With Jack Martin’s round one debut all but locked in, the ace teenager has turned to teammate and last year’s AFL Rising Star winner Jaeger O’Meara for support, as he looks to match his fellow West Australian’s sensational maiden season. 

“I’ve tried to get as much advice off him (O’Meara) as I can,” Martin told The Herald Sun.

“He had a really good season last year and hopefully I can learn from him.”

The Gold Coast’s new kid on the block has become a talking point heading into the regular season, with Martin a hot favourite to clinch this year’s best first year player award. 

Footy analysts are already anointing him as a future AFL star.  His fans already include GC SUNS coaching advisor Malcolm Blight, who boasted his recruiting highlights package was the best he had ever seen.

But the quietly-spoken Martin has done his best to steer clear from the increased hype surrounding his first AFL appearance, as suggested by O’Meara. 

“I’ve had a good chat to Jaeger. He basically told me to just enjoy the first year and to not think too much about it.

“He said to just get out there and play footy. If you have a bad game, just move on from it.”

Similar to O’Meara, the exciting midfielder is focused on letting his football do the talking for him this season. 

“I am a laid-back person; I don’t worry about that sort of stuff (hype).

“I don’t read too much into the media. If I did, it would get in your head, so I try to keep away from it.

“I just try to train hard and let my footy do the talking. It’s the way I’ve always been.”

Ineligible to play AFL football last season, Martin tore apart opposition teams in the NEAFL competition.  His polished style of play oozing with rare talent and confidence beyond his 17 years. 

Since then, he has piled on significant muscle mass to his lightly-built 185cm frame, putting on 6kg as he prepares to transition his play against the bigger bodies of the AFL.

“It was a bit frustrating not being able to play AFL (last year), but it was good to be able to have a year to learn the club’s structures and the game plan,” he said.

“I was also able to build my body up a bit. I might not look like it, but I am now 76kg.

“I spent a fair bit of time in the gym and doing some one-on-one sessions. Hopefully it will help me this year.”