Dustin Martin’s ability to shake off the off-field critics and produce a career-best season is a testament to the character and resolve of the Tigers superstar.
After an off-season of turmoil – in which he was investigated and eventually cleared of threats made to a woman in a Melbourne restaurant, as well as the deportation of his dad back to New Zealand – it wouldn’t have surprised to see a toll paid on his footballing career.
But while innuendo and rumours dictate the perception of his personal life, Martin has risen above to let his football do the talking.
In Saturday’s win against the Bombers at the MCG, Martin produced a touching sentiment, kissing his black armband after kicking a critical goal, in memory of a relative that had passed away during the week.
That moment summed up Dustin Martin; a young man who has a big heart.
Recently on Open Mike, former teammate Jake King defended Martin and spoke of an individual who wears his heart on his sleeve.
“Dustin has got one of the biggest hearts out of any footballers,” said King. “He has got nothing but good intentions.”
Although this statement may surprise people, his current teammates share the same view, and often speak glowingly of Martin’s loyalty, resilience, and passion for his life and his football club.
King also compared Martin’s leadership to Richmond captain Trent Cotchin, and surprised the interviewer by declaring the only difference between the two is that one has tattoos, and the other doesn’t.
Martin’s has two neck tattoos. The words ‘Ngati Maru’, a reference to his family bloodlines in the North Island of New Zealand, are written on one side. The other side is a tattoo saying ‘Matai Whetu’, the gathering place for his family, a reminder of his heritage.
In terms of football, Martin is now one of the game’s premier midfielders. His brute strength, vision, penetrating kicking ability and one-on-one dominance make him a daunting proposition. He has produced some astonishing numbers in 2016, averaging 30.2 disposals, 5.4 clearances, 12.8 contested possessions, five inside 50s and 446 metres gained per match.
At the end of the season, he could also add a Brownlow Medal to his name.
While Martin can turn the ball over and give away plenty of free kicks, that’s is because he is a risk taker with the ball in hand, and will push the boundaries in order to get his team over the line.
Martin is an old-fashioned footballer. He boots the ball long, takes on the tacklers and does not conform to the safe, slow style of ball movement that riddles AFL football.
The trademark fend-off is as good as there has ever been.
He is now among the truly elite, and without Martin’s presence this season, Richmond would be even lower on the ladder; outsiders say Richmond saved Dustin Martin, but Dustin Martin is now saving Richmond.
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