2. DUSTIN MARTIN (RICH)Decade stats: 224 games, 250 goals, 2x premiership, 2x Norm Smith, 1x Brownlow, 3x All-Australian, 2x club B&FIf Franklin has revolutionised the forward position, Martin has done so for the midfield position.
Due to the emergence of the likes of Martin, teams rarely employ small midfielders like generations past, with the prototype being powerful players in the Martin mold.
Unlike some of the others on this list, Martin's entire career has spanned this decade, after he was drafted third overall by the Tigers in the 2009 draft.
While he was an inconsistent performer earlier on in his career, Martin's rise to prominence has coincided with that of his team to becoming a powerhouse.
As evidenced by his pair of Norm Smith Medals, Martin is the AFL's ultimate big-game performer, and has become a renowned finals specialist over the past few seasons.
"He's a big-time big-game player," Lloyd said.
"In 2017, he had what Leigh Matthews described as the greatest season the game has ever seen. But then to be able to back it up in 2019 is incredible. To win two Norm Smith Medals in the last three years is a fantastic achievement.
"We talk about Buddy being unique, but I think it's hard to describe a player like Dustin Martin as well.
"I love that he kicks goals, I don't think enough midfielders in our game kick goals. His ability to go forward and create chaos sets him apart."
Lloyd praised Martin for his ability to rise in big moments and compared his penchant for doing so to his former Essendon captain James Hird.
"His big-game performances remind me of something I loved about James Hird, whether it was Norm Smith Medals or ANZAC Day Medals," he said.
"I think Dustin Martin has a resume that stands above any midfielder in this last decade. Others might have more All-Australian appearances, but to win two Norm Smiths in two Grand Final appearances is phenomenal."
https://wwos.nine.com.au/afl/matthew-lloyd-why-lance-franklin-is-the-player-of-the-decade-dustin-martin-gary-ablett-luke-hodge-nat-fyfe/e437ba66-e22f-4769-8e75-a3a38b6862c3Adam Cooney's top 5 players of the last decade1. Ablett
2. Franklin
3. Dustin Martin - “People will accuse me of recency bias but overall his 10 years are nothing to be sneezed at.
Two Norm Smith medals, two flags, a Brownlow, his precise field kicking and he’s kicked 250 goals.”
4. Luke Hodge
5. Scott Pendlebury
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2019/12/17/adam-cooney-names-his-top-5-players-of-the-decade/