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Dustin Martin
- Thread starter Rosy
- Start date
Nah, they want him to keep playing so they can keep saying he may be about to retire.
Never has a prophecy, in terms of footy, been so fulfilled.
“I reckon I was born to play AFL,” Dustin Martin said.
He was 17 then. He was shy and carefully spoken, which has never left him, and clearly had a lashing of youthful haughtiness.
To look at him then, he had a softish face and body, far removed from the chiselled rig of 15 seasons in the big league, and he was taller than what you thought a teenage onballer would be. They all are.
Yet, it was the self-confidence that triggers the memory. And the fact this kid, on this day, harboured boyish hopes and dreams that, over time, would materialise into the phenomenon called “Dusty”.
Born to play AFL? Nah, it would be much bigger than that.
We spoke two weeks ahead of the 2009 national draft, which was a day, unbeknown to everyone, that would transform Richmond from a bedraggled football club to a dynastic powerhouse.
The kid from Castlemaine – Dustin Martin.
Martin arrived for his only pre-draft interview – in the lounge of Bendigo’s Reservoir Hotel – in the car of Bendigo Pioneers under-18s coach Mark Ellis.
Ellis said Martin was nervous.
“Like any young bloke that has got an ability to play footy, he was nervous about the draft,’’ Ellis said this week. “In some ways, he was no different than what he is now. He was very shy, but felt very comfortable playing footy. He went to the interview not knowing what to expect. At the time, he was very reluctant to talk. It was just a whirlwind for him.’’
Martin hadn’t sat for a media interview previously – and to be honest, not that many since – and was probably wary of what he was to be asked.
Like, why did he leave school when was 15? Only weeks before, Port Adelaide had probed him about exactly that at its pre-draft interview.
“I think I was talking to Port Adelaide and they asked me about when I left school and stuff like that,” Martin said at the time. “Sometimes I’m a little bit embarrassed to say I left that early, but, yeah, Port Adelaide asked me if I was dumb and I said no.”
They said dumb?
“Yeah.”
Harsh?
“I don’t mind.”
Reading that interview again, it was cringe from Port Adelaide.
“I had heard that about Port Adelaide,’’ Ellis said. “But I didn’t talk to him about his draft interview because it was pretty evident he was going to go, it was just a matter of where. I knew Richmond used to come and watch him train (at the Queen Elizabeth Oval in Bendigo) and sit on the other side of the ground. They were doing their due diligence.’’
And dominating for Castlemaine in 2008.
If Martin thought others thought he was uneducated because he didn’t progress past Year 10, Ellis never detected it.
“There was definitely a street-smartness about him, in a good way,’’ Ellis said. “He was very comfortable around people he knew. He was just very comfortable in a footy environment and playing footy. His expression on the ground was a bit different to him off the ground. He always had this unwavering confidence he could play.’’
Ellis coached Martin for half of a season in his bottom-age year at the Pioneers and for all of his top-age year.
In the first year, 2008, Martin played seniors at Castlemaine and also at the Pioneers.
“I can remember Ray Byrne, the regional talent manager, told me to go and have a look at Dustin play,’’ Ellis said. “I can’t remember who they were playing, but it was Castlemaine playing at the Camp Reserve. I will remember this forever. I remember where I was standing. I rang Ray back at halftime and I said, ‘I’m coming home, I’ve seen enough’. I reckon Dusty kicked four or five (goals) to halftime as a 16-year-old. I tell you, I was standing on the wing at the Camp Reserve, the far wing, and I walked away thinking, ‘Gee, this boy could play’.’’
Byrne, a 219-game player at Carlton, Collingwood and Geelong, and who also hailed from Bendigo, also recalled Martin playing for Castlemaine.
“I remember down at Gisborne, a dirty, stinky, wet day at Gisborne,’’ Byrne told Breakfast With Harf on RSN. “He was only 16, he absolutely dominated. He played like a seasoned player.’’
Martin flourished in the Pioneers’ program. Ellis played him in the midfield – “and wherever he wanted to play’’ he quipped – and said Martin loved the environment – the people, the change rooms, the training.
“He wasn’t hard to coach, he just loved playing footy,’’ Ellis said. “We used to always try to allow players to play on instinct because that’s what’s going to get them drafted.
“When they get to a club they sometimes get changed, but he didn’t. He’d get to training, be one of the first out on the track, and he’d be kicking all different kicks. He’d be kicking different kicks before they became in fashion.’’
Martin with his dad and mum after his name was called out in the 2009 national draft. Picture: Michael Dodge
Martin’s burgeoning trademark fend-off was victimised in the under-18 competition.
“He was doing the fend-offs and don’t argues and the umpires were penalising him,’’ Ellis said. “People came to me and said, ‘You’ve got to stop him from doing this’. (Umpires) were getting him for high contact or pushing (because) I don’t think they had seen it before.
“But there was no way known I was taking that out of him. He got a bit frustrated by it, but our theory at the time was to keep playing like you’re playing, mate.
“The thing is, he played on instinct. There’s no way that you could take that out of him.
“He had this knack of being able to play really good footy.
“You go forward to him being drafted and to Richmond’s credit, I reckon they thought, well, we’ve got something pretty special here, and you’d have to ask others, but he probably wasn’t reined-in, (in) terms of being structured.
“I think 17 other (players) were happy to cover for what he could do. It’s a masterstroke by them (Richmond), and it’s great coaching to allow an individual to be an individual if it’s going to help both the individual and the team. And that’s what it did.’’
At 17, Martin was compared to Joel Selwood, who was just 21 at the time, and St Kilda’s tough-nut midfielder Lenny Hayes. He was described as an inside player who won his own ball, was accomplished outside and who liked to bust tackles.
“I like Lenny Hayes and Joel Selwood,” Martin said in that first interview.
“Joel is definitely similar to the way I want to play; just the way he wins the footy, gets it out, gets it again, his decision-making and vision, and without the footy, he’s really good.”
Byrne said Martin was the “best that’s come through’’ the Pioneers.
Martin on debut against the Blues in the opening round of 2010. Picture: Martin Philbey
And after the 2017 grand final triumph. Picture: David Caird
“Joel Selwood was another who was very good, but Dusty was ready-made,’’ Byrne said.
Asked this week what it was he most admired about Martin, Selwood said he remembered being asked by Ellis to meet the teenager in a cafe near the Queen Elizabeth Oval in Bendigo.
“I had a coffee and a chat with a polite, appreciative kid that loved the game,’’ Selwood said.
As a player, he said Martin had an “art very few have’’.
“If he’s close, you go out of the way to give it to him to make something happen,” Selwood said. “Dusty’s mind worked faster on the field than anyone else’s.”
Hayes said Martin had “inspired a whole generation’’.
“It’s the combination of brute power and skill, the precision and penetration with his kicking and the burst of speed and the fend-off,” Hayes said. “No one has been better in the big moments. I also admire that he has been true to himself and done it his way.’’
A concoction of playing and coaching legends this week spoke of Martin’s ability to make moments count. The greats all have that quality. When the moment arrives and when other players don’t want the ball for fear of making a mistake, it’s these moments that make players champions. They want the ball in their hands.
Martin celebrates with Trent Cotchin and Dion Prestia in the 2019 decider. Picture: AAP Image/Michael Dodge
SI: Score involvements
MR: Match ranking
The AFL Season Guide says Martin was among Richmond’s best players in 11 of 13 finals played from 2017-22. He won the Norm Smith Medal in 2017, 2019 and 2020.
Champion Data’s player rankings had Martin No.1 in the 2017 grand final, No.3 in 2019 behind Heath Shaw and Tim Taranto, and No.2 in 2020 behind Jayden Short.
Ranking points are only a guide, but it’s arguable Martin was best on ground in all three of Richmond’s 2017 finals, the 2018 qualifying final, the 2019 qualifying final and grand final, and three of the Tigers’ four finals in 2020. That’s nine of 13 in that stretch.
Ellis has watched Martin’s career, as we all have, and been mesmerised by his September feats.
Ellis played a small role, he said, and wants to believe that Martin is still the humble and respectful young lad he had under his wing at the Pioneers.
“It was a privilege,’’ he said.
“I’ll tell you this, when my mum died, and I hadn’t spoken to Dusty a hell of a lot. He was drafted in 2009 and my mum died in 2013, and I got a text from him.
“I don’t know how he found out or who told him, but he sent me a text saying sorry to hear about Mum dying. You don’t forget that. Regardless of how much dialogue I have with him now, that was from a 22-year-old. I’ll never forget that.’’
Martin with fellow Richmond 300 game players Kevin Bartlett, Shane Edwards, Trent Cotchin, Jack Riewoldt and Francis Bourke. Picture: Michael Willson
“I reckon I was born to play AFL,” Dustin Martin said.
He was 17 then. He was shy and carefully spoken, which has never left him, and clearly had a lashing of youthful haughtiness.
To look at him then, he had a softish face and body, far removed from the chiselled rig of 15 seasons in the big league, and he was taller than what you thought a teenage onballer would be. They all are.
Yet, it was the self-confidence that triggers the memory. And the fact this kid, on this day, harboured boyish hopes and dreams that, over time, would materialise into the phenomenon called “Dusty”.
Born to play AFL? Nah, it would be much bigger than that.
We spoke two weeks ahead of the 2009 national draft, which was a day, unbeknown to everyone, that would transform Richmond from a bedraggled football club to a dynastic powerhouse.
The kid from Castlemaine – Dustin Martin.
Martin arrived for his only pre-draft interview – in the lounge of Bendigo’s Reservoir Hotel – in the car of Bendigo Pioneers under-18s coach Mark Ellis.
Ellis said Martin was nervous.
“Like any young bloke that has got an ability to play footy, he was nervous about the draft,’’ Ellis said this week. “In some ways, he was no different than what he is now. He was very shy, but felt very comfortable playing footy. He went to the interview not knowing what to expect. At the time, he was very reluctant to talk. It was just a whirlwind for him.’’
Martin hadn’t sat for a media interview previously – and to be honest, not that many since – and was probably wary of what he was to be asked.
Like, why did he leave school when was 15? Only weeks before, Port Adelaide had probed him about exactly that at its pre-draft interview.
“I think I was talking to Port Adelaide and they asked me about when I left school and stuff like that,” Martin said at the time. “Sometimes I’m a little bit embarrassed to say I left that early, but, yeah, Port Adelaide asked me if I was dumb and I said no.”
They said dumb?
“Yeah.”
Harsh?
“I don’t mind.”
Reading that interview again, it was cringe from Port Adelaide.
“I had heard that about Port Adelaide,’’ Ellis said. “But I didn’t talk to him about his draft interview because it was pretty evident he was going to go, it was just a matter of where. I knew Richmond used to come and watch him train (at the Queen Elizabeth Oval in Bendigo) and sit on the other side of the ground. They were doing their due diligence.’’
And dominating for Castlemaine in 2008.
If Martin thought others thought he was uneducated because he didn’t progress past Year 10, Ellis never detected it.
“There was definitely a street-smartness about him, in a good way,’’ Ellis said. “He was very comfortable around people he knew. He was just very comfortable in a footy environment and playing footy. His expression on the ground was a bit different to him off the ground. He always had this unwavering confidence he could play.’’
Ellis coached Martin for half of a season in his bottom-age year at the Pioneers and for all of his top-age year.
In the first year, 2008, Martin played seniors at Castlemaine and also at the Pioneers.
“I can remember Ray Byrne, the regional talent manager, told me to go and have a look at Dustin play,’’ Ellis said. “I can’t remember who they were playing, but it was Castlemaine playing at the Camp Reserve. I will remember this forever. I remember where I was standing. I rang Ray back at halftime and I said, ‘I’m coming home, I’ve seen enough’. I reckon Dusty kicked four or five (goals) to halftime as a 16-year-old. I tell you, I was standing on the wing at the Camp Reserve, the far wing, and I walked away thinking, ‘Gee, this boy could play’.’’
Byrne, a 219-game player at Carlton, Collingwood and Geelong, and who also hailed from Bendigo, also recalled Martin playing for Castlemaine.
“I remember down at Gisborne, a dirty, stinky, wet day at Gisborne,’’ Byrne told Breakfast With Harf on RSN. “He was only 16, he absolutely dominated. He played like a seasoned player.’’
Martin flourished in the Pioneers’ program. Ellis played him in the midfield – “and wherever he wanted to play’’ he quipped – and said Martin loved the environment – the people, the change rooms, the training.
“He wasn’t hard to coach, he just loved playing footy,’’ Ellis said. “We used to always try to allow players to play on instinct because that’s what’s going to get them drafted.
“When they get to a club they sometimes get changed, but he didn’t. He’d get to training, be one of the first out on the track, and he’d be kicking all different kicks. He’d be kicking different kicks before they became in fashion.’’
Martin with his dad and mum after his name was called out in the 2009 national draft. Picture: Michael Dodge
Martin’s burgeoning trademark fend-off was victimised in the under-18 competition.
“He was doing the fend-offs and don’t argues and the umpires were penalising him,’’ Ellis said. “People came to me and said, ‘You’ve got to stop him from doing this’. (Umpires) were getting him for high contact or pushing (because) I don’t think they had seen it before.
“But there was no way known I was taking that out of him. He got a bit frustrated by it, but our theory at the time was to keep playing like you’re playing, mate.
“The thing is, he played on instinct. There’s no way that you could take that out of him.
“He had this knack of being able to play really good footy.
“You go forward to him being drafted and to Richmond’s credit, I reckon they thought, well, we’ve got something pretty special here, and you’d have to ask others, but he probably wasn’t reined-in, (in) terms of being structured.
“I think 17 other (players) were happy to cover for what he could do. It’s a masterstroke by them (Richmond), and it’s great coaching to allow an individual to be an individual if it’s going to help both the individual and the team. And that’s what it did.’’
At 17, Martin was compared to Joel Selwood, who was just 21 at the time, and St Kilda’s tough-nut midfielder Lenny Hayes. He was described as an inside player who won his own ball, was accomplished outside and who liked to bust tackles.
“I like Lenny Hayes and Joel Selwood,” Martin said in that first interview.
“Joel is definitely similar to the way I want to play; just the way he wins the footy, gets it out, gets it again, his decision-making and vision, and without the footy, he’s really good.”
Byrne said Martin was the “best that’s come through’’ the Pioneers.
Martin on debut against the Blues in the opening round of 2010. Picture: Martin Philbey
And after the 2017 grand final triumph. Picture: David Caird
“Joel Selwood was another who was very good, but Dusty was ready-made,’’ Byrne said.
Asked this week what it was he most admired about Martin, Selwood said he remembered being asked by Ellis to meet the teenager in a cafe near the Queen Elizabeth Oval in Bendigo.
“I had a coffee and a chat with a polite, appreciative kid that loved the game,’’ Selwood said.
As a player, he said Martin had an “art very few have’’.
“If he’s close, you go out of the way to give it to him to make something happen,” Selwood said. “Dusty’s mind worked faster on the field than anyone else’s.”
Hayes said Martin had “inspired a whole generation’’.
“It’s the combination of brute power and skill, the precision and penetration with his kicking and the burst of speed and the fend-off,” Hayes said. “No one has been better in the big moments. I also admire that he has been true to himself and done it his way.’’
A concoction of playing and coaching legends this week spoke of Martin’s ability to make moments count. The greats all have that quality. When the moment arrives and when other players don’t want the ball for fear of making a mistake, it’s these moments that make players champions. They want the ball in their hands.
Martin celebrates with Trent Cotchin and Dion Prestia in the 2019 decider. Picture: AAP Image/Michael Dodge
MR SEPTEMBER
Dustin Martin’s output in his 16 finals for Richmond.| Match | Opp | Disp | Goals | SI | MR | Result |
| 2022 | ||||||
| EF | Bris | 15 | 1 | 4 | #26 | L |
| 2020 | ||||||
| GF | Geel | 21 | 4 | 9 | #2 | W |
| PF | Port | 21 | 2 | 6 | #3 | W |
| SF | StK | 25 | 1 | 9 | #3 | W |
| QF | Bris | 18 | 0 | 4 | #19 | L |
| 2019 | ||||||
| GF | GWS | 22 | 4 | 8 | #3 | W |
| PF | Geel | 22 | 2 | 9 | #10 | W |
| QF | Bris | 14 | 6 | 10 | #4 | W |
| 2018 | ||||||
| PF | C'wood | 19 | 0 | 7 | #37 | L |
| QF | Haw | 29 | 1 | 10 | #2 | W |
| 2017 | ||||||
| GF | Adel | 29 | 2 | 9 | #1 | W |
| PF | GWS | 20 | 3 | 13 | #6 | W |
| QF | Geel | 28 | 0 | 12 | #1 | W |
| 2015 | ||||||
| EF | Nth Melb | 21 | 0 | 2 | #25 | L |
| 2014 | ||||||
| EF | Port | 29 | 0 | 9 | #14 | L |
| 2013 | ||||||
| EF | Carl | 19 | 1 | 7 | #28 | L |
MR: Match ranking
The AFL Season Guide says Martin was among Richmond’s best players in 11 of 13 finals played from 2017-22. He won the Norm Smith Medal in 2017, 2019 and 2020.
Champion Data’s player rankings had Martin No.1 in the 2017 grand final, No.3 in 2019 behind Heath Shaw and Tim Taranto, and No.2 in 2020 behind Jayden Short.
Ranking points are only a guide, but it’s arguable Martin was best on ground in all three of Richmond’s 2017 finals, the 2018 qualifying final, the 2019 qualifying final and grand final, and three of the Tigers’ four finals in 2020. That’s nine of 13 in that stretch.
Ellis has watched Martin’s career, as we all have, and been mesmerised by his September feats.
Ellis played a small role, he said, and wants to believe that Martin is still the humble and respectful young lad he had under his wing at the Pioneers.
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“It was a privilege,’’ he said.
“I’ll tell you this, when my mum died, and I hadn’t spoken to Dusty a hell of a lot. He was drafted in 2009 and my mum died in 2013, and I got a text from him.
“I don’t know how he found out or who told him, but he sent me a text saying sorry to hear about Mum dying. You don’t forget that. Regardless of how much dialogue I have with him now, that was from a 22-year-old. I’ll never forget that.’’
Martin with fellow Richmond 300 game players Kevin Bartlett, Shane Edwards, Trent Cotchin, Jack Riewoldt and Francis Bourke. Picture: Michael Willson
WHAT DO YOU MOST ADMIRE ABOUT DUSTIN MARTIN?
Jason Dunstall: The ability to inspire those around him. To handle the moment and to make that moment his.Brendon Gale: His strength and composure allows him to see a range of options, pick the best one and bring players into the game. He makes players and teams better. To me that is his most enduring attribute and it has been consistently displayed in the biggest games on the biggest stages.
John Longmire: If not the best, close to the best, one-v-one player I’ve seen. If an opponent was able to get a neutral result out of any contest, we’d celebrate like it was the biggest win of the day. Unstoppable when on.
Mick Malthouse: Never seen him complain or question an umpire’s decision or a poor delivery from a teammate. He just gets on with it and quietly celebrates a teammate’s success.
Wayne Carey: Champion. Match winner not an accumulator.
Mark Williams: He is humble, caring, driven and once in the Family ALWAYS in the Family.
James Hird: His greatest qualities are his power and poise under pressure and his ability to perform in big games. His connection with Richmond fans is as strong as any player I’ve seen with a group of supporters.
Chris Scott: The obvious answer is how good he was in the big games and in the big moments. I admire that, but the bit I like most is that he seemed to do it on his terms. He was the best player in the game when players were expected to give more of their private lives. He resisted.
Tony Shaw: No player in AFL/VFL history has performed on the biggest stage as Dusty has. To achieve what he has in a very unconventional manner has been both refreshing and intriguing. Welcome to the 300 club.
Gill McLachlan: Maybe the greatest clutch player ever, who was consistently a gentle, polite man who I liked very much.
Shane Crawford: What a player – SUPERSTAR. Dusty’s been an absolute joy to watch. He has to be the best big-game player to have played. His Brownlow year, 2017, was the highest level of performance I’ve seen from a player week-in, week-out, not to mention the grand finals. Go easy on my Hawks this week, please Dusty. Well played.
Tony Lockett: One of the best I’ve seen. Great to watch.
Mark Thompson: Dusty has the ability very few men can perform and that is to blow the game apart for a period of time, where the opposition can’t stop him winning crucial contests and apply scoreboard pressure. Once or twice could be luck but Dustin has performed this on too many occasions for it to be luck. He’s been great for Richmond and great for the AFL but not so good for opposition coaches or the poor buggers who had to play on him when he turned it on.
Stephen Silvagni: His ability to perform at the highest level consistently and more importantly to do it on the days that matters most. Three premierships and three Norm Smith Medals says it all.
Ross Lyon: He is the greatest grand final performer of the modern era. Delivered acts of power and skill under the fiercest heat in big moments to help propel his team to greatness. Withstanding that, he is one of the most humble and caring players I have encountered off the field.
Chris Judd: The thing I admire most about him is his ability to internalise pressure and produce in big moments. Best big game/moment player I’ve seen.
Mark Ricciuto: Our whole family loves Dusty. The way he plays, his fend-offs, his goals, his performance in big games, and we like him because he is quiet and just lets his footy do the talking. My boys have his haircut. Rocco even barracked for Richmond and had the No.4 on his back and to top it off we named our cat Dusty!
Greg Williams: The kid from Castlemaine. I didn’t think he would be a star, he had too many tattoos for my liking. But how wrong I was. The fend, great kick, kicked huge goals when needed. And he was a great mark one-v-one. Dusty only won one Brownlow, and with 36 votes. Wow! Oh, I nearly forgot, a three-time Norm Smith medallist. Get your head around that. Impossible, but not for Martin.
Kevin Bartlett: Dustin’s ability to play well in big games makes him a modern-day great. He played a major role in lifting the spirits of the Tiger army, winning premierships after a 37- year drought. That brought enormous enjoyment to fans. Three hundred games is a wonderful milestone for a wonderfully dedicated player achieving excellence.
Ken Hinkley: There’s nothing better than watching big-game players and Dusty is as good a big-game player we have seen. Three Norm Smiths … no need to say anymore. Freak.
Stephen Kernahan: Always loved the ‘Don’t Argue’ and I think it’s fair to say Dusty performed pretty well in September! What a star!
Simon Black: His will & ability to drag his team with him has been quite something. The big games and big moments you sense he just relishes and he comes into his own. I love how he wins and uses the ball so well through the middle of the ground and then goes forward, like not many, to take contested marks, snap brilliant goals and have an enormous impact for his team. I’ve admired him greatly.
Mike Sheahan: Leigh Matthews picked his three best players of the 21st century last weekend and didn’t include Dusty. It was one of those rare occasions I remember thinking Leigh had missed the mark. Dusty has captured the hearts of everyone at Tigerland and the admiration of the rest of us. He is a genuine champion … in my best three in yellow and black post the Captain Blood era. They are Bartlett, Hart and Martin … that’s in alphabetical order.
Dane Swan: His loyalty to his family, friends and football club is what I admire the most. He has never once worried about external views on himself but only cared about helping his team win and helping/seeing his family and friends do well in life.
Kevin Sheedy: Watching Dusty Martin is why AFL is the greatest game on the planet. The coolness of Federer, the skills of Ronaldo and the knockout punch of Ali.
A rare moment of magnanimity from Salty. Chuckle. Lethal has totally misread the room on this one.WHAT DO YOU MOST ADMIRE ABOUT DUSTIN MARTIN?
Jason Dunstall: The ability to inspire those around him. To handle the moment and to make that moment his.
Brendon Gale: His strength and composure allows him to see a range of options, pick the best one and bring players into the game. He makes players and teams better. To me that is his most enduring attribute and it has been consistently displayed in the biggest games on the biggest stages.
John Longmire: If not the best, close to the best, one-v-one player I’ve seen. If an opponent was able to get a neutral result out of any contest, we’d celebrate like it was the biggest win of the day. Unstoppable when on.
Mick Malthouse: Never seen him complain or question an umpire’s decision or a poor delivery from a teammate. He just gets on with it and quietly celebrates a teammate’s success.
Wayne Carey: Champion. Match winner not an accumulator.
Mark Williams: He is humble, caring, driven and once in the Family ALWAYS in the Family.
James Hird: His greatest qualities are his power and poise under pressure and his ability to perform in big games. His connection with Richmond fans is as strong as any player I’ve seen with a group of supporters.
Chris Scott: The obvious answer is how good he was in the big games and in the big moments. I admire that, but the bit I like most is that he seemed to do it on his terms. He was the best player in the game when players were expected to give more of their private lives. He resisted.
Tony Shaw: No player in AFL/VFL history has performed on the biggest stage as Dusty has. To achieve what he has in a very unconventional manner has been both refreshing and intriguing. Welcome to the 300 club.
Gill McLachlan: Maybe the greatest clutch player ever, who was consistently a gentle, polite man who I liked very much.
Shane Crawford: What a player – SUPERSTAR. Dusty’s been an absolute joy to watch. He has to be the best big-game player to have played. His Brownlow year, 2017, was the highest level of performance I’ve seen from a player week-in, week-out, not to mention the grand finals. Go easy on my Hawks this week, please Dusty. Well played.
Tony Lockett: One of the best I’ve seen. Great to watch.
Mark Thompson: Dusty has the ability very few men can perform and that is to blow the game apart for a period of time, where the opposition can’t stop him winning crucial contests and apply scoreboard pressure. Once or twice could be luck but Dustin has performed this on too many occasions for it to be luck. He’s been great for Richmond and great for the AFL but not so good for opposition coaches or the poor buggers who had to play on him when he turned it on.
Stephen Silvagni: His ability to perform at the highest level consistently and more importantly to do it on the days that matters most. Three premierships and three Norm Smith Medals says it all.
Ross Lyon: He is the greatest grand final performer of the modern era. Delivered acts of power and skill under the fiercest heat in big moments to help propel his team to greatness. Withstanding that, he is one of the most humble and caring players I have encountered off the field.
Chris Judd: The thing I admire most about him is his ability to internalise pressure and produce in big moments. Best big game/moment player I’ve seen.
Mark Ricciuto: Our whole family loves Dusty. The way he plays, his fend-offs, his goals, his performance in big games, and we like him because he is quiet and just lets his footy do the talking. My boys have his haircut. Rocco even barracked for Richmond and had the No.4 on his back and to top it off we named our cat Dusty!
Greg Williams: The kid from Castlemaine. I didn’t think he would be a star, he had too many tattoos for my liking. But how wrong I was. The fend, great kick, kicked huge goals when needed. And he was a great mark one-v-one. Dusty only won one Brownlow, and with 36 votes. Wow! Oh, I nearly forgot, a three-time Norm Smith medallist. Get your head around that. Impossible, but not for Martin.
Kevin Bartlett: Dustin’s ability to play well in big games makes him a modern-day great. He played a major role in lifting the spirits of the Tiger army, winning premierships after a 37- year drought. That brought enormous enjoyment to fans. Three hundred games is a wonderful milestone for a wonderfully dedicated player achieving excellence.
Ken Hinkley: There’s nothing better than watching big-game players and Dusty is as good a big-game player we have seen. Three Norm Smiths … no need to say anymore. Freak.
Stephen Kernahan: Always loved the ‘Don’t Argue’ and I think it’s fair to say Dusty performed pretty well in September! What a star!
Simon Black: His will & ability to drag his team with him has been quite something. The big games and big moments you sense he just relishes and he comes into his own. I love how he wins and uses the ball so well through the middle of the ground and then goes forward, like not many, to take contested marks, snap brilliant goals and have an enormous impact for his team. I’ve admired him greatly.
Mike Sheahan: Leigh Matthews picked his three best players of the 21st century last weekend and didn’t include Dusty. It was one of those rare occasions I remember thinking Leigh had missed the mark. Dusty has captured the hearts of everyone at Tigerland and the admiration of the rest of us. He is a genuine champion … in my best three in yellow and black post the Captain Blood era. They are Bartlett, Hart and Martin … that’s in alphabetical order.
Dane Swan: His loyalty to his family, friends and football club is what I admire the most. He has never once worried about external views on himself but only cared about helping his team win and helping/seeing his family and friends do well in life.
Kevin Sheedy: Watching Dusty Martin is why AFL is the greatest game on the planet. The coolness of Federer, the skills of Ronaldo and the knockout punch of Ali.
Nice and accurate touch by our former back pocket plumber!WHAT DO YOU MOST ADMIRE ABOUT DUSTIN MARTIN?
Jason Dunstall: The ability to inspire those around him. To handle the moment and to make that moment his.
Brendon Gale: His strength and composure allows him to see a range of options, pick the best one and bring players into the game. He makes players and teams better. To me that is his most enduring attribute and it has been consistently displayed in the biggest games on the biggest stages.
John Longmire: If not the best, close to the best, one-v-one player I’ve seen. If an opponent was able to get a neutral result out of any contest, we’d celebrate like it was the biggest win of the day. Unstoppable when on.
Mick Malthouse: Never seen him complain or question an umpire’s decision or a poor delivery from a teammate. He just gets on with it and quietly celebrates a teammate’s success.
Wayne Carey: Champion. Match winner not an accumulator.
Mark Williams: He is humble, caring, driven and once in the Family ALWAYS in the Family.
James Hird: His greatest qualities are his power and poise under pressure and his ability to perform in big games. His connection with Richmond fans is as strong as any player I’ve seen with a group of supporters.
Chris Scott: The obvious answer is how good he was in the big games and in the big moments. I admire that, but the bit I like most is that he seemed to do it on his terms. He was the best player in the game when players were expected to give more of their private lives. He resisted.
Tony Shaw: No player in AFL/VFL history has performed on the biggest stage as Dusty has. To achieve what he has in a very unconventional manner has been both refreshing and intriguing. Welcome to the 300 club.
Gill McLachlan: Maybe the greatest clutch player ever, who was consistently a gentle, polite man who I liked very much.
Shane Crawford: What a player – SUPERSTAR. Dusty’s been an absolute joy to watch. He has to be the best big-game player to have played. His Brownlow year, 2017, was the highest level of performance I’ve seen from a player week-in, week-out, not to mention the grand finals. Go easy on my Hawks this week, please Dusty. Well played.
Tony Lockett: One of the best I’ve seen. Great to watch.
Mark Thompson: Dusty has the ability very few men can perform and that is to blow the game apart for a period of time, where the opposition can’t stop him winning crucial contests and apply scoreboard pressure. Once or twice could be luck but Dustin has performed this on too many occasions for it to be luck. He’s been great for Richmond and great for the AFL but not so good for opposition coaches or the poor buggers who had to play on him when he turned it on.
Stephen Silvagni: His ability to perform at the highest level consistently and more importantly to do it on the days that matters most. Three premierships and three Norm Smith Medals says it all.
Ross Lyon: He is the greatest grand final performer of the modern era. Delivered acts of power and skill under the fiercest heat in big moments to help propel his team to greatness. Withstanding that, he is one of the most humble and caring players I have encountered off the field.
Chris Judd: The thing I admire most about him is his ability to internalise pressure and produce in big moments. Best big game/moment player I’ve seen.
Mark Ricciuto: Our whole family loves Dusty. The way he plays, his fend-offs, his goals, his performance in big games, and we like him because he is quiet and just lets his footy do the talking. My boys have his haircut. Rocco even barracked for Richmond and had the No.4 on his back and to top it off we named our cat Dusty!
Greg Williams: The kid from Castlemaine. I didn’t think he would be a star, he had too many tattoos for my liking. But how wrong I was. The fend, great kick, kicked huge goals when needed. And he was a great mark one-v-one. Dusty only won one Brownlow, and with 36 votes. Wow! Oh, I nearly forgot, a three-time Norm Smith medallist. Get your head around that. Impossible, but not for Martin.
Kevin Bartlett: Dustin’s ability to play well in big games makes him a modern-day great. He played a major role in lifting the spirits of the Tiger army, winning premierships after a 37- year drought. That brought enormous enjoyment to fans. Three hundred games is a wonderful milestone for a wonderfully dedicated player achieving excellence.
Ken Hinkley: There’s nothing better than watching big-game players and Dusty is as good a big-game player we have seen. Three Norm Smiths … no need to say anymore. Freak.
Stephen Kernahan: Always loved the ‘Don’t Argue’ and I think it’s fair to say Dusty performed pretty well in September! What a star!
Simon Black: His will & ability to drag his team with him has been quite something. The big games and big moments you sense he just relishes and he comes into his own. I love how he wins and uses the ball so well through the middle of the ground and then goes forward, like not many, to take contested marks, snap brilliant goals and have an enormous impact for his team. I’ve admired him greatly.
Mike Sheahan: Leigh Matthews picked his three best players of the 21st century last weekend and didn’t include Dusty. It was one of those rare occasions I remember thinking Leigh had missed the mark. Dusty has captured the hearts of everyone at Tigerland and the admiration of the rest of us. He is a genuine champion … in my best three in yellow and black post the Captain Blood era. They are Bartlett, Hart and Martin … that’s in alphabetical order.
Dane Swan: His loyalty to his family, friends and football club is what I admire the most. He has never once worried about external views on himself but only cared about helping his team win and helping/seeing his family and friends do well in life.
Kevin Sheedy: Watching Dusty Martin is why AFL is the greatest game on the planet. The coolness of Federer, the skills of Ronaldo and the knockout punch of Ali.
Steve Hocking: I really admired his ability to take uncontested marks from 12-metre dink kicks and then kick the ball 11 metres to a teammate for another uncontested mark. That's why I changed the rules, to create more Dusty Moments. You're welcome, everyone.WHAT DO YOU MOST ADMIRE ABOUT DUSTIN MARTIN?
Jason Dunstall: The ability to inspire those around him. To handle the moment and to make that moment his.
Brendon Gale: His strength and composure allows him to see a range of options, pick the best one and bring players into the game. He makes players and teams better. To me that is his most enduring attribute and it has been consistently displayed in the biggest games on the biggest stages.
John Longmire: If not the best, close to the best, one-v-one player I’ve seen. If an opponent was able to get a neutral result out of any contest, we’d celebrate like it was the biggest win of the day. Unstoppable when on.
Mick Malthouse: Never seen him complain or question an umpire’s decision or a poor delivery from a teammate. He just gets on with it and quietly celebrates a teammate’s success.
Wayne Carey: Champion. Match winner not an accumulator.
Mark Williams: He is humble, caring, driven and once in the Family ALWAYS in the Family.
James Hird: His greatest qualities are his power and poise under pressure and his ability to perform in big games. His connection with Richmond fans is as strong as any player I’ve seen with a group of supporters.
Chris Scott: The obvious answer is how good he was in the big games and in the big moments. I admire that, but the bit I like most is that he seemed to do it on his terms. He was the best player in the game when players were expected to give more of their private lives. He resisted.
Tony Shaw: No player in AFL/VFL history has performed on the biggest stage as Dusty has. To achieve what he has in a very unconventional manner has been both refreshing and intriguing. Welcome to the 300 club.
Gill McLachlan: Maybe the greatest clutch player ever, who was consistently a gentle, polite man who I liked very much.
Shane Crawford: What a player – SUPERSTAR. Dusty’s been an absolute joy to watch. He has to be the best big-game player to have played. His Brownlow year, 2017, was the highest level of performance I’ve seen from a player week-in, week-out, not to mention the grand finals. Go easy on my Hawks this week, please Dusty. Well played.
Tony Lockett: One of the best I’ve seen. Great to watch.
Mark Thompson: Dusty has the ability very few men can perform and that is to blow the game apart for a period of time, where the opposition can’t stop him winning crucial contests and apply scoreboard pressure. Once or twice could be luck but Dustin has performed this on too many occasions for it to be luck. He’s been great for Richmond and great for the AFL but not so good for opposition coaches or the poor buggers who had to play on him when he turned it on.
Stephen Silvagni: His ability to perform at the highest level consistently and more importantly to do it on the days that matters most. Three premierships and three Norm Smith Medals says it all.
Ross Lyon: He is the greatest grand final performer of the modern era. Delivered acts of power and skill under the fiercest heat in big moments to help propel his team to greatness. Withstanding that, he is one of the most humble and caring players I have encountered off the field.
Chris Judd: The thing I admire most about him is his ability to internalise pressure and produce in big moments. Best big game/moment player I’ve seen.
Mark Ricciuto: Our whole family loves Dusty. The way he plays, his fend-offs, his goals, his performance in big games, and we like him because he is quiet and just lets his footy do the talking. My boys have his haircut. Rocco even barracked for Richmond and had the No.4 on his back and to top it off we named our cat Dusty!
Greg Williams: The kid from Castlemaine. I didn’t think he would be a star, he had too many tattoos for my liking. But how wrong I was. The fend, great kick, kicked huge goals when needed. And he was a great mark one-v-one. Dusty only won one Brownlow, and with 36 votes. Wow! Oh, I nearly forgot, a three-time Norm Smith medallist. Get your head around that. Impossible, but not for Martin.
Kevin Bartlett: Dustin’s ability to play well in big games makes him a modern-day great. He played a major role in lifting the spirits of the Tiger army, winning premierships after a 37- year drought. That brought enormous enjoyment to fans. Three hundred games is a wonderful milestone for a wonderfully dedicated player achieving excellence.
Ken Hinkley: There’s nothing better than watching big-game players and Dusty is as good a big-game player we have seen. Three Norm Smiths … no need to say anymore. Freak.
Stephen Kernahan: Always loved the ‘Don’t Argue’ and I think it’s fair to say Dusty performed pretty well in September! What a star!
Simon Black: His will & ability to drag his team with him has been quite something. The big games and big moments you sense he just relishes and he comes into his own. I love how he wins and uses the ball so well through the middle of the ground and then goes forward, like not many, to take contested marks, snap brilliant goals and have an enormous impact for his team. I’ve admired him greatly.
Mike Sheahan: Leigh Matthews picked his three best players of the 21st century last weekend and didn’t include Dusty. It was one of those rare occasions I remember thinking Leigh had missed the mark. Dusty has captured the hearts of everyone at Tigerland and the admiration of the rest of us. He is a genuine champion … in my best three in yellow and black post the Captain Blood era. They are Bartlett, Hart and Martin … that’s in alphabetical order.
Dane Swan: His loyalty to his family, friends and football club is what I admire the most. He has never once worried about external views on himself but only cared about helping his team win and helping/seeing his family and friends do well in life.
Kevin Sheedy: Watching Dusty Martin is why AFL is the greatest game on the planet. The coolness of Federer, the skills of Ronaldo and the knockout punch of Ali.
WHAT DO YOU MOST ADMIRE ABOUT DUSTIN MARTIN?
Jason Dunstall: The ability to inspire those around him. To handle the moment and to make that moment his.
Brendon Gale: His strength and composure allows him to see a range of options, pick the best one and bring players into the game. He makes players and teams better. To me that is his most enduring attribute and it has been consistently displayed in the biggest games on the biggest stages.
John Longmire: If not the best, close to the best, one-v-one player I’ve seen. If an opponent was able to get a neutral result out of any contest, we’d celebrate like it was the biggest win of the day. Unstoppable when on.
Mick Malthouse: Never seen him complain or question an umpire’s decision or a poor delivery from a teammate. He just gets on with it and quietly celebrates a teammate’s success.
Wayne Carey: Champion. Match winner not an accumulator.
Mark Williams: He is humble, caring, driven and once in the Family ALWAYS in the Family.
James Hird: His greatest qualities are his power and poise under pressure and his ability to perform in big games. His connection with Richmond fans is as strong as any player I’ve seen with a group of supporters.
Chris Scott: The obvious answer is how good he was in the big games and in the big moments. I admire that, but the bit I like most is that he seemed to do it on his terms. He was the best player in the game when players were expected to give more of their private lives. He resisted.
Tony Shaw: No player in AFL/VFL history has performed on the biggest stage as Dusty has. To achieve what he has in a very unconventional manner has been both refreshing and intriguing. Welcome to the 300 club.
Gill McLachlan: Maybe the greatest clutch player ever, who was consistently a gentle, polite man who I liked very much.
Shane Crawford: What a player – SUPERSTAR. Dusty’s been an absolute joy to watch. He has to be the best big-game player to have played. His Brownlow year, 2017, was the highest level of performance I’ve seen from a player week-in, week-out, not to mention the grand finals. Go easy on my Hawks this week, please Dusty. Well played.
Tony Lockett: One of the best I’ve seen. Great to watch.
Mark Thompson: Dusty has the ability very few men can perform and that is to blow the game apart for a period of time, where the opposition can’t stop him winning crucial contests and apply scoreboard pressure. Once or twice could be luck but Dustin has performed this on too many occasions for it to be luck. He’s been great for Richmond and great for the AFL but not so good for opposition coaches or the poor buggers who had to play on him when he turned it on.
Stephen Silvagni: His ability to perform at the highest level consistently and more importantly to do it on the days that matters most. Three premierships and three Norm Smith Medals says it all.
Ross Lyon: He is the greatest grand final performer of the modern era. Delivered acts of power and skill under the fiercest heat in big moments to help propel his team to greatness. Withstanding that, he is one of the most humble and caring players I have encountered off the field.
Chris Judd: The thing I admire most about him is his ability to internalise pressure and produce in big moments. Best big game/moment player I’ve seen.
Mark Ricciuto: Our whole family loves Dusty. The way he plays, his fend-offs, his goals, his performance in big games, and we like him because he is quiet and just lets his footy do the talking. My boys have his haircut. Rocco even barracked for Richmond and had the No.4 on his back and to top it off we named our cat Dusty!
Greg Williams: The kid from Castlemaine. I didn’t think he would be a star, he had too many tattoos for my liking. But how wrong I was. The fend, great kick, kicked huge goals when needed. And he was a great mark one-v-one. Dusty only won one Brownlow, and with 36 votes. Wow! Oh, I nearly forgot, a three-time Norm Smith medallist. Get your head around that. Impossible, but not for Martin.
Kevin Bartlett: Dustin’s ability to play well in big games makes him a modern-day great. He played a major role in lifting the spirits of the Tiger army, winning premierships after a 37- year drought. That brought enormous enjoyment to fans. Three hundred games is a wonderful milestone for a wonderfully dedicated player achieving excellence.
Ken Hinkley: There’s nothing better than watching big-game players and Dusty is as good a big-game player we have seen. Three Norm Smiths … no need to say anymore. Freak.
Stephen Kernahan: Always loved the ‘Don’t Argue’ and I think it’s fair to say Dusty performed pretty well in September! What a star!
Simon Black: His will & ability to drag his team with him has been quite something. The big games and big moments you sense he just relishes and he comes into his own. I love how he wins and uses the ball so well through the middle of the ground and then goes forward, like not many, to take contested marks, snap brilliant goals and have an enormous impact for his team. I’ve admired him greatly.
Mike Sheahan: Leigh Matthews picked his three best players of the 21st century last weekend and didn’t include Dusty. It was one of those rare occasions I remember thinking Leigh had missed the mark. Dusty has captured the hearts of everyone at Tigerland and the admiration of the rest of us. He is a genuine champion … in my best three in yellow and black post the Captain Blood era. They are Bartlett, Hart and Martin … that’s in alphabetical order.
Dane Swan: His loyalty to his family, friends and football club is what I admire the most. He has never once worried about external views on himself but only cared about helping his team win and helping/seeing his family and friends do well in life.
Kevin Sheedy: Watching Dusty Martin is why AFL is the greatest game on the planet. The coolness of Federer, the skills of Ronaldo and the knockout punch of Ali.
Wow so many great words from star players. Be proud of yourself Dusty and here's hoping you have a great 300th
All named Dustin.I dropped into punt road this morning with my kids. Dusty was good enough to have a photo with them.
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I saw an amazing stat that was posted by Rhett Bartlett. He listed the players with the top 10 all time leading games played for the club. Every player from KB (403) down to Richo (282) has played at least 1 reserves games. Every player except one. 
I’m curious what the record is for most games played in the league without playing any in the reserves
I’m curious what the record is for most games played in the league without playing any in the reserves
Mark Riciutto’s son is Rocco RiciuttoWHAT DO YOU MOST ADMIRE ABOUT DUSTIN MARTIN?
Jason Dunstall: The ability to inspire those around him. To handle the moment and to make that moment his.
Brendon Gale: His strength and composure allows him to see a range of options, pick the best one and bring players into the game. He makes players and teams better. To me that is his most enduring attribute and it has been consistently displayed in the biggest games on the biggest stages.
John Longmire: If not the best, close to the best, one-v-one player I’ve seen. If an opponent was able to get a neutral result out of any contest, we’d celebrate like it was the biggest win of the day. Unstoppable when on.
Mick Malthouse: Never seen him complain or question an umpire’s decision or a poor delivery from a teammate. He just gets on with it and quietly celebrates a teammate’s success.
Wayne Carey: Champion. Match winner not an accumulator.
Mark Williams: He is humble, caring, driven and once in the Family ALWAYS in the Family.
James Hird: His greatest qualities are his power and poise under pressure and his ability to perform in big games. His connection with Richmond fans is as strong as any player I’ve seen with a group of supporters.
Chris Scott: The obvious answer is how good he was in the big games and in the big moments. I admire that, but the bit I like most is that he seemed to do it on his terms. He was the best player in the game when players were expected to give more of their private lives. He resisted.
Tony Shaw: No player in AFL/VFL history has performed on the biggest stage as Dusty has. To achieve what he has in a very unconventional manner has been both refreshing and intriguing. Welcome to the 300 club.
Gill McLachlan: Maybe the greatest clutch player ever, who was consistently a gentle, polite man who I liked very much.
Shane Crawford: What a player – SUPERSTAR. Dusty’s been an absolute joy to watch. He has to be the best big-game player to have played. His Brownlow year, 2017, was the highest level of performance I’ve seen from a player week-in, week-out, not to mention the grand finals. Go easy on my Hawks this week, please Dusty. Well played.
Tony Lockett: One of the best I’ve seen. Great to watch.
Mark Thompson: Dusty has the ability very few men can perform and that is to blow the game apart for a period of time, where the opposition can’t stop him winning crucial contests and apply scoreboard pressure. Once or twice could be luck but Dustin has performed this on too many occasions for it to be luck. He’s been great for Richmond and great for the AFL but not so good for opposition coaches or the poor buggers who had to play on him when he turned it on.
Stephen Silvagni: His ability to perform at the highest level consistently and more importantly to do it on the days that matters most. Three premierships and three Norm Smith Medals says it all.
Ross Lyon: He is the greatest grand final performer of the modern era. Delivered acts of power and skill under the fiercest heat in big moments to help propel his team to greatness. Withstanding that, he is one of the most humble and caring players I have encountered off the field.
Chris Judd: The thing I admire most about him is his ability to internalise pressure and produce in big moments. Best big game/moment player I’ve seen.
Mark Ricciuto: Our whole family loves Dusty. The way he plays, his fend-offs, his goals, his performance in big games, and we like him because he is quiet and just lets his footy do the talking. My boys have his haircut. Rocco even barracked for Richmond and had the No.4 on his back and to top it off we named our cat Dusty!
Greg Williams: The kid from Castlemaine. I didn’t think he would be a star, he had too many tattoos for my liking. But how wrong I was. The fend, great kick, kicked huge goals when needed. And he was a great mark one-v-one. Dusty only won one Brownlow, and with 36 votes. Wow! Oh, I nearly forgot, a three-time Norm Smith medallist. Get your head around that. Impossible, but not for Martin.
Kevin Bartlett: Dustin’s ability to play well in big games makes him a modern-day great. He played a major role in lifting the spirits of the Tiger army, winning premierships after a 37- year drought. That brought enormous enjoyment to fans. Three hundred games is a wonderful milestone for a wonderfully dedicated player achieving excellence.
Ken Hinkley: There’s nothing better than watching big-game players and Dusty is as good a big-game player we have seen. Three Norm Smiths … no need to say anymore. Freak.
Stephen Kernahan: Always loved the ‘Don’t Argue’ and I think it’s fair to say Dusty performed pretty well in September! What a star!
Simon Black: His will & ability to drag his team with him has been quite something. The big games and big moments you sense he just relishes and he comes into his own. I love how he wins and uses the ball so well through the middle of the ground and then goes forward, like not many, to take contested marks, snap brilliant goals and have an enormous impact for his team. I’ve admired him greatly.
Mike Sheahan: Leigh Matthews picked his three best players of the 21st century last weekend and didn’t include Dusty. It was one of those rare occasions I remember thinking Leigh had missed the mark. Dusty has captured the hearts of everyone at Tigerland and the admiration of the rest of us. He is a genuine champion … in my best three in yellow and black post the Captain Blood era. They are Bartlett, Hart and Martin … that’s in alphabetical order.
Dane Swan: His loyalty to his family, friends and football club is what I admire the most. He has never once worried about external views on himself but only cared about helping his team win and helping/seeing his family and friends do well in life.
Kevin Sheedy: Watching Dusty Martin is why AFL is the greatest game on the planet. The coolness of Federer, the skills of Ronaldo and the knockout punch of Ali.
Why did you only take half of your kids?I dropped into punt road this morning with my kids. Dusty was good enough to have a photo with them.
View attachment 23106
Is that Caesar behind them??I dropped into punt road this morning with my kids. Dusty was good enough to have a photo with them.
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Good Catholic boy Seven?I dropped into punt road this morning with my kids. Dusty was good enough to have a photo with them.
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