Jack Martin may have endured another injury-ravaged season at Metricon Stadium, but on Saturday night he displayed his vast array of weaponry in a captivating performance against Essendon.
The prodigious talent was one of Rodney Eade’s best players in Gold Coast’s thrilling two-point victory over the Bombers. Had it not been for errant kicking in front of goal, it could have been his most productive game at the highest level given he booted 3.3 from 16 disposals and nine marks.
Just six days after being carried from the ground on a stretcher following a sickening head clash with Richmond captain Trent Cotchin, Martin produced some moments of pure class against Essendon.
His hands overhead and ability in an aerial contest continue to stun given his light frame, and had he taken his chances in front of goal he would have finished with a bag instead of being left to dwell over opportunities he should have put away.
Ankle, shoulder and hamstring injuries have limited the 20-year-old to just ten appearances this season. But despite the run of misfortune, Martin was pleased to get through Saturday night’s game unscathed.
“I’m just starting to get my fitness up and going now. Obviously concussed last week, but it was good to get through tonight and recover up and get ready for next week,” Martin told SUNS RAW after Gold Coast’s narrow win on Saturday.
The SUNS win was far from pretty, but in a season that has produced little in the way of success, Martin said the win was particularly impressive given the week Essendon was coming off after parting ways with favourite son James Hird.
“We knew Essendon were going to come out firing obviously with the new coach, but it was a good win the boys fought it out in the end,” Martin said.
“There was a lot of contested footy out there, it was scrappy, it was tough, but its always good to win that way, so it was a good win.”
On a night where the ball spent a lot of time on the ground, the forward pairing of Martin and another electric small forward, Jarrod Garlett, was eye-catching.
Not only do they both possess speed to burn and ability to weave in and out of traffic like feathers in the wind, but their desire to harass and chase opposition ball carriers is hard not to be drawn to.
“It’s always good to have Jarrod out there – he brings that tackle pressure and that’s what we need from him and that’s what we want,” Martin said.
“He’s lightning and he’s got a bag of tricks, so it’s always good to have him out there.”
Martin magic captivates once again
Jack Martin may have endured another injury-ravaged season at Metricon Stadium, but on Saturday night he displayed his vast array of weaponry in a captivating performance against Essendon.
