Martin had 14 disposals as he alternated between half-forward and the midfield against the Bombers, and coach Guy McKenna said that was likely to change when the Suns travelled to Townsville this weekend.
Watch Jack Martin's first hit-out of 2014
After defeating Essendon by one point at Metricon Stadium, McKenna said Gold Coast would rest some of its midfield stars for Sunday's match against its Queensland rivals.
Captain Gary Ablett, vice-captains Michael Rischitelli and David Swallow, and NAB Rising Star winner Jaeger O'Meara will be among those to sit out.
This means more minutes in the middle for the likes of Martin, Jesse Lonergan and Harley Bennell, who will play his first match for the season after overcoming a calf niggle.
McKenna said it was ideal timing to rest some of his midfield prime movers.
"I don't think they need to (travel)," McKenna said.
"They've had a big pre-season. It's a travel, we do enough of that during the season."
Defender Seb Tape and No.5 draft pick Kade Kolodjashnij are two others likely to be included against the Lions.
Martin was solid without being spectacular against Essendon, with his four tackles showing the defensive side of his game.
He was good in tight spaces and McKenna said he would learn plenty ahead of round one of the premiership season.
"He certainly got his hands on the ball and tried to take the game on and got caught on a few occasions, and got away on some others," McKenna said.
He was also pleased with draftee Sean Lemmens before the dashing half-back was taken off with a knock to his shoulder, and second-year defender Clay Cameron.
McKenna also said Swallow would be stationed in the midfield for the majority of the season after being moved to half-back for long stretches of 2013.
"There might be some games where he might play half-back, but I think he's learning that maturity and composure to have a real impact for us through the midfield."
