After securing the prodigiously talented Jaeger O'Meara in the AFL mini draft for 17 year olds in 2011, the Gold Coast SUNS had little hesitation in replicating that formula to nab another Western Australian talent in Jack Martin through the 2012 mini draft.

But Jack Martin almost didn't get the news that he would be joining the Gold Coast SUNS in 2013 via the mini draft

I was actually out in the bush, near Eco Beach outside of Broome so I didn't have any phone reception and no-one could really get in contact with me, said Martin.

"Dad managed to get through to me and told me, so I was pretty happy about that."

Martin, along with likely No.1 National Draft pick Lachie Whitfield, showcased his undoubted talent at this year's under-18 national championships. At 184cm and possessing line-breaking run and damaging skills, Martin is an excitement machine, and was on the radar of plenty of clubs, including the Western Bulldogs.

"I thought I might be heading to the (Western) Bulldogs," said Martin.

"I had a lot of talks with them but found out the GC SUNS had come through."

I have been to the Gold Coast before and I really liked it there.

Martin spent the 2012 season playing in the local league in Geraldton after initially moving to Perth at the start of the season.

Martin says the travel had taken its toll, and it was difficult commuting, even for the Under 18 State Team training.

"I went down to Perth at the start of the season, but it was a bit too hard for me to get around, so I made the move back," he said.

Travelling down to Perth every week for state under 18 training and driving back, six hours each way was pretty tough, but I managed to get through it.

Martin had a meeting with GC SUNS senior coach Guy McKenna and Play Development Manager Simon Fletcher in Geraldton last night to outline what Martin has ahead of him.

Martin said it was great to have a chat about the road that lies ahead.

"We went out for dinner, and it was good just talking about the move over, the pre-season, obviously Arizona," he said.

"We talked through a few of the clubs I'll be playing against (in the NEAFL in 2013)"

Playing against AFL players will be a good preparation for what it is like to play league footy.

"I'm looking forward to it all, it's pretty exciting."