Richmond coach Damien Hardwick says Dustin Martin must learn to be able to run out games Nick Smart
From: Herald Sun
April 06, 2013 2:08PMRICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick has likened to Dustin Martin to Brownlow Medallist Mark Ricciuto and warns the young Tiger will not fade out of games for much longer.
Martin has epitomised the Tigers over the first two weeks of the season - terrific until half-time, but not being able to maintain the rage in the second half.
The midfielder had 15 disposals to half-time, but could manage only eight in the second half in Friday night's win over St Kilda.
Hardwick said he expected Martin to soon be able to run out matches.
"I think in both games (to start the year) he was nearly best on ground at half-time," he said on SEN radio today.
"He'll get better - he's not an aerobic beast as such.
"But he'll actually get better probably in about Round 4 or 5 when the game slows down a bit - that's when he will start to come."
Hardwick admits Martin - who is now in his fourth AFL season - will need to become more an impact player.
"He still needs to improve his overall tank," he said.
"I very much liken him to Mark Riccuito - a guy who is going to play in fits and starts, a bit like Patrick Dangerfield at stages.
"He will get better as he gets older, but there's no doubt it’s an area he has to improve."
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/afl/teams/richmond-coach-damien-hardwick-says-dustin-martin-must-learn-to-be-able-to-run-out-games/story-e6frf9mx-1226613828630
