Jack Martin is as good as Jaeger O’Meara, says Gold Coast star Tom Lynch

TOM Lynch says Gold Coast have already replaced Jaeger O’Meara — declaring Jack Martin’s first 44 games the equal of the departing Sun’s.

Jack Martin in action. Picture: Jerad Williams

TOM Lynch says Gold Coast have already replaced Jaeger O’Meara — declaring Jack Martin’s first 44 games the equal of the departing Sun’s.

Martin finished third as Lynch claimed his second straight club champion award on Saturday night.

O’Meara and Martin were the most highly sought-after 17-year-olds in the country who arrived on the Gold Coast a year apart as under-aged pre-draft selections via the GWS mini-draft.

O’Meara played his first 44 games consecutively, finishing third in the club championship in his breakthrough season.

Martin’s first two years had flashes of brilliance but were destroyed by injury. He finally managed 21 games this year to draw level on 44 games with O’Meara, who hails from the same region on the north coast of Western Australia.

They both have a third place in the best-and-fairest count to their name and Lynch said the quietly spoken Martin’s talent rivalled that of O’Meara, who is on the hunt for a new home.

“They stack up really well,” Lynch said.

“The first few years he (Martin) didn’t get a run at it, but we knew as soon as he got some consistent games he was going to play really good footy

“He has worked hard, he has put in a super year and I think he has really matured as a person as well.

“We can’t wait for what the future holds for him.’’

Jack Martin has shown glimpses of his huge talent. Picture: Daniel Wilkins

Lynch said Martin was the best kick inside 50m at the club and added that he had extra strings to his bow, having proven he could play forward, in defence and the midfield.

“Left or right foot he is a great kick, and he really weights the footy well too so he is great to lead to,’’ Lynch said.

“We are really excited about his future.’’

Lynch said O’Meara was a good person but had made his feelings known about his decision to walk out on the club.

“I told him I’m disappointed and I expressed what I needed to,’’ he said.

“I have had the chat with him, I feel I have done that.’’