Martini not shaken on path to 100 games

By ZAC MILBANK

Dual Glenelg premiership defender Alex Martini is a strong believer that a footballer learns a lot about themself during times of adversity.

As Martini prepares for his 100th Hostplus SANFL League match against South Adelaide at Magain Stadium on Saturday, he referenced a tough period in which he managed just 7 League matches in three seasons (2018-2020).

Speaking on SANFL Radio, the well-spoken 26-year-old readily admits he wouldn’t be where he is now if he didn’t have to push through such a career-defining period at Brighton Road.

Now the man known as ”Marto” is a highly-valued member of the Bays’ leadership group, playing a valuable role in the club’s 2023 and 2024 premierships.

Joining a fellow dual premiership tiger in David Marshall in having his name on the No.16 locker at Glenelg, Martini in on track to potentially captaining the Tigers.

For now, he is focusing on helping his side achieve a third flag in succession, starting with the aim of holding off the unpredictable Panthers in Round 8.

Making his League debut in Round 1 of 2017, Martini reflected fondly on his first match as the Tigers edged in front of Port Adelaide under lights at Stratarama Stadium.

And it was Martini, who put his side in front late in the contest with his first goal at League level as current captain Liam McBean also played his first League match for the club.

As well as his debut, Martini nominated last year’s incredible comeback against Norwood in the title-decider as being among his favourite games.

The reliable defender revealed that coach Darren Reeves injected him into the midfield early in the third quarter after an impromptu chat on the boundary line.

Martini – an Exercise Physiologist – went on to play an unheralded role in the Bays’ remarkable run en route to the club’s seventh League premiership.