Injury has set back contract talks for Jack Martin as Blue was late out last week

Former Towns Bulldog Jack Martin has faced another injury setback with a calf strain, which has delayed his contract talks with Carlton. Martin has appeared in just one game for the Blues this season after a pre-season hamstring and soft tissue injury. He suited up in round nine and kicked an early goal but was a late out during Carlton’s 9.11 (65) to 17.15 (117) loss to Sydney last week. The Mid West talent is out of contract at the end of 2024, with him being in the final season of a five-year deal. His latest injury has put off contract talks until the back end of the season, reported the Herald Sun’s Glenn MacFarlane. The calf strain has left Martin sidelined once again and he has begun rehab, with a timeline for his return to become clear next week. That leaves Northampton’s Patrick Cripps down another teammate as they face the Gold Coast Suns at Marvel Stadium in the early Saturday game. Cripps had a down performance last week on an otherwise solid season for the skipper, who has certainly been tallying Brownlow Medal votes throughout the season. In the past, the former Ram has performed well against the Suns, with Cripps kicking three goals against them during their round 14 clash last season. With the absence of Martin, it could see Chapman Valley’s Jack Carroll called up again after he was made the sub last week. Carroll started the season playing a pure mid role but has seen time up forward in recent appearances when in the league side. He was subbed into the game during the third quarter last week for injured defender Jacob Weitering, where he had nine disposals, three tackles, three clearances and a goal assist. Friday night has the reigning premiers in Collingwood travelling to WA where they will take on Walyalup (Fremantle). Dongara born Jaeger O’Meara was the surprise star late during the Dockers win over Euro-Yroke (St Kilda) when he kicked two goals in the fourth quarter to help get them over the line. The veteran said his form slump to start the season came from adjusting to a role with which he is unfamiliar. “I’ve probably been in the worst form of my career to be honest to start the year, but I’m playing a completely different role,” O’Meara said. “The wing is new to me. I’ve been a ball hunter for my whole career and playing as an inside mid. “On the wing, you have to hold back to hold balance. At the start of the year, that was tricky for me. I’m getting used to it a little bit more. I’m slowly building week by week. Hopefully it can click for me soon.” The rest of the Mid West talent feature in the Sunday slate of games, with an up-and-about Waalitj Marawar (West Coast) side taking on Kuwarna (Adelaide). The Eagles are coming off a big 16.9 (105) to 10.10 (70) win against Narrm (Melbourne) at home. Rovers export Liam Ryan looked the best he has all season since returning from injury, going back to his high-flying assault that had been missing from his game, and booted two goals. Northampton’s Jamie Cripps played one of his best games this year, with a season high 22 disposals, 15 kicks and seven marks, along with adding another goal to his name. Demons defender and second-year Mid West product Judd McVee will take on the Saints. McVee will have his work cut out for him with fellow defender Jake Lever being sidelined for the next month, as the Demons look to pick up after their loss to the Eagles. Thursday night saw Bulldogs take on Sydney, with former Coorow-Latham forward Logan McDonald appearing for the top side Swans.