Geelong recruit Jack Martin opens up on Carlton exit, choosing Geelong and his injury woes

Blessed with talent, Jack Martin was told he was no longer required at Carlton. The Cats recruit opens up on his exit, his plans to overcome his injury struggles and why he chose Geelong.

The writing was on the wall for Jack Martin.

After managing three senior games this year for Carlton in yet another season plagued by soft tissue injuries, Martin, 29, felt his time at the Blues may be over.

Blessed with talent, Martin — who was pre-selected as a 17-year-old in 2012 by Gold Coast — was cut by Carlton in September.

Getting told you are no longer required can be crushing for an AFL player. Instead, the luckless forward is just thankful to receive a lifeline at Geelong as a delisted free agent.

Jack Martin (right) had no luck with injury again in 2024. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“I don’t think of it like that, to be honest. I’m just grateful that I’ve got another opportunity and I get to prove myself again,” Martin said.

“Injuries, hey? Not fun. I just couldn’t get my body right to be honest, it’s as simple as that.

“There wasn’t many chats (with Carlton) throughout the year to be honest so I sort of expected and the writing was sort of on the wall.

“But my manager was sort of working in the background and then the Cats popped up and (it’s) something I am forever grateful for.”

Martin was presented his Geelong guernsey by former Cats No. 19 Neville Bruns at training on Monday.

Three months on from being dumped by Carlton, there are no hard feelings.

Neville Bruns presents Jack Martin with his guernsey. Picture: Geelong Cats

“I think it’s not so much proving them wrong, I think I just want to prove to myself that I can play AFL football,” Martin said.

“I just want to go out there and showcase my skills and play for my family, so looking forward to next year.

“I’m very excited, I’m very humbled to be wearing the number 19. Obviously Neville has played over 200 games with it.”

The fact the West Australian chose Geelong over Fremantle was telling.

Having grown up in Broome and Geraldton, Martin said a move back to his home state looked inevitable until the Cats entered the frame.

Martin spoke with Geelong’s medical staff before making his decision and also had Cats players encouraging him to head down the highway – including captain Patrick Dangerfield.

Renowned for getting the absolute best out of players of all ages, ultimately the Cats appeared the best option to reinvigorate Martin’s injury-riddled career.

“It’s always nice when guys message you when you’re trying to make a decision where you want to go, so it definitely played a part,” Martin said.

“There were obviously a few things I had to think about with the decision. Obviously the big move with a really young family, and then the high performance and medical team.

“Geelong has got a good history with getting older guys in and looking after them and allowing them to play the back-end of their career and play a lot of footy.

“We were always going to WA and then the Cats popped up and I’m loving it here. The guys have been welcoming and it’s a great environment.”

Jack Martin training with the Cats. Picture: Alison Wynd

WHIRLWIND WEEK

It was a whirlwind first week at the Cattery for Martin.

Not only was he adjusting to a new environment, Martin and his wife Britt also welcomed their second child, Jett, last Wednesday.

Fellow off-season recruit Bailey Smith lauded Martin’s dedication during a busy week off-field.

Martin managed to complete a full week of training – albeit on a modified program – and took part in match simulation on Monday after a rough sleep on Sunday night.

“We got home from Melbourne (on Sunday) arvo so a lot of broken up sleep last night and very tired this morning so was able to get through training,” Martin said.

The 151-gamer hasn’t thought too much about the spark he can add to Geelong’s star-studded forward line, only putting his injury woes behind him with the help of new Cats high performance boss

Under the watchful eye of experienced strength and conditioning coach Desmond O’Sullivan, Martin is on managed loads until the Christmas break and will look to build up when the Cats return.

But it is hard not to think about the prospect of playing alongside the likes of Jeremy Cameron and Tyson Stengle.

Martin at training. Picture: Alison Wynd

“I have to say I have got a little bit excited, so I’ve just been trying to cool my jets. But there is a lot of talent down there no doubt,” Martin said.

“Obviously it is a long way away. So we’re sort of taking it each week at a time at the moment.

“It starts with the body. Being able to train since last week, so body is feeling good at the moment and just trying to have a good summer, good pre-season and get myself fit.”

Bruns, who played 223 games for the club, believes Martin can get the best out of himself at Geelong.

“He’s just got to get his body right as he said and I have no doubt he’s probably in as good of an environment anywhere in the game here at Geelong, where they will get you right and ready to play. I just wish him well and hope he can,” Bruns said.

Martin will be striving to repay the Cats’ faith and do Bruns and the No. 19 guernsey proud.

Originally published as Geelong recruit Jack Martin opens up on Carlton exit, choosing Geelong and his injury woes