JACK Martin’s Carlton debut will be one the talented Blue will remember for a number of reasons.
Not only will he never forget the eerily empty MCG when he ran out in the Navy Blue or the first time, but he will also always remember the four-goal cameo which would have given Bluebaggers at home something to cheer about.
After two solid performances in the Marsh Community Series, the new recruit picked up exactly where he left off in Thursday night’s season opener.
Working his way into the game, Martin helped sparked the Blues’ second half fightback against the Tigers, kicking four goals in the third quarter alone while having a match-high 10 score involvements.
Despite his best efforts, however, the 2019 premiers were a class above the Blues, making the most of their fast start to run away with a 24-point victory.
Cheering from home? | Share your photos, videos and messages using #AllOfUs
“It was good. Obviously we didn’t start the way that we wanted to start,” Martin said
“They came ready to play and we felt as though we were on the back heel the whole night and chasing them. It was disappointing, but the response after half time was good.
“I was just trying to get involved and play my role, then I was lucky enough to get on the end of a few.”
Martin joined the likes of Darcy Vescio and Lance Whitnall on the shortlist of Carlton players to kick four goals on club debut, as well as becoming the first Blue to kick four goals in a quarter since 2014.
Despite his individual brilliance, Martin was aware that the performance by the team was not up to par, echoing the message shared by Senior Coach David Teague following the game.
“They were up six goals at the quarter time, the game was over by then,” Martin said
“We’ve got to re-group and make sure we come ready next week to play from the first bounce.”
