Teenage superstar Jack Martin shined in his first NEAFL appearance for the GC SUNS Reserves last Saturday, and was among the NEAFL sides's best-on-ground performers in their 126-point win over Mt. Gravatt at Metricon Stadium.

Speaking exclusively with goldcoastfc.com.au, GC SUNS Reserves Coach Shaun Hart said the exciting 18-year-old continued to impress the NEAFL coaching staff after a terrific pre-season campaign through the NAB Cup tournament.

“Jack Martin was fantastic in his first hit-out for the club in a real competition,” said Hart.

“I thought he was simply brilliant… really dominated the game for us from the start.”

Ruckman Tom Nicholls continued his impressive start to the 2012 season, finishing the game with three goals and a number of contested marks.

“The opposition had a really young ruckman so he should have dominated, and as I said to him after the game – he did just that,” Hart said.

“He did everything you should do as a ruckman… he dominated the hit-outs as well as grabbed a few marks around the ground in good position… it’ll be interesting to see if his game on tape is even better than how I saw it.”

Hart said the dominating contest would put the team in good stead for next week's interstate clash against the Sydney Swans (Reserves)
“We’ve got Sydney next week at the SCG which is always a test, and we’ll probably get a few back given Horsley will be available and Bull (Danny Stanley) as well as a few others will be in the mix for possible selection.”

Meanwhile Maverick Weller’s younger brother Lachie, a member of the GC SUNS Talent Academy, showed he was determined to rise through the ranks of the NEAFL to the AFL.

“He was terrific – his ability to understand the game and the decision-making he showed was really good,” said Hart.

“He finished a couple of goals from long range which was terrific… he would have been noticed by a few talent scouts I would have thought.”

FINAL SCORE:
NEAFL GC SUNS:  24. 14 – 158
MT. Gravatt:             4.8 - 32

Goal Kickers:
J. Hall 4, T. Nicholls 3, D. Trask 2, L. Osborne 2, L. Weller 2, A. Boston 2, S. Mills 2, J. Martin 2, A. Sexton , C. Cameron , H. Fraser , H. Schade , T. Cornish

Best Players:
J. Martin, J. Taylor, T. Nicholls, L. Osborne, J. Hall, J. Allen

MT GRAVATT

Goal Kickers: R. Estall 2, B. Stewart , G. Grose
Best Players: B. Preuss, G. Grose, A. Scott, C. Malone, J. Green, T. Jamieson