuenberger) over many years and he’s very exciting.
“I’m looking forward to being teammates, and working together and helping out the rucks.”
Jamar joins fellow recruits Ryan Crowley, James Kelly, Jonathan Simpkin, Matthew Dea, James Polkinghorne and Mathew Stokes.
It leaves the Bombers with up to three spots to fill by March 15.
