Axed Carlton player and WA star Jack Martin signs Geelong deal as Quinton Narkle learns Fremantle Dockers fate

Axed Carlton star and West Australian product Jack Martin has officially signed with Geelong on a two-year deal. It marks the third AFL club for the former Gold Coast Sun and Blue, who will join the Cats as a delisted free agent. Martin — who was born in Broome and grew up in Geraldton — was cut from Carlton at the end of this season after playing 54 games across five years. But the former No.1 pick managed just three games in the navy blue in 2024. When he was able to get on the park, the 29-year-old has shown plenty of class, averaging more than 14 disposals, four marks and three tackles across his 151 AFL games. Martin will be hoping Geelong will be able to get his body right and get him back to playing his best football. “It feels good, I’m excited about the move and can’t wait to get stuck and meet everyone,” he said on Friday. “I think it’s just another chapter in my playing career it’s a great football club and I’m looking forward to it.” He will be a welcome addition to the Cats’ forward line, who lost Tom Hawkins to retirement and delisted Gary Rohan at season’s end. “We are really excited about the prospect of bringing Jack into our football club, he is an experienced player and a quality person. He has already settled into Geelong with his young family and we look forward to welcoming him into our football program,” Geelong general manager of football Andrew Mackie said. “He has already settled into Geelong with his young family and we look forward to welcoming him into our football program.” As reported by The West Australian last month, delisted forward Quinton Narkle is set to land at Fremantle after the draft. Narkle, who first played for Geelong, was axed by Port Adelaide at the end of the season, despite managing 13 games for the Power in 2024, including their preliminary final. He is also a close friend of new star Dockers recruit Shai Bolton and is married to Bolton’s cousin. With the Dockers looking to add talent through the draft, Narkle will reportedly be brought on board as a rookie through the AFL’s supplemental selection period.