Essendon set to reignite interest for Gold Coast’s Jack Martin after Sun officially requests trade
Jack Martin has officially told Gold Coast he wants out and now the scramble for his services has begun, with Essendon joining Carlton and Western Bulldogs as potential suitors.
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Essendon has roared back into the race for Jack Martin after having to rebuff him last year given their desire to secure Dylan Shiel.
Martin’s trade to a Melbourne-based club was set in motion last Friday when his management informed Gold Coast he was leaving.
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Carlton and the Western Bulldogs had believed they were at the front of the queue for Martin, an inconsistent midfielder-half forward whose best football is still sublime.
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But the Herald Sun understands Essendon has roared back into the chase for Martin, believing it can clear cap space and secure a high pick.
That in itself will see rivals wondering about Essendon’s trade intent, with speculation about Joe Daniher’s future at the club.
The Dons have also been keen to get into the top-five selections in the draft, but only have picks 29 and 31 at this stage.
They could try to use those picks to get lower into the draft to secure the late first-round pick it might take to satisfy the Suns.
Martin had set his mind on getting to Essendon last year so their renewed interest will mean Carlton and the Dogs have to fight hard for his services.
An Essendon half forward line with Jake Stringer, Orazio Fantasia and Martin would be spectacular next season in a Bombers side full of A grade talent.
Fantasia’s management again made clear on Tuesday he would play at the club next year despite interest from Adelaide teams.
A talented but unfulfilled player who has twice finished in the top-three in the Suns’ best and fairest, Martin is expected to ask for upwards of $600,000 for his services.
The Suns will pitch for a pre-draft selection at Tuesday’s commission meeting and Martin’s departure as their much-prized mini-draft selection will only add to their claims.
Gold Coast has accepted that they will trade Martin, but having signed a raft of talented players it is not in danger of a player exodus, despite losing co-captains Tom Lynch and Steven May last year.
Suns football boss Jon Haines confirmed Martin’s desire to leave.
“Jack Martin has informed the club that he will request a trade during the exchange period next month,” Haines said.
“Jack and his manager will work through his options, as will the club’s list management team, in a bid to get the best possible outcome.”
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The Herald Sun revealed in the pre-season Martin had put off talks with Gold Coast until late in the year and they had lost all hope at that stage he would re-sign.
The Suns were keen to keep him given when they eventually flourish they know he could be a regular matchwinner.
But as he battled for form he suffered a finger injury and then was dropped upon his return, keen for a fresh start at a Victorian club.
At the Western Bulldogs, who aggressively tried to recruit him in the 2012 mini-draft, he would form part of a dynamic half forward line that also includes Bailey Dale, Sam Lloyd and star forward Aaron Naughton.
The Dogs believe they are a solid chance to secure Adelaide’s Alex Keath, who wants a four-year deal but will not get it at Adelaide given the former state cricketer turns 28 early next year.
FRANCIS CLOSE TO NEW BOMBERS DEAL
Essendon has finally tied down promising swingman Aaron Francis to a new deal.
The Bombers are close to formalising a fresh contract for Francis, cementing his transformation from wantaway youngster to committed key tall.
Francis asked to be traded home to South Australia in 2017 after only two years at the club, but was forced to stay put when a deal failed to materialise.
He then stepped away for a month before the start of last season to deal with a mental health issue.
But a purple patch of form at the end of 2018 has been followed by a career-best season in which he has featured at both ends of the ground across 16 games.
At 22, Francis is happy and healthy and the childhood Essendon supporter is ready to turn his back on interest from his home state.
He had sought assurances earlier this year over his role in a team that contains fellow talls Michael Hurley, Cale Hooker, Patrick Ambrose, Michael Hartley, Joe Daniher, Shaun McKernan and Mitch Brown.
He has averaged 4.6 intercept possessions, while going at 70 per cent efficiency by foot.
Coach John Worsfold said at the start of the season Francis was in a much better frame of mind.
“He’s a different person now. I don’t think we saw the real Aaron Francis until halfway through last year,” Worsfold told the league website.
“Everyone wanted to help him, but nobody knew what we could do to help him. We think he’s gotten to that position where he’s a good guy around the club and he’s had a good pre-season.”
Francis’ imminent signing is a coup for Essendon, who are also expected to secure halfback Mason Redman to a new deal, while Mitch Brown is also set to sign-on after another serviceable season.
But out of contract livewire Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti remains a live concern as rivals including North Melbourne, Carlton and the Western Bulldogs circle.
Originally published as Essendon set to reignite interest for Gold Coast’s Jack Martin after Sun officially requests trade