How did Dusty miss a vote?CHRIS VERNUCCIO
Herald Sun
17 July 2016DUSTIN Martin continued his sparkling season with another day out at the MCG against Essendon.
The Richmond star was everywhere on the ground as he amassed 43 disposals, 35 kicks, 22 contested possessions and 14 clearances — all career highs — as well as two goals, six marks and four tackles to earn 152 SuperCoach points in the Tigers’ 19-point win over the Bombers.
Frankly, there was not much more Dusty could do in what was arguably the biggest performance of his career.
The three Brownlow votes are surely in the bag.
Our very own Sam Edmund thinks so after awarding Martin three votes in the Herald Sun Player of the Year award, and ex-Essendon star Matthew Lloyd gave him the maximum five votes in the 3AW award.
Martin firmed into second favourite for the Brownlow Medal at $7.
But Carlton great and ABC commentator Mark Maclure questioned Martin’s influence and didn’t give him a single vote.
That’s right, Dusty didn’t even feature in Maclure’s top three best players with his votes going to Richmond teammates Ben Griffiths (three), Trent Cotchin (two) and Essendon’s Zach Merrett (one).
Just spoke to Maclure. He gave 0 votes to Dusty. His first comment: "I couldnt care less". Says he had 33 in the back half that went 2 yards
— Jon Ralph (@RalphyHeraldSun) July 16, 2016
Don't agree with Sellers that Dusty wasn't in the top 3 but agree with his point we should ignore stats sheets and vote more on influence
— Jon Ralph (@RalphyHeraldSun) July 16, 2016
Yes, Martin’s disposal efficiency was only 51 per cent but most of his possessions didn’t come cheaply, and his 585 metres gained was the most of any player on the field.
He also had six inside 50s, which was more than any other player.
It’s worth remembering not even 44 disposals guaranteed Greg Williams a Brownlow vote in 1993.
However, Martin’s absence from Maclure’s vote certainly raised more than a few eyebrows on social media.
Hi. My name is Troy McClure. You may remember from such things such as not giving Dustin Martin a single vote and being incompetent #gotiges
— SoccerBeast (@borgy017) July 16, 2016
Dustin Martin was the difference between the two sides at the end of the day, Maclure to give no votes is ridiculous
https://t.co/9EkGQuYVZF — Peter Filopoulos (@peterfilopoulos) July 16, 2016
@ABCAFL didn't watch the game at all see a bloke by the name of dustin Martin he had 43 & kicked 2
— Tiger (@Moodie21) July 16, 2016
@ABCAFL no Dustin Martin, that's an absolute joke 😡
— Michael Keating (@mickyo_GOLIONS) July 16, 2016
@ABCAFL What about Dustin Martin? 43 possessions!!!
— Cheryl Critchley (@CherylCritchley) July 16, 2016
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/dustin-martin-picks-up-careerhigh-43-disposals-but-doesnt-get-a-vote-in-abc-media-award/news-story/7ee529270f60ace98462e98418e47186