The Sturt midfielder has been rewarded for a superb start to the 2009 season and was selected in the squad alongside fellow Double Blues players Jade Sheedy, Luke Crane, Brant Chambers and Tristan Gum, which will play against Western Australia in Perth on Saturday, May 23.

Martin said he did not expect to be selected in the 29-man squad.

“It didn’t really cross my mind too much, but it was a good surprise,” he said.

“It would be a good experience to play against Western Australia at Subiaco Oval.”

The 20-year-old said his good form this season was because of a great pre-season with Adelaide.

“I had a perfect pre-season,” he said.

“I feel like I’m fitting in well.

“My fitness and strength has gone up another level.”

Martin enjoyed a stand out performance during Adelaide’s 54-point loss to the Indigenous Allstars in a pre-season match, where he was named in the club’s best players.

His performance earned him a NAB Cup debut against Geelong.

Martin is focussed on performing each week for Sturt and trying to eventually push for rookie elevation and AFL selection.

“My short term goal is to keep performing at league level and put pressure on other players for a spot,” he said.

Martin was drafted onto the Crows’ rookie list at the start of last season, after some dominant performances on the wing for Sturt under 19s side during their finals campaign in 2007.

Last season he claimed best on ground honours in the Sturt reserves 30-point grand final victory over the Woodville-West Torrens Eagles.

Martin said he still went home to Meningie to catch up with family and friends when he got the chance. “I get back there when I can,” he said.

“I got over and had a look at the (Meningie) boys at Ramblers on Saturday.”

Martin will have to wait until the final 22-man State Team is selected on Wednesday, May 20, to see whether he has earned a place in the side.