Santa Dusty (foxsports)

[WilliamPowell]

I didn’t think AFL players were real’: Tigers star spreads Christmas cheer

December 12, 2020 9:46am
Source: FOX SPORTS

Dustin Martin has three premiership medallions, is the only three-time Norm Smith medallist and also this year was rewarded with his third Gary Ayres medal.

As his accomplished career continues, the 29-year old is growing more comfortable with his responsibility as a role model.

It is not necessarily something he would have imagined when he was a kid himself - Martin admitted to 7 News on Friday night that “as a little kid I didn’t even think AFL players were real.

“I thought it was just something on the telly.”

But their impact extends far beyond the miraculous plays we see on the screens.

Martin is a long-term ambassador for Bonds and was helping to give out one million socks and jocks as he was greeted by a stream of Eastern Suburbs Football Club juniors screaming “We love you Dustin Martin.”

Martin was at the centre of the grand-final victory over the Cats with four goals, 21 disposals, 10 contested possessions, three tackles and four clearances.

He has built quite the name for himself throughout his career.

“I’m just grateful I can use my profile and platform to help people in need,” he said.

It was an unusual year nationwide for sporting organisations and Martin himself was still talking from Queensland, far away from the club’s home in Richmond.

“It was a really different year,” he said.

“Yeah, we were up here since July living in a hub.

“It was certainly a different experience but it made it all worth it getting the trophy at the end of the season.

“Queensland will hold a special place in my heart.”



https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2020-dustin-martin-richmond-tigers-christmas-charity-work/news-story/f029179e47243171dbba1a457814a749

[amc11]

 This article gives a little more information regarding the charity Bonds were teaming up with to help the kids.  There were also another couple of photos in the article, however, that's beyond my technical skills to post 

https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/dustin-martin-reflects-on-special-afl-grand-final-win-during-brisbane-charity-appearance/news-story/47a19a32172548c7b8899107c76e06ab

Dustin Martin reflects on ‘special’ AFL Grand Final win during Brisbane charity appearance

AFL star Dustin Martin has emerged from his Grand Final celebrations in Queensland, dropping into a Brisbane football club on Friday and reflecting on his “special” moment at The Gabba.

AFL star Dustin Martin has reflected on his “special” grand final moment in Brisbane as he continues to celebrate in Queensland.

The Tigers spearhead was awarded a historic third Norm Smith Medal in Richmond’s grand final win over Geelong, which was played at The Gabba at night for the first time in October, and described the final siren as his personal highlight.

“Being up here and a night game it was very different, but it was awesome. It’s always good to experience different things,” Martin told The Courier-Mail.

“When the siren goes and just embracing your teammates after the win, it’s very special. And the fun afterwards is always good.

“It was just amazing. I couldn’t be prouder of our group and our club. It was a special year, I’m really looking forward to getting back and getting stuck into it for next year.”

Martin has been holidaying with friends in Queensland for the past six weeks and yesterday visited the Eastern Suburbs Football Club where he took a group of Brisbane kids through an AFL lesson and handed out gifts as part of his partnership with Bonds.

The kids were supported by former Socceroo Jade North’s local charity Kickin with a Cuz, which reaches young boys and girls through football and enables them to make better life choices.

“I think everyone needs a bit of guidance, especially as a young kid, just to help you make the right choices in life, so it’s a really great thing that Jade’s doing,” Martin said.

“For me it was probably just family, mum and dad, they were always trying to point me in the right direction. I might not have listened all the time.”

“I’m grateful that I could be here and help out.”

Bonds has linked with Brisbane cause Givit and is sending out 1 million gifts to people in need, including the kids in North’s charity, across Australia for Christmas.

Australians can donate gifts to people in need via givit.org.au