Martin needs strong mentorDavid Schwarz
Geelong Advertiser
September 19th, 2013Handcuffed and locked up after being found passed out in a Wangaratta backyard on Christmas Eve in 2006 was the turning point for Steve Johnson.
He'd been the larrikin boozer who was at Geelong for a good time. He drank too much too often. He broke both his ankles jumping off a pub roof in 2003 and has endured eight operations on them since.
Collingwood had looked at picking Johnson but knocked him back after he failed a fitness test.
But that Christmas with the cops was the end of the line for the big drinker.
Johnson was taught some tough lessons about behaviour, privilege and pride.
Geelong could see something in him, but he couldn't see it in himself.
The Cats needed to be firm with him. He needed a strong mentor to get him on the right track because he was headed to nowhere.
After a club-imposed suspension, the tide started to turn. It took until 2008 before he completed his first full pre-season.
He has really blossomed since, learning that he holds the key to his future.
Richmond's Dustin Martin is where Stevie J was eight years ago. Lost off the field, lost within his club and with his name on the trade table.
I don't want Martin to be found passed out in a country town, I want him to show faith in a mentor who has his interests at heart.
He's had a troubled upbringing. But there comes a time when people need to act for the future, and this is the time for Dustin.
I fear that he is being managed very badly.
The Tigers have put so much time into him and he needs to repay them.
The club is going places. He just played in a final. Next year it might be two or three.
The Tigers put a great deal on the table for him.
At 22, why would he sneeze at $500,000 a year? He should be thankful to be gifted an environment to develop into a better person.
But his manager, Ralph Carr, has not done his client any favours.
I know Richmond will not offer Martin the same money again. The club is only going down in price.
Carr is only new in the player management business after years in music. He started with about a dozen clients and now has four.
Carr needs to recognise that Dustin isn't your average footballer. He's hung out with crooks and been out far too late at parties during important times for the club.
The Tigers have had mentors in place for him. They've had minders. He's lived with the club president.
They would be disappointed if for the sake of $50,000 all that work was to be undone.
It would be great if Martin could have a chat with Stevie J - an open conversation about the privileges he's been gifted.
I'm sure Richmond assistant coach Mark Williams has been a strong voice this year for Martin.
And sometimes it can take just one constant person to reiterate what's required.
When I was playing, we had a prodigious talent in Travis Johnstone come to the club.
He was troubled, but Demons champion Stephen Tingay took him under his wing and guided him through some tough times.
I can only imagine how bad it could have gotten for Johnston if Stinga wasn't beside him.
I don't want to suggest which Richmond players need to buddy up with Martin because I'm sure some have tried and been rejected.
But what Dustin must do is seek the counsel of someone who has only his best interests at heart.
Stevie J has gone on to play in three winning grand final sides and win a Norm Smith Medal.
I'd love to see Dustin up there one day too, not unconscious in someone's backyard. Or worse.
http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2013/09/19/373276_news.html
