Universally popular Richmond champion Dustin Martin will go down in history as one of the greatest big-game players the AFL has ever seen.
His three Norm Smith medals (for best on ground in a grand final) only back up that claim and help shut the door on any debate.
He is the only player to achieve that feat, and those medals will sit alongside the Brownlow he won in 2017 … when he powered Richmond to the first of their three grand finals (2017, 2019-20).
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His career is littered with amazing highlights but sadly his shock retirement news comes in a year where he is yet to taste victory.
The struggling Tigers have only managed two victories this season, and Martin has been absent in both.
Rumours have been swirling for months that a retirement announcement was coming with many thinking his last game would be his 300th against Hawthorn in Round 14.
More than 92,000 turned up to watch that milestone match … with the Tiger army keen to show their love for their superstar.
Martin has only managed two games since, his last one on the weekend where Richmond lost to second-bottom team North Melbourne.
It marks a sad end to a remarkable career, but it will obviously not taint his legacy to the game.
As well as being the best finals player in history, Martin’s humble nature made him much loved among AFL fans.
He played without ego, he shied away from media, he was never about attention.
His high-profile manager Ralph Carr — better known for his work with entertainers rather than sports stars — took to social media after the news, calling Martin the “people’s champion”.
That claim is also hard to dispute.
“’The peoples champion’ to me exemplifies loyalty and excellence in AFL,” Carr said in a heartfelt statement.
“His dedication to the RFC and fans was and is unquestionable …
“Love you my friend, RC.”
Outgoing Tigers chief executive Brendon Gale also paid tribute to the three-time premiership star.
“So much has been said about Dustin’s impact on our club and the competition, but more than anything, and put simply, I think it is the joy that he gave the Tiger Army and those around him that might mean the most,” Gale said.
“Three premierships and best on ground in each of them will always be his legend, and rightly, it, along with his unique aura, will be what he is best remembered for.
“But I think Dustin would be most proud of what he was able to achieve playing for a team… for our team — and the magnificent role he was able to play within that system, which let him be every bit the footballing genius that he was always destined to be.
“That genius was most evident when the stakes were at their highest, when the crowd was at its loudest, when all eyes were on him, and when the moments needed a hero.
“Dustin did it his way, and we are all just so lucky to have been Richmond people during his era of dominance. So, all I can say on behalf of everyone associated with our great club is thank you to an icon. To our icon.”
As evidence of Martin’s popularity, even fierce Richmond rival, Carlton, paid tribute to Martin.
“No team played against Richmond’s No.4 than the Navy Blues,” the Blues said.
“We knew what was coming every year in Round 1, but there were still times where he was too much to stop. Nothing but ultimate respect for an unbelievable opponent. All the best, Dusty.”
Veteran AFL journalist Rohan Connolly said the AFL world should be grateful it got to see a player like Martin.
“Dustin Martin the footballer has been an incredible combination of power, skills and smarts, a prolific ball-winner, deadly around goal and one of the best handful of big occasion players we’ve seen, as three Norm Smith Medals testify,” Connolly said.
“We’ve been lucky to watch him. Thanks Dusty!”
Fans were also effusive on social media.
“My all time favourite player!” one fan said
“Such a legend, what a great player and loyal servant of the RFC you have been. It’s been an absolute privilege watching your journey Dusty – the memories will live with my family forever. Thank you for bringing the Tiger Army so much happiness.”
Dustin Martin’s incredible career
Born: 26 June 1991
Junior club: Castlemaine/Bendigo U18
AFL draft: Richmond at No.3 at the 2009 national draft
AFL debut: Round 1, 2010 v Carlton at the MCG
AFL games: 302 (163-4-135)
AFL goals: 338
Career averages: 24.2 disposals, 9.8 contested possessions, 1.1 goals, 4.7 inside 50s, 3.8 clearances
Brownlow Medal winner 2017 (36 votes, equal highest ever)
Brownlow votes as at end of 2023 season: 212, eighth all-time
Honours: Three-time premiership player (2017, 2019, 2020), three-time Norm Smith Medallist (2017, 2019, 2020), 2017 AFL Players Association MVP (Leigh Matthews Trophy), 2017 AFL Coaches Association Champion Player of the Year, three-time Gary Ayres Award winner as best player in finals (2017, 2019, 2020), four-time All-Australian (2016, 2017, 2019, 2020), two-time Richmond best and fairest winner (2016, 2017), AFL Rising Star nominee (2010)