The burgeoning career of Jack Martin has teased for the best part of two seasons, with injury interrupting the start to his journey on a handful of occasions. With six weeks remaining in the season, Gold Coast SUNS coach Rodney Eade is not expecting miracles from his highly-rated young gun, rather the focus will be on building some confidence in his body.
 
After a shoulder reconstruction devastated his first year at Metricon Stadium, Martin has endured another injury-riddled season with ankle, shoulder and hamstring problems. He has not played since tearing his hamstring in the opening minute of the SUNS' round nine loss to Hawthorn in Tasmania and has managed just six senior appearances in 2015.
 
Renowned for his beautiful skills and blistering pace, Martin’s return will come with external expectation. But all Eade is after is getting some badly needed continuity into the Broome product.
 
“We’re certainly expecting a slow build up. He hasn’t had the continuity and he’s still only a young lad. The main thing is to get some game time,” Eade told SUNS TV on Thursday afternoon.
 
“We know he’s a competitive player, so to be able to charge around and compete. We don’t expect him to be the best player but if he can get some good game time, hopefully his form over the next few weeks will improve.”
 
The return of Jack Darling has strengthened a powerful West Coast forward line that boasts Coleman medal leader Josh Kennedy. Along with Mark LeCras and small forwards Jamie Cripps and Josh Hill, the Eagles forward setup presents an enormous headache for the football department in Carrara.
 
“Obviously Darling adds another dimension to there forward line. They’ve done extremely well. Kennedy’s leading the goal kicking for the Coleman medal. They’ve got a talented forward line,” Eade said.
 
The veteran football mentor was critical of his backline’s performance against Adelaide last weekend, with only Steven May drawing praise from Eade following the 45-point loss.
 
The star defender comfortably beat Crows captain Taylor Walker despite a large helping of forward 50 entries for the South Australians. And with a potent Eagles offense travelling east, Eade sent a stern warning to his defenders.
 
“Our defenders generally have held up pretty well. I thought last week we were a bit disappointing except for Steven. Steven was very good, his form’s been terrific,” Eade said.
 
“He’s leading really well – his leadership’s great. Our six defenders, well I suppose our seven defenders are going to have to really pull their socks up this week.”