Jack Martin’s debut season began like a nightmare. Ten minutes into his first AFL game and his season was in tatters with a dislocated shoulder threatening to end his year before it even got going.
 
Fortunately for the West Australian prodigy, he recovered in time to play the final ten games of the season, with his performance in the SUNS' final fixture of the year the standout.
 
Against the West Coast Eagles in round 23, Martin demonstrated his polish and class on the big stage. He booted four goals from 19 possessions in a performance that highlighted why Gold Coast recruiting staff were so keen to secure his services as a 17-year-old.
 
Now, ahead of his second season in the AFL, Martin is determined to build on his finish to last year. He now knows that he can perform at the highest level and his aim is to do so on a weekly basis.
 
“It definitely gave me a lot of confidence heading into this year,” Martin told the West Australian.

“I sort of know the footy I'm capable of playing. That's sort of my standard now, so I want to keep at that level and try to just play good, consistent footy throughout the year.

“Just for me to know I can play at the top level, that game will always be at the back of my mind to try to perform like that again.”

Metricon Stadium has been a recruiting haven for West Australians since the club’s inception. Midfield stars David Swallow, Harley Bennell and Jaeger O’Meara all hail from the West, as well as Brandon Matera, Greg Broughton and recent draftee Jarrod Garlett.

Homesickness is an issue all clubs are faced with, but with so many players in a similar boat at the SUNS, Martin has found relief in sharing the dilemma with others. He is now settled on the Gold Coast and relishing the anonymity associated with playing football in a non-traditional AFL heartland.

“It's just a great lifestyle, which isn't too much about footy. You can go home and relax, or walk out on the street and no one knows you,” Martin said.

“It's certainly more relaxing than if you were living in Melbourne or Perth and that definitely suits me because I'm a shy sort of guy.

“I've fitted in pretty well with the club and the boys and they've all been pretty good to me.

“I love the Coast, I love living here and I love playing footy here.”