SUNS utility Jack Martin confirmed he is likely to start forward in Gold Coast’s final JLT Series game against the Western Bulldogs at Metricon Stadium this Thursday, with the home side set to feature an extremely potent forward line against last year’s premiers.

All Australian forward Tom Lynch will return to the side to partner 20-year-old Peter Wright as the side’s key targets. With dual Brownlow medallist Gary Ablett and top 10 draft picks Callum Ah Chee and Ben Ainsworth at their feet and Martin expected to play high half-forward, the stingy Bulldogs defence will have their work cut out for them.

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After winning their first two pre-season games, the SUNS will be looking to further build their confidence ahead of the club’s season opener against Brisbane on March 25 and are determined to knock over the competition benchmark.

“Boys are pretty pumped, pretty excited,” Martin told reporters at SUNS Headquarters on Monday.

“Obviously got the reigning premiers, the Western Bulldogs, so what better test heading into the season, into round one, playing against the premiers.

“That’s going to test us boys and we’re looking forward to it.”

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While the SUNS want to keep establishing a winning culture in Southeast Queensland, it’s more important to build on the foundation that has been set in the pre-season so far and continue improving.

“Just everything we’ve worked on over the pre-season,” Martin said.

“We’ve looked at the tapes of the first two games and areas we need to improve on so we’ll take that into the game this week.”