Martin’s future up in the air

GOLD Coast’s hopes of lifting themselves off the foot of the AFL ladder have taken a big blow with star midfielder Jack Martin dislocating a finger.

Martin, who is yet to recommit to Gold Coast as his contract nears its end and is linked to a shift to Victoria, has had surgery on the finger after dislocating it during Gold Coast’s 92-point loss to Richmond on Saturday.

With seven games left this year, there are fears Martin’s season – and even his stay at the Suns – could be over.

Suns physio Lindsay Bull revealed Martin’s injury was quite serious and his ability to return this season could not be determined without further assessment from a specialist.

“Jack’s dislocated his finger and has unfortunately needed surgery,” Bull said

“So he’ll have surgery today and after a couple more consultations post-surgery we’ll have a bit more of a time frame on Jack.”

The 186cm talent has played 96 games for the Suns and the injury looks to have ended his chances of reaching 100 before the end of the year.

Martin has averaged a career-high 18.8 disposals, 9.2 contested possessions and 3.6 clearances a game this year after increasing his time in the midfield further.

But the man taken with pick 1 of the 2012 mini-draft could be staring down the end of his time at the Suns as he weighs up whether to re-sign with the club who have lost 11 games straight and won three all year.

It was another shocking weekend for the Suns, with Wil Powell and forward Aaron Young suffering knee injuries.