The raging success of Jaeger O'Meara last season has not only made things difficult for him in 2014, but also for fellow West Australian Jack Martin.

Like O'Meara, Martin came to the Suns as an underage draftee 12 months before he was eligible to play seniors, and found his feet in the secondary NEAFL competition.

O'Meara was the 2013 wonder-kid, expected to dominate his rookie classmates and delivering with 22 consistent matches netting him the NAB AFL Rising Star award.

Now it's Martin's turn to take the baton, with his array of speed, agility, skill on both sides of his body and surprising strength for his wiry frame expected by many to match O'Meara's impact.

For what it's worth, the Suns' coaching staff believes Martin had a superior NEAFL season last year to O'Meara's in 2012.

Off the field, O'Meara was confident and polished from the moment he came to the club, while Martin is shy with outsiders and only opens up to his teammates.

One of those is Jarrod Harbrow, who in his three years on the Gold Coast has forged a reputation as a leader of young players, particularly his fellow indigenous men.

That includes Martin, but Harbrow says he is there more to lend an ear than give advice.

He says there is no risk of Martin being fazed by expectations and comparisons and expects him to debut with a minimum of fuss.

"He came to the club pretty mature so it didn't take him too long to settle in,".

"He's quiet around the club. I've seen Jack off field when he's a bit more rowdy, when he's a bit more comfortable, but he's settled in well. 

"He knows if he needs a chat with anyone, I'm more than happy for him to chat with me. He's mature and can handle himself well and he came to the club that way, so he doesn't need too much nurturing.

"He's pretty relaxed and doesn't stress out or take things too seriously."

Late last season Martin said he was intent on building his aerobic fitness during the pre-season, and that's just what he's done.

He's been among the hardest workers at the Suns in the past two months and is expected to push for senior selection immediately.

While ultimately he may be a midfielder, the Suns' plethora of talent through the middle of the ground will ensure Martin plays a variety of positions from half-forward to half-back when he gets his chance.