2. DUSTY‘S BACK23 disposals (15k, 8h, 7c, 18u, 69.6% eff.)
5 marks
2 clearances (1 centre clearance)
3 inside 50s
1 intercept
358 metres gained
11 score involvements
2 goals
1 behind
85% time on ground
Regardless of what team you barrack for, the sight of Dustin Martin on an AFL field is one we haven‘t seen anywhere near enough of in recent times.
A lacerated kidney brought an end to his season in the backhalf of last year and, after round one this season, Martin took time away from the game to deal with the sudden loss of his father.
Ending a 51-day absence on Saturday, Martin was cheered every time he had the ball, before things truly erupted in the third term, with the three-time Norm Smith medallist putting through a goal.
“Every Richmond player on the ground has run to Dusty,” Jason Dunstall said on Fox Footy.
“That’s the excitement and joy that he brings to this group and to this football club.”
Nick Riewoldt added: “It (the celebration from teammates) was like a first-gamer.”
Tigers teammate Tom Lynch told Fox Footy post-game the team “loved having Martin back”
“When he kicked that goal and got a fair reception – that was pretty special,” Lynch said.
Speaking pre-game to Fox Footy, Richmond coach Damien Hardwick was full of praise for Martin.
“It was exciting obviously from our point of view, he’s just such a wonderful player. Not only good for us but for the AFL in general, it’s good to have great players back,” he said.
“He’s probably going to be a little bit rusty today but as we’ve said previously, a half-going Dustin Martin is still pretty good.”
If this was Martin at half-pace, he‘s going to make for riveting viewing as the season progresses.
Source: Foxsports
