Jack Martin | 2020 Season Review

Written by Joseph Addamo

Throughout the 2020 off-season, Blue Abroad will be providing content to cover everything you need to know about the Carlton Football Club.

After a largely improved season, we will be reviewing every player that pulled on the famous Navy Blue guernsey in 2020.

This is the Blue Abroad Player Review for Carlton’s #21 – Jack Martin.

SEASON SYNOPSIS

Eddie Betts for (essentially) nothing and Jack Martin for free! The football world has always been aware of Martin’s skillset and talent at AFL level, and he proved that he was arguably the best offseason acquisition in 2019 with his first year output in Navy Blue.

Among forwards across the AFL, Martin was ranked elite for effective disposals per game (9.7), marks (4.3) and score launches (1). He was also ranked above average for disposals (13.5), inside 50s (2.2), disposal efficiency (71.8%), ground ball gets (3.9), tackles (3.2), pressure acts (13.6), shots at goal (1.9) and score involvements (4.2).

If his debut Blue season is just a taste of what is to come, then there’s no telling where Martin’s ceiling is as a footballer. His impact as Carlton’s premier mid-forward connector is vital to the Blues’ ability to contend for a 2021 Finals berth.

BEST PERFORMANCE

Carlton fans did not have to wait long for Martin to show them what he looks like at his absolute best. In front of an empty MCG in the traditional Round 1 blockbuster opener against Richmond, Martin put on a one-man-show.

He led all-comers with 4 goals on the night to go with 17 disposals, 6 marks, 275 metres gained, 1 goal assist, 2 inside 50s and a game-high 10 score involvements. Although Carlton found themselves down by 50 points midway through the third term, Martin electrified from start to finish. He also polled 1 Brownlow vote for the performance.

It’s difficult for a player to continue and build on their performances when they start off with a bang, as Martin did in this game. However, throughout the season he highlighted to Blues fans that he’s not just a one-trick pony.

OFF-SEASON & 2021 OUTLOOK

After crossing to the Blues is the PSD in 2019, it was revealed Martin’s contract length was 5 years at which he’d earn approximately $3 million in that span. It was also revealed that up to an estimated $1 million of this deal was front-loaded into the first year of his contract in 2020 – a great deal for player and club when managing TPP moving forward.

Kicking 12 goals from 15 games in 2020 was adequate output for a player of Martin’s caliber. If he can add to his goal tally further in 2021, it will go a long way to sealing Carlton’s attacking fortunes week-to-week.

Martin played his 100th AFL game in the famous Round 3 win vs. Geelong. Speaking after the milestone and victory:

As a junior, you dream of playing one game. To play 100 definitely means a lot… I’m looking forward to the next 100. – Jack Martin, CFC Media.

So are we, Jack!

2020 REPORT CARD RATING

B

STATUS HEADING INTO 2021

Consistent Senior Player