Three-time premiership midfielder Shaun Burgoyne has joined the Jack Martin fan club, describing the Gold Coast rising star as a special talent destined for a bright AFL future.
Martin was a standout for the Indigenous All Stars during their eight-point loss to West Coast in Perth on Friday night, and Burgoyne was in awe at the 20-year-old's mix of awareness, pace, and skill.
"He showed some really good signs out there," Burgoyne said.
"There's big wraps on Jack, and you can see why Gold Coast were so keen to wrap him up for a few years.
"He looks like he's going to be a special player. For a young player, he's got some special attributes.
"He's quite mature and composed. He's got a lot of upside. He's going to have a long career."
Martin's AFL debut lasted just 10 minutes in round one last year, with a dislocated left shoulder ruling him out of action for the next 12 weeks.
But the West Australian showcased his class and potential upon his return, highlighted by his four-goal effort against West Coast in the final round.
The All Stars fielded a side missing a host of the game's most talented Indigenous players in their 7.7 (49) to 5.11 (41) loss to the Eagles.
Burgoyne hopes the outfit will be much stronger when they are next in action - likely to be in two years' time.
"It's a great concept," said Burgoyne, who had the honour of captaining the side.
"I had a number of text messages from those players who weren't playing, and they were all disappointed that they were injured and couldn't play.
"So the support is definitely there."
Meanwhile, Eagles coach Adam Simpson is confident Sharrod Wellingham is on track for a big year after the former Pie put in a strong showing against the Indigenous All Stars.
Wellingham's first two years at West Coast were wrecked by injuries and poor form, but Simpson hopes the 26-year-old has put that behind him.
"If you look at our best side and our best midfield, he's definitely part of it because of his class and his ability to win the ball," Simpson said.
"He's the type of player we need with a bit of pace and good connection.
"When he's up and about he's as dangerous as anyone.
"I thought he got plenty of the ball and complied to all the things we're working on off the ball."
Another Eagles player to shine was Dyson Heppell-lookalike Tom Lamb, who kicked the match-sealing goal late in the game.
Share
