FORWARD THINKING

MARTIN WANTS NEW ROLE

JACK Martin has told Suns coach Stuart Dew he wants to remain forward where he believes he can have the greatest influence on a Gold Coast side under threat of watching another season slip away.

Martin is putting together another consistent season of football despite the fluctuating form of those around him, highlighted by his performance in Gold Coast’s 69-point loss to Melbourne at the Gabba on Saturday.

The 23-year-old kicked four goals and recorded 19 disposals, including 10 contested, on the back of spending time back in the forward line. Martin’s time in front of goal has been limited early this season, largely due to the lack of other clean ball users available following injuries to the likes of defender Pearce Hanley.

Dew has looked to Martin to steady the ship before Callum Ah Chee’s move to the backline enabled the Western Australian to get back to doing what he loves best, tormenting opposition defenders.

Martin has always been willing to sacrifice his own preferred position in order to help the side. But he revealed he approached Dew in the lead-up to Saturday’s 21.20 (146) to 11.11 (77) loss to the Demons to state his case for a return to the forward line.

“It’s where I like playing,”

Martin said.

“In the week against Brisbane I had to go back but I did have a chat to Stuey about it.

“He was pretty clear about it and I was quite clear where I

wanted to play. I just want to play my role for the team at the end of the day and that’s it.

“I just back myself in every contest. If the ball is there to be won I’ll go win it.

“It’s pretty simple, basic footy for me. I’m not overthinking it.”

The Suns players cut forlorn figures in the moments after a loss Martin said the side didn’t see coming.

The club will head to China for Saturday’s Round 9 game against Port Adelaide sitting in 14th at 3-5 and with the same number of wins as the last time they left for Shanghai.

Martin said it was a similar situation but he believed the club was in a better position internally than 2017.

“I can definitely see the changes,” Martin said.

“In the change room postmatch the boys were pretty flat but we have a bit trip to China so we will get ourselves up.”