Dustin Martin [merged]

[one-eyed]

Dusty's nutmeg in yesterday game .

VIDEO:

Camera angle 1: https://twitter.com/AFL/status/899188990363918336/photo/1

Camera angle 2: https://twitter.com/RestingPlayers/status/899189155208454144

[Yeahright]

That's not a nut meg

[YellowandBlackBlood]

That was selling candy....

[lamington]

bumping this because he was sensational. from being heavily tagged and still going in contest after contest along side our captain, to of course turning stewart inside out to set up the Prestia and Grigg goals. was massive. only nitpick is when he passes to butler or even jack I wish he would just go for goal because when he is in range I would bet my life saving on him to put it through the big sticks because his field kicking is out of this world

[one-eyed]

I must break you: Dusty's 'don't argue' record

afl.com.au
12 September 2017

IF YOU are struggling to picture a moment where Richmond superstar Dustin Martin was tackled by a Geelong player on Friday night, then you would not be wrong.

The gun midfielder was not letting anyone stand in his way as he delivered yet another best-on-ground performance, carrying the finals-starved club into its first preliminary final since 2001.

The manner in which he asserted himself on the contest was notable, with the Brownlow Medal favourite recording six broken tackles – the equal second-most of his career – against Geelong.

Martin and Port Adelaide speedster Jarman Impey hold the AFL record for broken tackles with seven.

Friday night was the fourth time the Tiger has had six broken tackles in a game - an AFL record - and follows the six broken tackles he notched against St Kilda in round 23.

Martin finished with 28 disposals (14 contested), nine inside 50s, four goal assists and 12 score involvements, thriving in the second half as the rampant Tigers ran away with a 51-point win.

Martin's much-vaunted 'don't argue' came into play a number of times on Friday night, with Cats Scott Selwood, Sam Menegola, Tom Stewart, Mitch Duncan and Brandan Parfitt all feeling the star Tiger's brute force.

When Martin brushed off a Stewart tackle on the outer wing of the MCG to set up a Dion Prestia goal, which put the Tigers up by 13 points at three-quarter time, he started the ball rolling for Richmond's rampant last-quarter run.

Martin's amazing ability to bust through pressure or make the opposition miss sticking a tackle was epitomised by the AFL-leading 68 broken tackles he recorded across the home and away season.

Such was Martin's dominance, that figure was 44 more than the next best player – Port Adelaide's Sam Powell-Pepper (24).

On the other hand, Geelong has prided itself on its ability to stick its tackles this season and headed into Friday night's clash as the No.1 team in the AFL for effective tackles (70.5 per cent).

However, the Cats were well down on their usual output and failed to live up to their own reputation, allowing a season-high 13 broken tackles against the Tigers.

Although seemingly nothing went right for Geelong on what was a dirty night, sticking its tackles is one thing Chris Scott's team can instantly fix for Friday night's do-or-die semi-final against Sydney.

Laying body pressure on the opposition and locking the ball into the contest against a battle-hardened team like Sydney will be crucial to the result.

It could be the difference between Geelong falling to another meek loss and making a game of it against the in-form Swans.
Most broken tackles in a game

BROKEN TACKLES    PLAYER    GAME (S)
7    Dustin Martin (Richmond)    R15, 2017
7    Jarman Impey (Port Adelaide)    R11, 2016
6    Dustin Martin (Richmond)    R8, 17, 23, QF (2017)
6    Sam Lloyd (Richmond)    R20, 2016
6    Claye Beams (Brisbane Lions)    R1, 2015

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-09-12/i-must-break-you-dustys-dont-argue-record

Stats supplied by Champion Data

[lamington]

But the match report for the Port game was Dusty had 8 broken tackles which is a new record. Did champion data review the match and disallow one?

[one-eyed]

THE SECRET BEHIND DUSTY'S 'DON'T ARGUE'

RICHMOND superstar Dustin Martin uses incredible strength, aggression, footwork and technique to break tackles, but a hidden element is "human nature", experienced tackling coach John Donehue says.

The Melbourne Storm tackling coach and martial arts guru helped North Melbourne disarm Martin last year, training the Kangaroos to crack in low and "smash the fend down".

"We would try and get our body a little bit lower and keep coming at the ball carrier and try and basically smash the fend down and go through it," Donehue told SEN Breakfast.

Martin leads the league in busted tackles (74), miles ahead of nearest rivals Patrick Dangerfield (24) and Sam Powell-Pepper (24).

He smashed six last week alone in the qualifying final against Geelong on his way to a game-winning 28 disposals, 12 score involvements and nine inside 50s.

"There was a couple different ways that we would try and attack it," Donehue said.

"The biggest problem people have is human nature, as soon as we see an arm come up towards our face or our chest we actually come up on our toes and open our chest and try and reach for the person.

"At the angle that the arm comes usually, because they're a bit more side on, you're never going to win that battle.

"It's very rare that you can actually grab the arm when it's slippery and in game conditions and hang onto a wrist and try and pull someone down."

But Donehue admits limiting the explosive Tiger is easier said than done.

"The biggest thing that people underestimate is the foot work because if you watch how they're doing it they're either breaking away from you or changing direction," he said.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/afl-daily-live-rolling-footy-news-from-around-australia-september-13-2017/news-story/ec80ae3fb9686d1cf8e715090922e792

[one-eyed]

https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/teams/storm/will-chambers-rates-afl-star-dustin-martins-ability-to-switch-to-nrl-based-on-key-skills/news-story/b6171f6a87bdee23e648c61d58046d36

[one-eyed]

The five big plays: Dusty's gold v Cats

afl.com.au
23 September 2017

WHAT to do with the oversized Dustin Martin problem will have dominated discussion among Greater Western Sydney's brains trust this week.

Martin's devastating second-half performance against Geelong in Richmond's 51-point qualifying final triumph a fortnight ago highlighted the threat he poses.

The 26-year-old beat up on the Giants in rounds nine and 18 for a combined 66 disposals (37 contested), 16 clearances and 16 score involvements.

Callan Ward, Tim Taranto, Josh Kelly, Matt de Boer, Dylan Shiel, Matthew Kennedy and Heath Shaw spent the most time alongside Martin. They managed 57 possessions (18 contested) and 10 clearances opposed to him.

Ward was the only one to play 10-plus minutes on Martin in both clashes and outperformed the Tiger in those periods, but it was Kennedy who lasted the longest duration of 52 minutes in round 18.

De Boer and Shiel also had some success in respective 12-minute stints.

Worth noting is that Stephen Coniglio, touted as Martin's most likely midfield minder in Saturday's preliminary final at the MCG, missed both games.

Martin spent 72 per cent of game time in the midfield this season, compared to 28 per cent up forward, but there were notable differences in those ratios against GWS and in the Cats match.

He was a midfielder for 86 and 80 per cent of the two Giants outings – possibly because of the onball depth at Leon Cameron's disposal – then rocketed to 36.5 per cent time forward against Geelong.

AFL.com.au looked back at Martin's big plays in the last-start victory over the Cats to see how they might impact Saturday's bout with GWS.

1. A selfless Dusty is the best Dusty (first quarter)

Martin's effort to mark a Jack Riewoldt kick across goal late in the first quarter then almost instantly find an unguarded Josh Caddy 20 metres out is an example of his value in attack. It was one of his 12 score involvements against Geelong, above his season average of 8.8, which is second to only Swan Lance Franklin. Martin also ranks equal third in score assists (40) and fourth in goal assists (25). The Giants won't be too fussed if Martin wins big possessions, so long as he isn't playing a major role in the scoreboard ticking over. His per-100-minutes averages as a forward are 21.4 disposals (eighth in the AFL among players with 500-plus minutes as a forward), three clearances (third), 2.4 goals (eighth) and 2.3 assists (second).

2. The midfield show with the lot (third quarter)

Martin clocks up 14.3 of his 30.2 disposals per game in contested situations. But he is incredibly dangerous when released, as evidenced by his burst of speed in traffic after receiving a Trent Cotchin handball. Martin's pace off the mark is electric and he manages to hit a target despite the chaos around him and create time for Kamdyn McIntosh to make a good decision. GWS must find a way to make him feel pressured as often as possible. Martin's per-100-minutes averages as a midfielder are 31.4 disposals (eighth in the AFL among players with 500-plus minutes as a midfielder), 7.5 clearances (fifth), 0.9 goals (14th) and 1.4 assists (14th).

3. Somebody stop me (third quarter)

This was the highlight of Martin's second-half storm that put an end to Geelong's resistance. The Tiger's fend off is already the stuff of legend, but his one-on-one win against the hapless Tom Stewart was a beauty. He read the ball better than Stewart at ground level, then one of his classic stiff-arm plays put the Cat off balance to establish some breathing room before he took two bounces and launched Richmond into attack. Martin is a runaway League leader in broken tackles with 74, way ahead of second-placed Patrick Dangerfield's 25. It's easier said than done, but the Giants need to find a way to stick their tackle opportunities on Martin.

4. Creating something from nothing (fourth quarter)

Martin used his greatest weapon to see off Stewart (again) then Mitch Duncan, opening a gap for him to send a pass from beyond 50m to Shaun Grigg within inches of goal. The Tigers regularly seem to sneak a player forward of the play for a gimme goal, but you would rather Martin having the ball there than deep inside 50. Thirty-seven of Martin's 56 scoring shots this year came inside 40 metres – and 25 of them were goals. But he is only 7.12 from 40m-plus. One GWS aim will be to try to deny Martin deep forward-50 possessions and force him into spectacular attempts that even he can't expect to nail every time.

5. Dusty's defensive buy-in (third quarter)

Martin is such an offensive juggernaut that he can get hurt the other way on occasion. He becomes an even tougher proposition when he is applying pressure, like in the vision above, where he smothers Lachie Henderson's attempted clearing kick out of defence. Martin averages 38.3 pressure points per game, ranking him ninth at Richmond. The reason Coniglio looms as a great defensive match-up for Martin goes beyond his tagging diligence. Coniglio is a more-than-capable ball-winner (25.9 per match) who churns out clearances (six), tackles hard (6.7) and makes his possessions count (6.9 score involvements).

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-09-23/how-dusty-is-a-differencemaker

[one-eyed]

Dustin Martin opens up to Matthew Richardson on 3AW

Richmond superstar Dustin Martin has opened up to 3AW’s Matthew Richardson about a range of issues in the lead-up to Saturday’s preliminary final.

Martin, the winner of this year’s VicSuper Player Of The Year award, spoke about dealing with Brownlow Medal favouritism, constant contract speculation, and how a more “open” Trent Cotchin had influenced the Tigers as captain.

Martin said he couldn’t wait for tomorrow’s clash with the Giants.

“It’s going to be an awesome game,” Martin said.

“We’re just raring to go.”

Stay tuned for the full interview, which will air on 3AW Football after 2pm on Saturday…

http://www.3aw.com.au/dustin-martin-opens-up-to-matthew-richardson-on-3aw/

[lamington]

His field kicking was sensational tonight

[one-eyed]

The moment: Dusty's magic lights up the 'G

afl.com.au
24 September 2017

What happened?

It was the opening minute of the final term and Richmond surged inside 50 with a wave of pressure. Dustin Martin was stationed in the goalsquare opposed to Aidan Corr and he had room to go to work as Dan Butler's kick along the ground came towards him. With his back to goal as he collected the ball, the superstar Tiger shimmied left and Corr took the bait. Next he exploded to the right and left his man in his wake, turning towards goal and kicking a magnificent goal on the outside of his right boot at the Punt Road end of the MCG. It was a moment of sheer power and skill combined, showcasing Martin at his unstoppable best. He turned to the crowd and celebrated in trademark fashion with his tongue out and one finger waving in the air, knowing the Tigers were surely into a Grand Final.

Who made it happen?

The Richmond small forwards. Daniel Rioli created the first contest by flying for a mark and bringing the ball to ground. He backed up with another tackling effort as the ball made its way forward, as did Butler and key forward Jack Riewoldt. Together they forced the ball to spill and a quick handball from Shane Edwards found Butler, who kicked quickly and intelligently to the space in front of Martin. Coach Damien Hardwick also had a role. He stationed Martin at full forward, giving the powerful midfielder the chance to isolate his opponent around goal.

What did it mean?

It meant a 35-year absence from the Grand Final was over. The margin was 37 points and it would have taken a record comeback for the Giants to get home. They tried, and kicked back-to-back goals 10 minutes later, but Martin's goal put the result beyond doubt. It was also Martin's third straight goal either side of three-quarter time. In a preliminary final, with history beckoning, Martin delivered and showed he is made for the September stage. If more evidence was needed, it was a moment that added to his case as the best player in the game. 

Any cameo performers?

Captain Trent Cotchin had a team-high 513m gained on Saturday and was a mighty contributor. In the build-up to Martin's moment he juggled a contested mark on the boundary line and pumped the ball inside 50 for the fourth time. His ability to win crucial contests all day kept the pressure on GWS and the ball surging forward for his team. His kick forward was one of 26 possessions (17 contested) and he had team-high clearances (seven) and tackles (nine).

How did they call it?

"Kicked forward. Two on one, Dusty, Dusty, DUSTY!" – Basil Zempilas, Channel Seven

"There is nothing he can't do, Dusty Martin, absolutely nothing. Three goals in a row, he's unstoppable." - Luke Darcy, Channel Seven

And the fans went ...

Into party mode. They were jumping, dancing and hugging in the stands as the reality sank in that their team was off to the Grand Final. The crowd of 94,258 needed some reassurance at three-quarter time, despite the Tigers' 31-point lead, and a goal in the opening minute of the final term delivered it.   

The Tiger Army in full voice as their Grand Final dream is realised. Picture: Michael Willson, AFL Photos

What they said

Richmond vice-captain Alex Rance:
"I've almost come to expect it now. It's the way he plays, he's a beast. He knows when to stand up, he's a man, and he's a super player … he does things that people can't even dream of."

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick:
"It was enormous. He went forward and that's the great thing about great players, I've got a chess piece there that I can move at various stages. I thought he was really important in the second half when we needed him to be a presence up forward and he created those chances for us."

Will they play it in 20 years time?

It won't be an iconic moment in 20 years time, but it will sit comfortably among the highlights when telling the story of Martin and the Tigers' remarkable season. Fans won't soon forget the feeling that washed over the MCG when it was kicked, either. It was a moment that captured Martin's remarkable ability to insert himself into the game when needed. He has done it all season and now he has done it in a preliminary final. Can he do it once more on the biggest stage of all?   

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-09-23/the-moment-dustys-magic-seals-it

[one-eyed]

Dustin Martin: The Drill podcast reveals Richmond legend Michael Roach wants Tigers star to start in midfield in AFL grand final

SAM LANDSBERGER,
Herald Sun
28 September 2017

RICHMOND’S last premiership full-forward wants Dustin Martin to start Saturday’s grand final in the midfield.

The newest Brownlow Medallist has powered the Tigers into their first Grand Final since 1982 with a devastating — and surprising — shift to attack.

But Richmond great Michael Roach said keeping Martin, 26, away from the action could allow Adelaide’s stars to quickly rip the premiership cup out of the Tigers’ reach.

“He really is a matchwinner — but is he a matchwinner in the forward line or the centre?” Roach said.

“I just wouldn’t want Adelaide to get a good start, because we’ll struggle to comeback if they get their running game going.

“This week he’s got to be in the midfield. Their midfield is pretty good, and you’ve got to get it down there.

“I don’t want it going the other way. Adelaide’s forwards are very, very good and I’d rather play the game from our forward line.”

In the happiest dilemma of coach Damien Hardwick’s career, he must decide whether to persist with the finals formula or bring him back to the centre square.

As discussed on The Drill podcast, Martin spent 61 per cent of Saturday’s preliminary final forward, kicking three consecutive goals either side of the final change to eliminate Greater Western Sydney.
He had not previously spent more than 41 per cent forward this season.


Dustin Martin is spending more time in attack. Source: Champion Data

Martin finished with game highs for forward-half score involvements (12), forward-half ground balls (10), forward-half disposals (19) and forward-half contested possessions (12).

That equated to a game-high 119 SuperCoach points accumulated in the forward half.

“(Dusty) was enormous,” Hardwick said.

“I thought (tagger Stephen) Coniglio was on top of him in the first half, and then he went forward and that’s the great thing about great players.

“I’ve got a chess piece there that I can move at various stages, and that’s the hard thing about Dustin (for the opposition) — it’s trying to find the right match-up.

“Danger (Geelong’s Patrick Dangerfield) is the same.

“I thought (Martin) was really important in the second half. When we needed him to be a presence up forward he created those chances for us.”

In the Cats’ preliminary final loss to Adelaide, Dangerfield spent 82 per cent of the first quarter forward as his team was smashed in clearances, inside 50s and trailed by 31 points.

The Crows have won just two of six matches when losing the clearance count this season, highlighting the need for Martin to dominate the midfield.

They are also deadly efficient in attack, ranking No.1 for goals per inside 50.

But after spending only 27 per cent of the home-and-away season in attack, that has soared to 49 per cent in finals.

Roach — who kicked 112 goals to win the Coleman Medal in the Tigers’ 1980 premiership season — thought the higher stakes had altered Richmond’s approach.

“During the season you’ve always got next week. I suppose in finals he (Hardwick) wants to put the score on the board,” Roach said.

“Dusty’s probably won us the last three games. He really is a matchwinner — but is he a matchwinner in the forward line, or the centre?

“I’m a big Jack Riewoldt fan and a Cotch fan and a Rance fan, but I don’t think I’ve seen a player be able to change a game like he could.

“I suppose when Richo was on he could win a game off his own boot and Dusty ranks up there with Richo for me watching as a supporter.”

Martin’s three-goal burst against the Giants gave him his best return since bagging four goals against Carlton in Round 1.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/the-drill-podcast-michael-roach-says-dustin-martin-should-start-grand-final-in-the-midfield/news-story/b96b79301b9d9f5975a3a18a8cebe4a3

[one-eyed]

Mark Williams explains how he became so close with Richmond star Dustin Martin

JAY CLARK,
Herald Sun
November 19, 2017

MARK Williams and Dustin Martin would get competitive in the backyard.

Whether they were playing quoits, hitting golf balls from the lawn onto the adjoining golf course, or playing pool, these little games helped lay the platform for their blossoming friendship.

And more often than not, it was a family affair.

Martin, 26, became a part of the furniture at the Williams household and often the conversation had nothing to do with football.

“We would hit a few balls or have a putting challenge and hang it on each other, and I’m not sure there is anything he can beat me at yet,” Williams says laughing.

“But he would come over and have dinner and watch television and play with my kids for hours.

“My daughter ‘Issy’ probably hadn’t seen anyone with tatts before and she would say ‘what’s this one’ and ‘what’s this one’ and he would explain what they were and what they meant.

“Dust’ has promised her he will get a butterfly one day.

“So he became part of our family, and I don’t drink or smoke or anything like that, but guess what, I said ‘I will care for you’.

“So I got to meet his mum and his grandmother, his aunties and uncles and certainly I met his dad Shane. So they could all see that I had genuine care for him.

“He has huge heart, Dustin and more than anything he is a true and loyal friend.”

On holiday time, Williams would keep in touch, sending regular texts to check in with Martin, making sure he was OK.

“He would send a text back and it might only say ‘yep’, or ‘I’m OK’ and that’s all I needed to know,” he said.

“Just keeping the communication open.”

This year, Martin became the most sought after- and No. 1 player in the game as North Melbourne offered him one of the biggest offers in the game’s history to entice him to Arden St.

But he remained loyal to the Tigers and in the process won the Brownlow Medal, after finishing third and seventh in the previous two seasons.

“I think it was pretty special what he did this season but ultimately it was his friendships with guys like Shaun Grigg and Sam Lloyd which kept him at the club,” he said.

Williams said Martin’s work ethic behind the scenes was under played.

“Dustin is a person who loves the carrot in front of them,” Williams said.

“So I said ‘Lets show you Jobe Watson, let’s have a look at Nat Fyfe, and just tease his pride and his ambition. And he has delivered in spades and it was weekly thing.

“It wasn’t just like he turned up. He actually looks at these things and he would say ‘How am I going?’ and ‘What am I doing?’

“We practised for hours on things he wanted to improve. He always wants to get better.”

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/mark-williams-explains-how-he-became-so-close-with-richmond-star-dustin-martin/news-story/c204fd1695554e1637b45d1b14a3ef01

[one-eyed]

Star Richmond midfielder Dustin Martin has been completing his own training at Punt Road in recent weeks, with senior players due to resume full training in coming weeks.

The reigning Brownlow Medal winner travelled extensively over the off-season, including a US jaunt with former Collingwood gun and Brownlow winner Dane Swan.

“I told Swanny if he brings back Dusty early (from the trip), I’d re-rookie him (at Richmond) next year,” Hardwick laughed.

“Dustin’s matured enormously and he deserves to have his fun in the off-season, but when it comes to work, he works as hard as anyone on the training track.

“He’ll be in good nick and ready to go.”

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/damien-hardwick-will-alter-richmonds-game-plan-in-bid-to-stay-ahead-of-the-competition/news-story/b610cdaa2f579297bae8d2dfe1c29e7c