CARLTON took home its biggest win of the season on Saturday night, producing the highest score of its season in the process.
Having 10 individual goalkickers for the second time this season (Round 1 being the other), the Blues piled on 17 goals at Marvel Stadium. It was the third time from just seven games that the Blues have surpassed the ton: equal to last year's full-season tally.
One player who has been an important part of that is Jack Martin, who continued his strong individual form from recent weeks.
After two goals against North Melbourne, Martin took his tally up to five goals in three games, while he has also contributed 20 score involvements in that block.
Martin attributed this to the likes of Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow getting the ball to ground, giving the small forwards an opportunity to get busy at their feet.
“It’s good fun when they don’t mark because half the time Harry is grabbing it and I’m running there for no reason,” Martin joked.
“[Harry and Charlie’s] roles are just to compete and bring the ball to ground and for the little guys, we just have to get to the fall of the ball and create a contest and win the pressure.”
With Curnow and McKay combining for 36 goals so far in the season, Martin has joined the likes of Patrick Cripps, Jack Silvagni and Matthew Owies as those hitting the scoreboard each week.
And while a fair portion of the key forwards' goals have come from the snap, Martin said he'd continue to back his teammates in provided it was an informed decision on game day.
“I’ll keep those for the pockets but the boys work on them throughout the week so they’re not just getting out there on game day and snapping them 40 metres in front,” he said.
“It’s whatever works for them.”
Martin and the Blues welcomed another of the West Australian contingent on the weekend, with Jack Carroll making his debut.
Martin said there wasn't much that can rattle the youngster, who got the Blues rolling with his first goal from his first kick.
“He’s a real calm, composed footballer,” he said.
“There were moments out there when he was able to get out of pressure and find a teammate: I think he’ll enjoy it and take a lot out of it.”
