But when it comes to launching into himself, he doesn’t hold back.

What weight are you Marty?

“I’m pretty fat,” he dead-panned.

Gee, you’re a bit hard on yourself mate, I replied.

“I used to be 78 (kilograms) last year, but I reckon it’s this apprenticeship, just eating chicken schnitzel burgers every day.”

So what’s been the most difficult aspect of adapting to the O and M from Tallangatta and District?

“Probably the workrate, speed and execution, I can’t kick, so it doesn’t really help,” he said.

The 20-year-old is having a lend of himself because the Panthers have been delighted.

“He’d be right up there in our best and fairest, not many players come in and have such an impact,” coach James Saker said.

“But he’s extremely consistent, he works very hard on his game and he’s a terrific young bloke, who’s fitted in really well.

“He’s a very good mark for his size and he’s hard to match up on because of that.

“And he’s just got a great willingness to compete and that’s really shone out in a few games for us.”

Brennan certainly becomes serious though when he talks about his former Rutherglen coach Karl Jacka, who passed away in January after a six-month battle with stomach cancer.

“He was awesome, he was just a ripping fellow,” Brennan said.

“He was always honest, I wouldn’t ask for much more for what he did for my footy and how much I’ve improved because of him.”

Brennan says Jacka inspired him to play at the highest level.

“He was always asking me if I wanted to go further so he was probably the main man that pushed me to actually have a go at Ovens and Murray,” he said.

Brennan will again be crucial as Lavington looks to maintain its charge for a top three finish away against Wodonga on Saturday.

The Panthers have won five of their past six games, a superb achievement given the league’s biggest injury toll.

Captain Luke Garland will be looking for an injury-free run as he returns from a calf complaint, while Jack Kirley is also back.