An “excited” Geelong recruit has opened up on his exit from his former club, while the Brisbane Lions’ new key forward isn’t trying to “replace” Joe Daniher.
Watch every ball of Australia v India LIVE & ad-break free during play in 4K on Kayo | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.
Geelong recruit Jack Martin is targeting an Opening Round club debut against the Brisbane Lions as he gets his feet underneath him at his third club.
WHAT ARE YOU PREPARED TO LOSE TODAY? SET A DEPOSIT LIMIT. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
The 29-year-old has battled soft-tissue hindrances throughout his career but will hoping luck falls his way in his maiden season with the Cats in 2025.
“I’ve got a little bit excited, so I’ve just been trying to cool my jets, but there’s a lot of talent down there (at the Cats),” Martin said on Monday in Geelong.
The 151-gamer, who was delisted by Carlton this off-season, shared details of his Princes Park exit.
“There (weren’t) many chats throughout the year, to be honest, so I sort of expected it — the writing was sort of on the wall,” he told reporters.
“(My) manager was working in the background, the Cats popped up, and (it’s) something I’m forever grateful for.”
The West Australian forward was limited to three senior appearances this year after hamstring and calf injuries derailed his season but will hope to immediately bolster a Geelong attack that already boasts All-Australian premiership players Jeremy Cameron and Tyson Stengle.
North Melbourne ‘Sick of losing’ | 02:00
Meanwhile, at Brisbane, veteran key forward Sam Day isn’t trying to emulate retired premiership star Joe Daniher — despite arriving with external expectations.
One of the inaugural Gold Coast Suns, Day played 155 games across an injury-interrupted 14-year tenure in Carrara before joining Queensland rivals Brisbane as a pre-season draftee in November.
“Obviously big Joey’s moved on. I’ll have to thank him if I can find him, I think he’s gone off-grid,” the 32-year-old said on Monday.
“Replace is an interesting word. I don’t know if we can ever replace Joey.
“He is a pretty special athlete and footballer and much loved around the club. I never knew him personally, but just the way the guys talk about him, he was such a special guy for them.
“I’m just looking forward to being my own player. Hopefully, I can come in and make the rest of the guys around me better.”
Day booted 10 goals from five senior appearances at the Suns this season, but he will be hoping to string some games together, having not managed more than six AFL games in a single season since he played17 in 2020.