Sport analysts and commentators have long revered the players of old.
When we discuss the greats, lots of criticism falls on the current generation, with the standard of greatness elevated the more we part from legends we remember.
Considered a symptom of the glory days and time passed, legends are often cleared of their moments and remembered for their undeniable triumphs.
In today’s all-access age, the modern player is denied the same mystique, but that’s not to say that these legends are anything other than legends.
Take this into consideration when regarding the talent and potential of modern greats like Dustin Martin.
Not only is he the best player in the AFL’s most damaging side, but Martin has achieved honours beyond most in an unbelievable three-year period.
Martin is not the greatest ever, although he might be in the discussion about Richmond’s best.
Players like Royce Hart, Kevin Bartlett and Matthew Richardson are all exalted in Richmond history.
Retiring in 1977, Hart received outstanding honours in his ten-year career with four premierships, two Jack Dyer Medals and two Michael Roach Medals, as well recognition in the AFL Team of the Century and Australian Football Hall of Fame.
However, Kevin Bartlett stands at the top. Besides recording 403 games for Richmond between 1965 and 1983, Bartlett achieved five premierships, one Norm Smith Medal, five best and fairest awards (three in Premiership years), four Richmond leading goal-kicker prizes and Australian Football Hall of Fame Legend status.
But something needs to be said about Martin’s success achieved in the VFL/AFL’s most expansive era.
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
In 2017, Martin’s made history more times than thought possible. He won the Brownlow Medal with a record 36 votes and became the first player to do so with a premiership and a Norm Smith Medal in the following week.
Martin had his name on everything that year, but at the start of 2018, we observed a different Dustin Martin. Despite excelling, Martin’s form dipped with his passion for the game fading fast.
Martin achieved every award achievable by a player in his position and seemingly had nothing left to strive for. The media pumped him up for the class exuded in 2017, at times over-hyping a man no longer before us.
The Tigers lost to Collingwood in the preliminary final that year despite leading the league and remaining undefeated at the MCG all season until that match.
Although like Richmond, Martin returned in 2019 as many premiership stars fell throughout the season. As all great leaders do, Martin lifted, guiding Richmond out of a struggle.
He slowly returned to his 2017 form before transcending it in the matches leading into finals. Of course, Richmond’s near perfect system meant Martin carried less weight than most other teams would allow. But Martin had a purpose again and seized it fast.
He assisted the Tigers to their second premiership in three years, and in turn secured his second Norm Smith Medal. He joined stars Gary Ayres, Andrew McLeod and Luke Hodge as one of four players to win it twice, although Martin remains the only player to do it with Brownlow honours in the same year.
The Richmond star could retire tomorrow as one of the best players to ever grace the club.
But with a few more strong years, Martin may just take out the top spot in Richmond’s history and be remembered as their greatest ever.
Michael44
Roar Rookie
So,I didn't have to look very far to find an example of Larriken's wisdom. -- "the stupid comments show why so many people hate everything richmond, immaturity." Oh Larriken. Really??
Michael44
Roar Rookie
Yeah, I know Ritchie. You're probably right,but I see that Larriken has over 200 comments made here,so sometimes it's hard to resist countering the ongoing c#ap.
RT
Roar Rookie
Larrikan is best ignored. Just a t#oll.
Michael44
Roar Rookie
What evidence do you have to support your claim Larrikin?
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
What a dweeb!
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Yep.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Larry? One of the Stooges!
J.T. Delacroix
Guest
I’m sure they’re all deeply troubled, Larrikin.
Larrikin
Roar Rookie
i thought Franklin was bad for pure self importance but martin is way past that , i feel sorry for his team mates ...well except for sooky Jack
RT
Roar Rookie
The fact remains 4 out 5 voting in 2017 gave him best on ground and 5 out of 5 in 2019. Obviously only one read the AFL memo in 2017 to rig the result and the half a dozen other players who could have won this year did not stand out enough to register even one 3 voter between them. Why would you actually write this rubbish? Are you trying to be funny or smart or both? Neither applies.
Paul D
Roar Guru
I can see the statue in years to come. One hand clutching a fistful of norm smiths, the other holding a couple of chopsticks, whilst looking wistfully back across as the tasman at the father who fell afoul of Peter Dutton and can never return
Peter
Guest
2017 GF he had the 2nd most contested possessions ever in a GF (1 CP behind the most ever), 29 touches (2nd most on ground) and kicked a couple of goals. There was 1 or 2 others on the day who could be considered worthy winners, but to say Martin was gifted the Norm is wrong. 2019 he kicked 4 and had an influence everywhere. His name amd reputation get him across the line but he rightfully deserved both.
RT
Roar Rookie
WCE adds very little if anything to just about every thread he or she comments on in this site.
Robbie
Guest
Martin has a great 2017, there’s no doubt, but he was gifted the Norm Smith Medal that year because the AFL wanted to push the whole “he won it all” tag. He dropped off in 2018 and although he was great again this year, he isn’t anywhere near 2017 level. His second Norm Smith could’ve gone to half a dozen players, he probably won it because he simply stands out now since we’re looking for him
Floyd Calhoun
Guest
Care to elaborate on just how “factual”?! He isn’t writing these articles, and I’m pretty sure you’ve never met the man, yet you’re quite willing to spout your predictable, churlish crap.
WCE
Roar Rookie
i'll take Larrikins comments and double it - brilliantly said and 100% factual
RT
Roar Rookie
I know you are just being a larrikan but seriously, nothing could be further from the truth.
Larrikin
Roar Rookie
Ha Ha Ha what a hilarious article . this bloke was finding it hard to get through the door as it was now the ego will be so massive his head will explode
Cracka
Roar Rookie
He is a star and time will tell how bright it shines.
Shane
Guest
Joisus. Do I have to read the article or is the fan service from the title sufficient?