Dustin Martin [merged]

[Andyy]

His impact has probably just been reduced because:
1. He's getting older
2. He's the most studied player in the AFL over the last five years. All teams would have done loads of work learning how to negate him and with players/coaches leaving the club I'm sure there's plenty of chatter amongst the other clubs, collaborating on how to do that.

[one-eyed]

From Barrett's 'Sliding Doors' column:


IF ...
the alarm bells started ringing when Dusty was subbed out late in round two ...

THEN ...
they tolled even louder when 'general soreness' was given as the reason for his unavailability for Friday's match against Collingwood. Please don't let it be another serious hamstring.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/891944/if-the-alarm-bells-were-ringing-when-dusty-was-subbed-out-then

[Andyy]

Just to clarify it's this year + 2024 that we are still paying him $1.2kk/year?

Ouch. I know he delivered flags in 19+20 but it still hurts when his output is closer to half that value.

[lamington]

Would you rather he have won every brownlow since 2017 but we have zero flags in that period?

[the claw]

Is there going to be a challenge from Hardiwick asking Dusty to lift his defensive efforts and stop relying on team mates to cover for him.

MRJ is clearly suffering just playing this dumb arse solo defensive role. His nephew Daniel clearly suffered and Cumberland can't get a game because he doesnt cover enough.

Just make em all accountable including Dusty and let the kids play their natural game a lot like McRae does with the collingwood boys.

[one-eyed]

Dusty's game yesterday:

23 disposals (11k, 12h, 15c, 10u, 69.6% eff.)
4 marks (3 contested marks)
2 tackles (1 F50 tackle)
3 clearances (1 centre clearance)
4 inside 50s
239 metres gained
1 free for
1 free against
10 score involvements
1 goal assist
1 goal
85% time on ground

[WilliamPowell]

Back to near his best yesterday and easily our best

Great to see him take some centre bounce work as well

[TigerLand]

Was the best thing from yesterday, got emotional. This blokr been through the ringer the last 18 months, hospitalized, lost his Dad, persistent hammy. Was great to see there is still a chapter left to write for Dusty.

[the claw]

Agree thought he played well.Shows he  Needs to play midfield for majority of games.

[Hard Roar Tiger]

Agree with all of the above.
Is a midfield weapon, he remains best player in AFL if used properly

[one-eyed]

This should be in contention for mark of the year but it won’t be because it’s not a spectacle. Just pure strength and concentration  #AFLTigersDogs

https://twitter.com/johnloydroberts/status/1644622189608734721

[MintOnLamb]

This should be in contention for mark of the year but it won’t be because it’s not a spectacle. Just pure strength and concentration  #AFLTigersDogs

https://twitter.com/johnloydroberts/status/1644622189608734721

Agree, was excellent

[one-eyed]

"His season so far is still tracking to be All-Australian level."

- Daniel Hoyne on Dustin Martin

https://twitter.com/SENSportsday/status/1645708533831467009

[one-eyed]

Champion Data’s Daniel Hoyne joined SEN’s Sportsday to discuss the performances from Round 4 which may have been overlooked in the Coaches votes.

Dustin Martin (Richmond)

“We had him as the fourth-highest rated player on the ground (against the Western Bulldogs).

“He got zero votes from the coaches on the weekend, but I was watching on the weekend and I thought he was the one that could win the game for Richmond all night.

“After that Round 1 performance against Carlton … I think his season so far is tracking to be at All-Australian level.

“We’ve just got to get our head around that we’re not going to see Dusty get 30 disposals probably again all year.

“15 contested possessions for the game playing purely as a forward is ridiculous and to have 10 score involvements, it continues to be all impact for Dusty.”

https://www.sen.com.au/news/2023/04/12/five-round-4-performances-that-flew-under-the-radar-according-to-champion/

[one-eyed]

From Barrett's 'Sliding Doors' column:



IF ...
the Tigers were to hypnotise Dusty and convince him that Friday night’s match against the Swans was a Grand Final ...

THEN ...
that would be the one sure-fire way of getting this sputtering season on track. We know what happens with Dusty and Grand Finals. But we are now never sure what we get with Richmond week to week.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/902214/if-the-tigers-were-to-hypnotise-dusty-then