21. JACK MARTIN

THE curtain has been drawn on an unprecedented 2020 season for the Navy Blues.

Trading Ikon Park for 10 different hotel hubs across Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, it’s been a year we won’t soon forget.

With the final siren having rung on the final game, it’s time to look at those who featured in five or more games for Carlton or made their AFL debuts in 2020.

Here’s the year that was for Carlton’s No.21, Jack Martin.


GAMES

2020: 15
Career: 112

GOALS

2020: 12
Career: 93


KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets):

Disposals: 203 (13.5) Marks: 64 (4.3) Contested possessions: 89 (5.9) Tackles: 48 (3.2) Clearances: 21 (1.4) Score involvements: 63 (4.2)


OVERVIEW

It was a hot start to Jack Martin’s career in Navy Blue, with his electric pace and class a standout for the 2020 season.

Martin made an immediate impact to the Carlton lineup, with his clean hands and agility proving to be key assets for the Blues regardless of whether he played up forward or in the midfield.

While a low-grade calf injury interrupted Martin’s consistency on-field, it was clearly a positive first season in Navy Blue for the former Gold Coast Sun.

With 12 goals from his 15 games, it was the perfect stepping stone for a long career in Navy Blue which is destined to have more than a few highlights.

BEST PERFORMANCE

Martin’s best performance came in Round 6 in the Blues big win against the Western Bulldogs.

Martin had one of his most complete performances and was the catalyst for Carlton’s most consistent performance of the season.

It was a classic case of making your disposals count, with Martin’s 13 disposals (11 contested possessions) resulting in nine score involvements, with two of those goals and three goal assists.

It was no surprise to see Martin acknowledged as best on ground, awarded eight AFLCA votes.


SEASON HIGHLIGHT

Martin gave Bluebaggers a memorable performance in his first game, snagging four goals against the reigning premiers in Round 1.

In the most bizarre of season openers, Martin put on a show and brought the Blues back in the game in the third term, kicking four goals in a 25-minute burst.

The performance saw him earn a spot in the AFL Team of the Week, while his second goal earned a Goal of the Year nomination for Round 1.

THEY SAID IT

After 97 games for the Gold Coast Suns, Martin celebrated his 100th AFL game with the joy of experiencing his first win in the Navy Blue.

“As a junior, you dream of playing one game,” Martin said.

“To play 100 definitely means a lot: 97 for the Suns and three for the Blues. I’m looking forward to the next 100.”