Recruit Jack Martin admits he’s let his mind wander to what it will be like to be part of a star-studded Geelong forward line in 2025.
The former Carlton and Gold Coast gun is keen to be part of a setup that includes fellow drawcards Jeremy Cameron, Tyson Stengle and Ollie Henry as the Cats look to improve on their preliminary final appearance.
“I’ve got a little bit excited, so I’ve just been trying to cool my jets,” Martin said.
“There’s a lot of talent down there, no doubt.
“I’m pretty excited to get down there and fit in.”
Martin played just 54 games in five seasons at Carlton, with only three coming in 2024 as he battled soft-tissue injuries.
However, the 29-year-old is tracking well to be part of Geelong’s Opening Round meeting with the Brisbane Lions.
“I’m right where I want to be right now,” Martin said.
“(My) body’s feeling good; I’m fit.
“Des (O’Sullivan) – the high-performance guy – and the high-performance team have been looking after me, and it’s loads back a little bit.
“Just trying to get through to Christmas and build loads from there post-Chrissie and New Year.”
Martin received his No.19 jumper from Geelong great Neville Bruns, who is only one of two players – Cats Team of the Century member ‘Jocka’ Todd is the other – to make more than 100 appearances in the number in club history.
Since Bruns, a veteran of 223 games, retired after the 1992 grand final loss to West Coast, the most matches in the 19 belongs to Derek Hall (74).
Matt Egan played 59 before a foot injury cut his career short at age 24.
“We’ve had some good players wear it,” Bruns said after presenting the jumper following training at Deakin University today (Monday).
“But, unfortunately, through injury, or form, or whatever, they just haven’t gone on to really cement their spots.
“So, I’m hoping Jack can do that, and I’m sure he can. I know how good he can play; I’ve watched a few of his games.
“You don’t play nearly 100 games with one club and nearly 50 with another without having the ability to play good football.”
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