Concussion issues not a worry: Martin

Brisbane ruckman Stefan Martin has refused to blame concussion issues for his 'passive' display against the Western Bulldogs ahead of his 100th AFL game.

Brisbane Lions ruckman Stefan Martin

Brisbane ruckman Stefan Martin denies his poor performance last week was related to a concussion. (AAP)

Dealing with concussion may be a major issue at Brisbane following Justin Clarke's retirement at just 22.

But ruckman Stefan Martin said it was the last thing on his mind ahead of his 100th AFL game, refusing to blame a recent heavy bump on a "passive" last-round display.

Martin had to pass two concussion tests before being cleared for last round's 53-point loss to the Bulldogs after being knocked out by a huge bump two weeks ago that led to the Gold Coast's Steven May being banned for five games.

The Lions are still getting their heads around the fact Clarke was forced into retirement by concussion just last month.

But Martin said lingering issues from May's heavy contact was not a concern ahead of Sunday's Gabba clash with Sydney.

"Almost the opposite. I know I can get hit like that and know it is not that big a deal," he said.

"I am doing a fair bit of study at the moment - I think the fact that I can do that is probably a better test than they (Lions medical staff) can do.

"It (Bulldogs match) was just one of those days where I wasn't sharp enough or hard enough.

"I was very passive. I was ball-watching a lot, not aggressive which are the things I've modelled my game on the last few years."

The injury-plagued Martin was proud that he had been able to notch game No.100 in his ninth AFL season.

"For me it is a big deal. Others probably knock it over pretty easily but it has been a real grind over nine years for me," Martin said.

Lions coach Justin Leppitsch said the 29-year-old Martin had "another 100 in him" after overcoming a nightmare run of injuries.

"Stef can get to 35 (years old) easy and knock over another 100 pretty quick," he said of Brisbane's joint best and fairest last season.


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Source: AAP



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