Please stay fit: Your club's most crucial player Nathan Schmook
AFL.com.au
12 April 2017The Tigers may have increased their midfield depth and ability to cover injuries there if need be, but Dustin Martin is in a different class.
Damien Hardwick's willingness to send him forward for periods and isolate him 25m ahead of the ball has been a feature of the Tigers' play and an element they can't afford to lose.
Martin has won 22 per cent of his possessions inside 50 this year, compared to eight per cent in 2016.
He has also been involved in 35.4 per cent of Richmond's scores this season (ranked No.1 at the club).
He hasn't lost a one-on-one contest, neutralising them at worst, and he is averaging a career-best 32.7 possessions (No.4 in the AFL), despite his increased time forward.
The Tigers might be able to cover him in the midfield and get by, but they can't forward of centre.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-04-12/please-stay-healthy-your-clubs-most-crucial-player