The power of the first impression was another determining factor in Mark Jamar’s decision to re-ignite his AFL career. 

It was mid January and The Court of Arbitration for Sport’s decision was still sinking in.

Jamar had commenced work as a part-time ruck Coach when he heard John Worsfold address the group. 

“It just blew me away how he took it in his stride and got straight on with it and was a really solid leader in front of all the boys,” Jamar told SEN. 

“In the team meetings it was definitely about ‘this is what’s happened, we’re going to move on, we’re going to keep going forward, we’re not going to roll over, we’re going to go out there and be competitive, we’re not going to coach differently, we not going to train differently, we’re still going at it 100 miles an hour. 

“I thought you know what – I’d love to play for a Coach like that.” 

Jamar’s association with the Bombers began before Christmas, when Midfield Line Coach Guy McKenna floated the idea of the 32 year old helping the Club’s ruck stocks.

“He took me under his wing and I’ve been fortunate enough to see a pretty good operation there – I’m very impressed,” he said.

When the opportunity arose for Jamar to become part of the playing list, he needed some time to consider his decision. 

He and his partner have a baby on the way and Jamar had also just begun a new job.

But once he came to an arrangement with his boss, the path was cleared for Jamar to officially join the Bombers.

“I did want to play on last year.  I actually felt like I still had it in me,” Jamar said.

“Melbourne and myself parted ways – that’s fair enough.  I backed the Club’s decision to go with their ruckmen who are going to be very good for the next ten years.

“I wasn’t taking it personally – it was purely the right move for them moving forward.

“I didn’t want to regret not taking the opportunity of playing at the highest level again – that’s why I made the decision to play.”