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Suns have no regrets over Martin axing

3 minute read

Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew says he has no regrets over dumping star midfielder Jack Martin despite the Suns suffering a 91-point loss to Brisbane.

Senior coach STUART DEW
Senior coach STUART DEW Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

He may need all the help he can get but Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew is happy he dropped gun midfielder Jack Martin ahead of their 91-point AFL loss to arch rivals Brisbane at the Gabba.

The Suns are bound for the wooden spoon after their 16th straight loss, suffering a 91-point hammering from arch rivals the Lions at the Gabba on Saturday night.

There were many questions after the Suns' capitulation but the most pressing appeared to be why Dew had dumped livewire Martin for the AFL derby.

Especially after the off contract star notched 32 disposals, 11 tackles and two goals in a dominant NEAFL performance against Brisbane in the Gabba curtain-raiser.

But Dew had no regrets, saying Martin's omission had worked a treat on Saturday.

Dew added that Martin's dumping had nothing to do with his contract situation, saying he simply wanted a reaction from the midfielder after recent lacklustre form.

"We talked to Jack about his form...we brought him back in (last week against Collingwood) and we both agreed, Jack and us, that he had a poor game," Dew said.

"There has been some form issues for a fair while and we just thought we would break the cycle, and he did that which was really pleasing.

"I watched him play and he played well with power, particularly in the first half.

"No dramas, he will play next week."

Dew said big man Peter Wright would also return in next week's AFL clash with Hawthorn after a NEAFL stint.

Wright finished with 18 disposals and 22 hitouts against Brisbane's reserves on Saturday.

"With a lot of players, we are looking for that competitive effort and Pete was in that boat as well," Dew said.

"There are a lot of guys that have hung in there and we thought in this case it wouldn't hurt for him to go back."

Dew admitted they would need all hands on deck after their club record loss to Brisbane.

"Just before halftime in the second (quarter) we were within a couple of goals and then blink, 14 straight goals," Dew said of the loss inspired by Brisbane small forward Charlie Cameron, who had a career high six goals.

"Our effort tonight was really, really disappointing, but Brisbane were very impressive."

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