Jack Martin can finally understand what the hype around Geelong is about.
The former Gold Coast and Carlton player joined the Cats on a two-year deal as a delisted free agent ahead of the 2025 season after the Blues delisted him.
Martin has been fraught with injuries throughout his entire career, spanning over a decade.
He played 97 games in six seasons for Gold Coast, before adding another 54 at Carlton in the five years following. Martin's only played over 20 matches twice in a season, and averages 12.92 outings a year.
The 30-year-old's career looked to be hanging by a thread after only three appearances in 2024 after a string of soft-tissue injuries, which ultimately led to Cartlon's decision to let him go.
But, as we've seen many times before, when one team falters, Geelong seizes the opportunity to excel.
The perpetually contending Cats took on the injury-prone prospect with little to no expectations, with the risk versus reward heavily favouring the latter.
"I think it has been a different approach to what I am used to, to what I have had previously," Martin said.
"At times, it has been a little bit frustrating. I felt like I could have played football a little sooner.
"But it was all about being patient and trying to get my body right, hopefully that holds me in good stead in the back half of the season.
"I think in the past, I have just wanted to come back and play football. I think this time around, the Cats tend to play finals most years statistically, so it was all about being patient and getting my body right."
Over the past month, Geelong has unveiled its newest weapon, with Martin, who traditionally has played forward and wing, being deployed in defence to good effect.
The classy right-footer gathered 25 disposals against Richmond, his fourth-highest tally across his 155 games.
Martin's inclusion joins a long contingent of left-field selections that have seemingly improved Chris Scott's list.
Mark Blicavs. Tom Atkins. Tom Stewart. Shaun Mannagh. Tyson Stengle. Lawson Humphries. Brad Close. Mark O'Connor. Ollie Dempsey. Oisin Mullin.
From rival codes, second-tier competitions and overseas, the Cats consistently find diamonds in the rough.
Their impressive list management is enhanced by the enviable culture that is down the highway, which has players and staff lining up to walk through the doors at Kardinia Park.
"In terms of culture, I think Geelong gives you a fair bit of autonomy," Martin said.
"Being able to run your own program, making sure you are in and getting your work done.
"The work-life balance here, you are in and out, which means you are able to spend a bit more time with your family.
"You actually look forward to coming into the footy club and being at work, so that is probably the differences I have noticed since getting here."
The Cats are sitting pretty in fourth after 16 rounds, and are tipped to remain in the shot of the top four given their relatively easy run home.
Despite a tough match-up with GWS at Engie Stadium this weekend, games against St Kilda, North Melbourne, Port Adelaide, Essendon, Sydney (away) and Richmond await, with only one trip outside of Victoria to come.
