Dustin Martin and father go neck and neck in Maori stakes Aaron Langmaid
Herald Sun
June 30, 2010 FOOTBALLERS often wear their hearts on their sleeve - but young Richmond star Dustin Martin now wears his on his neck.
The No.3 draft pick returned from the mid-season break with bold new ink - the Maori words 'Ngati Maru' and 'Matai Whetu'.
It's the second set of tattoos that mirror those stamped on his father, Shane.
It was revealed at November's draft that the pair have 'Live Free. Die Free' across their torsos.
"Me and Dad got it and it is just kind of a saying that we came up with together," Dustin explained last year.
"He's been a great support, as has all my family. They have been a big part of getting me here."
Ngati Maru is his extended family's North Island tribe and Matai Whetu is its meeting place.
It's believed others in Martin's family have the tattoo and the inscription was close to the young player's heart.
Martin, who was born in Castlemaine and lives with club president Gary March, joins a long line of football players who have tattoos with indigenous roots, including Hawthorn forward Lance Franklin.
Franklin this year unveiled an Aboriginal-inspired artwork on his left arm.
Richmond teammate Ben Cousins has the phrase 'Such if Life' emblazoned across his lower torso.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/dustin-martin-and-father-go-neck-and-neck-in-maori-stakes/story-e6frf9jf-1225885954153
