Courtesy of the Mid West News
 

Jaeger O’Meara said he is more than happy to take fellow Mid West product Jack Martin under his wing in his first season as a Gold Coast SUN.

O’Meara, who was recruited by the SUNS last year, said his one message to his newest teammate would be to enjoy his time and make sure he is fit and firing for round one in 2014.

“The main thing is to enjoy it and it is probably going to be a bit daunting when he first gets to the club, but that will only last a day or two,” he said.

Also to work hard and get his body right and I am sure he would step right in if he is fit and firing in 2014.

I cannot wait for him to get to the club and I can take him under my wing and show him the ropes. Hopefully I can give him a few pointers and it is the same thing David Swallow did with me.

O’Meara was selected in the 2011 mini draft and due to his age was ineligible to play AFL football last season, the same situation Martin faces in 2013.

The midfielder is eligible to start his AFL career in round one 2013 after spending 2012 playing with the SUNS reserves side.

He was struck down by a groin injury which required surgery during his first season with the SUNS.

The 18-year-old went under the knife in June and said his first training session back with the team was during the final week of the season.

He missed 15 weeks of football but said he is hoping to turn his fortunes around next season.

“It was a pretty frustrating year because I would be doing cross training during the week then when the boys went out to play I would still be doing cross training,” he said.

“I have learnt a lot by doing that though and have figured a few things out which has helped.

I would love to play all 22 games, but I know the club is pretty keen to monitor how I am going because it is a big step up from what I have been doing.

“Now my only goal is to play round one and get out there with the boys.”

O’Meara has spent the last two weeks in the Mid West and was speaking from his home town of Dongara yesterday.

The Railways product said the SUNS return to training on October 22 before heading to Arizona, USA for altitude the week after.