‘Made a statement’: Vintage Dusty of old returns... and the role he could play ‘as long as he wants’Dylan Bolch
Fox Sports
May 27th, 2024 Dreamtime at the ‘G unlocked vintage Dusty.
A throwback performance from Richmond superstar Dustin Martin against the Bombers on Saturday night well and truly gave the Tigers faithful something to smile about in what has been a bleak season.
Despite questions around his longevity popping up in recent weeks, North Melbourne champion David King believes Dustin Martin still has plenty to give at Punt Road.
“Richmond fans say thanks for the memories, it was great to revisit old Dusty one more time,” King said.
“This is the reason why we go to the footy, let’s not slam the brakes on these guys too much, he’s a star.
“He was back to his ball-hunting best, when he was around the action he wanted possession, he’s hard to tackle, he’s hard to stop.”
King highlighted vision of Martin utilising space behind the defence to pick apart Essendon’s backline.
“He was just awesome, we talk about the paddock, this is Dusty’s domain, this is where he wants to be,” he said.
“He made them pay at every opportunity.
“I don’t think there’s a player in the game that plays this role better than Dusty.
“In behind the last line, commanding the position, knowing when to release and get involved.”
While he may have dropped off from his Brownlow Medal winning form of years gone by, St Kilda champion Leigh Montagna believes Martin can continue playing the role King outlined for “however long he wants to”.
“Some of the conversation around if Richmond should even offer him a contract was well and truly over the top,” he said.
“While he’s not having his best season, he’s coming off his peak, but he’s still so valuable to the Richmond Football Club.”
Martin looked back to his best against the Bombers, recording 23 disposals, eight score involvements while kicking 3.2.
A superb finish from the boundary line by the three-time Norm Smith Medallist had the Richmond fans out of their seat.
“I just reckon this one meant a bit more to him than other goals he’s kicked in recent times, he wanted to make a statement,” King said.
Montagna used a comparison to Geelong superstar Gryan Miers, who many believes is in All-Australian contention this season, to highlight the impact Martin is having in 2024.
Miers has averaged 22 disposals, 7.1 score involvements and 0.9 goals per game this campaign, only marginally better than Martin’s 19.4 disposals, 6.8 score involvements and 0.8 goals per game.
“Just to give some context, I’m not saying he’s having the year of Gryan Miers or he’s absolutely flying, but he’s having some impact,” he said.
“I just think he’s so valuable, it’s up to him how long he wants to play for.”
Regardless of how much longer Dusty goes on, one thing is for sure, he’s certainly delivered many great memories for the Richmond faithful.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/teams/richmond-tigers/made-a-statement-vintage-dusty-of-old-returns-and-the-role-he-could-play-as-long-as-he-wants/news-story/7959824146b98571d158986d163f69c4
