Dustin Martin [merged]

[FooffooValve]

Got a feeling he already knew his body was stuffed and he didn’t have it in him to play at such a high level anymore.

I reckon the club talked him into it with the addition of Hopper and Taranto they thought he could cope as a forward. But I don’t think his body can do it anymore

Had 25 and kicked 1.3, should have kicked 4. Not a bad game!

[Tigeritis™©®]

Got a feeling he already knew his body was stuffed and he didn’t have it in him to play at such a high level anymore.

I reckon the club talked him into it with the addition of Hopper and Taranto they thought he could cope as a forward. But I don’t think his body can do it anymore

Had 25 and kicked 1.3, should have kicked 4. Not a bad game!

At the game it looks like he’s just going. Obviously his natural talent and instincts are still there but his body looks shot. Doesn’t have any speed of movement at all. His strength has decreased significantly.
He doesn’t have that step of the mark anymore

[Andyy]

He's cooked.

Managed to turn it on for a nice goal at the end but you could see it took everything he had in him.

[The Machine]

His cooked still has value. Far from finished.

[TigerLand]

I think the criticisms of Dusty is absolutely madness. He had an OK game. Could have won it for us. Wasn't to be.

[Andyy]

His cooked still has value. Far from finished.

Cooked compared to his best years but you are right. He's light years better than Mansell lol

[hyperlite]

If he kicks that goal from 1% where it hit the post we'd all be hearing from the media that he's back. Game of millimetres.

[one-eyed]

Dusty's game. He had the second most meters gained for us and 3rd most on the ground.

25 disposals (16k, 9h, 9c, 15u, 60% eff.)
2 marks
3 tackles
2 clearances
6 inside 50s
579 metres gained
2 intercepts
7 score involvements
1 goal
3 behinds
83% time on ground

[rogerd3]

His messiah days are over
But can contribute.

[Tigeritis™©®]

I’m not saying he’s finished but I just got a feeling he probably wanted to retire because he knew hs body isn’t able to go at his previous high level.

At the game he struggles to make contests now. Seems he has lost that explosiveness off the mark.

I agree that he still contributes and is better than anyone else in that position but it’s kind of sad seeing him struggle. Hard to watch at times seeing him in decline because he been so elite.

Obviously his stats reflect an ok game but it looks like he’s blowing up pretty hard out there these days.

I’m not writing him off but just observing what I saw

He normally would’ve ate those goals for breakfast too.

[Andyy]

Think we just need to appreciate how blessed we were as a club and what a privilege it was to see this guy in his prime around 17-20.

2017 I've never seen a player hurt opposition teams so much, ever.

[WilliamPowell]

I was at the game and he looked good to me

Kick 3.1 instead of 1.3 and we don't have this discussion

Looked much better when he went in the middle

[Hard Roar Tiger]

Agreed Willy.

Looked close to getting back that swagger.
Those missed goals hurt but were so close to going through. If only….

[FooffooValve]

I reckon he's building well. Might not get back to 2017-21 levels, but let's not forget he's coming off a really challenging year, physically and mentally. Barring niggles/setbacks, I expect him to get back to something like his dominant self over the next few weeks.

[one-eyed]

Dusty's goal is up for Goal of the Week.

-------------------

Charlie's brilliance, Rankine's magic or vintage Dusty?

Who gets your @rebelsport Goal of the Year nomination for round six?

Head to http://afl.com.au/goal-of-the-year to cast your vote 🗳

https://twitter.com/AFL/status/1651137424469417986