The man, the myth, the legend that is Dustin Martin has once again been thrust into the spotlight after becoming the best Tiger of the 20th century.
The Tiger king has no doubt deserved to be ahead of the likes of Matthew Richardson, Wayne Campbell and Brett Deledio based on his current form comprising two Norm Smith medals, two premierships and one Brownlow in his 11 years in the competition.
Where does the current king of Punt Road sit among the greatest players of all time? On this list we’re talking about the likes of Leigh Matthews, Wayne Carey, Norm Smith and Bob Skilton. The debate has no doubt raged for the last 100 years and will certainly be around for the next 100 years. But surely Martin has to be part of the discussion.
The accolades do not give the best indicator of a player’s rank against his peers from varying decades. Leigh Matthews’s four premierships as a player through late 1970s and early 1980s mean he simply has to be mentioned as one of the greatest of all time.
The supreme class of Bob Skilton to take home three Brownlow medals in the very different time of the VFL is a distinct accolade, him being one of only four players in VFL/AFL history to claim a trio of best and fairest medals.
Martin is of course two premierships and two Brownlow medals away from catching, let alone passing, two of the greatest players in VFL/AFL history.
The mild-mannered Martin’s quiet nature generates an air of mystery around the magic man of the AFL. The debate about the greatest player of all time will never reach a sound conclusion, but for now we’re witnessing someone who’s in contention for the title, and that’s very special.
Matches
Roar Rookie
All those question marks make it seem as if you are questioning whether he's a true champion. I realise you're not, but did you mean to have question marks? Was it a typo? Did you intend exclamation marks or something else?
Lachlan Mitchell
Roar Guru
The lesser-known incarcerated tigers.
sven
Roar Rookie
obviously didnt see any of his 21 contested possessions in the 2017 grannie - u think he doesnt play where he is of the most benefit for the team ? midfielders are important but richmond has other players to cover that role, how many players in the comp have the same impact with their possessions as dusty does ?
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Swanny gripped a cup at least and a Brownlow pretty well too
Mooty
Roar Rookie
Could only come from a one eyed Collingwood supporter. No grip on reality
Lachlan Mitchell
Roar Guru
Yeah absolute Swan and Pendles have a great game sense and are no doubt stars ????
Lachlan Mitchell
Roar Guru
Yes the players on the list spanned this century and the last
Lachlan Mitchell
Roar Guru
There are so many facets of his game that are underrated and unfortunately there are no stats for being unselfish
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Disagree completely on both Dusty and Swan. Swan was an incredible player and Dusty is clearly the best current player in the competition. Forget stats and look at impact. The Tigers would be a different footy club if he had have left a few years back.
Lou Jones
Guest
Dusty has superlative physical skills, football instinct & match winning ability, but just as important (and rarely mentioned in the context of player rankings) is his incredible unselfishness & team-first mindset. He’s not interested in personal stats or accolades, preferring to bring teammates into the game at every opportunity. We witnessed this on GF day when he passed to Marlion Pickett instead of lining up for an easy goal himself. He does it all game every game, & it should be acknowledged more. A true champion ????????????
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
20th century?
Greg
Guest
He’s the greatest Tiger by a mile. Over the next 5 years he will have another premiership or two plus other medals. He’s fortunate to be playing for the biggest club in the league and streaks ahead of the rest. Very scary for my team to face him and Tiger Army.
sven
Roar Rookie
been told im pretty bent but your humour is beyond me
Mooty
Roar Rookie
I agree with your comments about some players being overrated. I would certainly put Swan and Pendlebury in that category but your wrong about Martin I’ve watched him carve my side a few times and it’s not pleasant to look at.
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
Many teams
Parkside Darren
Roar Rookie
East of Victoria? I thought Dusty’s dad would be his biggest fan
sven
Roar Rookie
east of vic...thatd be our kiwi cousins, yep prob dont know too much about him :happy:
sven
Roar Rookie
who'd joe play for ?
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
I'd be insulted if I was Joe exoctic.
J.T. Delacroix
Guest
So, if he’s not a permanent on-baller, he can’t be much chop? He’s more than handy in ‘one-on-one’ contests from what I’ve seen. I don’t know what you’ve been watching these past 8-9 seasons, but you’re way off the mark. Borderline clueless.