With two games remaining in the AFL season, Mark Jamar is pushing for one last game at the elite level before the end of the season.
Jamar said he has renewed enthusiasm and has rediscovered his love for the game since joining the Bombers playing ranks earlier this year.
“I’m aiming to play in the AFL to finish off and then VFL finals,” he said.
“I’ve really found the love to play footy again, it’s been one of the best years I’ve had for four or five years now and I’ve been really enjoying it.
“I thank the Bombers for the coaching and playing opportunity. When you think it’s all done and finished and you get another go in a good environment with good people, it’s been good fun.”
The ruckman returned from a hamstring injury on Saturday, having an immediate impact in the Bombers 18-point win over the reigning premiers Williamstown.
It is a win that has filled the Bombers with belief as they push to cement their position inside the top eight.
Jamar was at his entertaining best on Saturday with 13 disposals, six marks, four inside 50’s, two rebound 50’s, five tackles and 22 hitouts.
He had a shot on goal as well but missed everything, only to then set up Sam Heavyside with a perfect pass after evading an opponent.
Things happen when ‘The Russian’ is involved.
“It was good to be back, I was blowing a bit but I had plenty of rotations and a rest up forward so it was good to get through a whole game,” Jamar said.
“I was a bit rusty at times trying to find the opponent’s body instead of just going up at the ball early, later in the game I could have clunked a few more but I’ll get them next week.
“The whole body just tightened up at the end of the game but I probably played a bit more that I thought I would. The lungs were burning a little bit but now that one is out of the way I’m looking forward to the next couple of weeks.”
The 33 year-old has played four games at AFL level this season, taking his career tally to 159 after 14 seasons with Melbourne.
Jamar has played in two VFL premierships with Sandringham in 2004 and 2005 and sees no reason why a third could not be the perfect end to his elite career.
“There is no better feeling than a premiership,” Jamar said.
“We have definitely got a group that can give it a nudge, especially with some of the quality we have got to come back into the side when the AFL team finishes.
“It’s pretty exciting for Essendon fans I think.”
The veteran is being inspired by his younger teammates, particularly those he works with in his ruck coaching role.
“Shauny McKernan was inspirational today, he plucked everything. He really hit the scoreboard and put the foot on the throat of the opposition and got us out to a pretty good lead at times,” he said.
“Seeing Gach (Nyuon) take big grabs and Sammy Michael crash packs is just awesome.
“Seeing guys like Jason Ashby and Aaron Heppell get an opportunity through the midfield and having Will Hams back it up again, it really inspires me to play well.”
