Dustin Martin
Dustin Martin (born 26 June 1991) is a retired Australian rules footballer who played his entire 15-season career with the Richmond Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL), renowned for his explosive midfield play, three premiership victories, and status as one of the competition's greatest big-game performers.[1][2] Born in Castlemaine, Victoria, to a New Zealand Māori father, Shane, and an Australian mother, Kathy, Martin experienced family hardship when his father was deported to New Zealand in 2016 due to criminal convictions and associations with outlaw motorcycle gangs. Shane Martin died in New Zealand in December 2021.[3][4][5] Growing up in the rural town of Castlemaine, approximately 90 minutes north of Melbourne, he showed early promise in junior football with the Castlemaine Football Club and Bendigo Pioneers under-18s, dropping out of school at age 15 to focus on his athletic development.[3] Selected with pick three in the 2009 AFL National Draft, Martin debuted in round one of the 2010 season against Carlton at age 18, quickly establishing himself as a dynamic inside midfielder standing 187 cm tall and weighing 86 kg, earning AFL Rising Star nomination in his rookie year.[1][1] Martin's career peaked during Richmond's dominant era from 2017 to 2020, where he was instrumental in securing three premierships (2017, 2019, 2020), becoming the only player in VFL/AFL history to win three Norm Smith Medals as best on ground in grand finals.[2] In 2017, he claimed the Brownlow Medal as the league's fairest and best player with a record 36 votes, alongside All-Australian selection in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2020, and nine top-three finishes in Richmond's best and fairest count.[2] Over 302 games and 338 goals, he amassed AFL life membership in 2023 for reaching 300 matches, ranking among the Tigers' most experienced players as the seventh to hit that milestone.[2][6] Hampered by back issues in 2024, Martin played just 13 games before announcing his immediate retirement on 5 August 2024 at age 33, citing physical toll and a desire to step away, though he received a public farewell from fans during Richmond's round 23 match.[2][7]Early life and junior football
Early life
Dustin Martin was born on 26 June 1991 in Castlemaine, a rural town in Victoria, Australia.[8] He is the middle of three brothers—Tyson, himself, and Bronson—born to father Shane Martin and mother Kathy Knight.[8] Shane, a New Zealand-born Māori from the Ngāti Maru tribe who immigrated to Australia at age 21 after playing rugby league in his home country, later became involved in criminal activities, including associations with outlaw motorcycle gangs such as the Rebels, resulting in multiple immigration issues, including his deportation from Australia in 2016 under character grounds and a denied re-entry attempt in 2020.[9][10][11] Martin's extended family includes his uncle Dean Martin, Shane's brother, who faced deportation proceedings in 2024 over alleged bikie links and character concerns but successfully avoided removal by proving his Aboriginal heritage.[12] Martin spent his early childhood in Castlemaine, where his family lived on a small rural property.[3] His parents separated when he was 14, prompting him to move to Sydney's southwest to live with his father and work long hours as a forklift driver while continuing to train in football.[1][8] Regarding education, he attended Castlemaine Secondary College but left after completing Year 9 at age 15, a decision he later expressed regret over, before eventually completing a personal training certificate in Bendigo.[1][9] From a young age, Martin was exposed to sports through his family's influences, particularly his father's rugby league roots, which led him to briefly consider pursuing that code during his time in Sydney.[9] However, his parents introduced him to Australian rules football via the local Auskick program around age five or six, sparking a passion that saw him playing junior matches by under-10s level despite initially being too young for organized competition.[8][9]Junior football career
Martin began his junior football career in the under-10s at the Campbells Creek Football Club, located near his hometown of Castlemaine in regional Victoria.[13] As he progressed through the age groups, he transitioned to the Castlemaine Football Netball Club, where at just 16 years old in 2008, he earned a spot in the senior side of the Bendigo Football Netball League (BFNL).[1] His rapid rise was marked by impressive performances, including a five-goal haul in a late-season match against Golden Square, which helped him secure the BFNL Rising Star award for that year.[14] In late 2008, Martin's talent caught the attention of TAC Cup scouts, leading to his debut for the Bendigo Pioneers under-18 side, where he played four games to close out the season.[13] The following year, 2009, saw him establish himself as a dominant force in the competition, appearing in 11 matches for the Pioneers and averaging 24.7 disposals per game, with 9.7 of those contested, while leading the team in total disposals.[15] He also finished as runner-up in the Pioneers' best and fairest count and earned a spot in the TAC Cup Team of the Year at centre.[16] Throughout these games, Martin showcased midfield dominance through his explosive pace, relentless tackling pressure, and ability to break lines with powerful runs. Martin represented Vic Country at the 2009 AFL Under-18 Championships, playing all five matches and averaging 21.4 disposals, including 7.2 contested possessions, per game.[17] His standout performances, particularly in the final game against Western Australia, earned him selection in the All-Australian team at centre.[18] By this stage, Martin had physically matured into a robust 187 cm, 89 kg athlete, combining his athletic build with exceptional endurance and speed that highlighted his potential as a top draft prospect. Preparing for the 2009 AFL National Draft, Martin attended the AFL Draft Combine, where testing confirmed his elite midfield attributes and positioned him as one of the leading prospects in his category. His junior career trajectory, from local BFNL standout to national under-18 honors, underscored his rapid development and readiness for professional football.[19]AFL career
Draft and debut (2009–2010)
Martin was selected by the Richmond Football Club with their third pick (overall pick number three) in the 2009 AFL National Draft, following Melbourne's selections of Tom Scully and Jack Trengove.[20] The powerfully built midfielder from Castlemaine impressed recruiters with his skill and physical presence during his time with the Bendigo Pioneers in the TAC Cup.[21] Following the draft, Martin signed an initial contract with Richmond and entered pre-season training under new senior coach Damien Hardwick, who had been appointed in late 2009.[22] Early in the 2010 pre-season, Martin faced scrutiny for returning overweight and was reprimanded by club leadership, prompting a focused effort to build his endurance and adapt to the professional demands of AFL football. This preparation emphasized improving his aerobic capacity to handle the intensity of senior-level matches. Martin made his AFL debut in round 1 of the 2010 season on 25 March against Carlton at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where he recorded 18 disposals and three tackles in Richmond's 56-point loss.[23] In his rookie year, he secured a regular spot in the senior side, playing all 21 games and contributing 11 goals while averaging 20.2 disposals per match.[24] A highlight came in round 11 against North Melbourne, where he kicked three goals in a losing effort, showcasing his versatility as a midfielder-forward. Under Hardwick's guidance, Martin worked on refining his contested ball-winning and decision-making, laying the foundation for his development despite the team's struggles.[22]2011–2013 seasons
In 2011, Dustin Martin established himself as a key player for the Richmond Tigers, appearing in 22 games during which he averaged 22.1 disposals and kicked 19 goals.[25] His breakout performance, which included strong contributions across the midfield and forward line, saw him finish third in the club's best and fairest count, the Jack Dyer Medal.[26] The 2012 season brought challenges for both Martin and Richmond, who finished ninth on the ladder after a mid-season slump. Martin played 20 games, boosting his contested possession average to 8.5 per game while maintaining solid disposal numbers at 22.4.[25] However, he faced a two-match club-imposed suspension for missing a training session alongside teammate Daniel Connors, an incident linked to off-field behavior.[27] Martin elevated his game in 2013, playing 23 games—including Richmond's elimination final—and kicking 15 goals en route to a fifth-place finish that secured the club's first finals appearance in 12 years.[25] His midfield dominance earned him selection in the All-Australian team at centre and second place in the Jack Dyer Medal.[28][26] He ranked among the league's top performers in clearances and contested possessions, providing crucial drive in the Tigers' late-season push.[25] Over these seasons, Martin transitioned from a half-forward flanker to a core inside midfielder within Damien Hardwick's contest-focused system, enhancing his tackling pressure and ball-winning ability.[1] Off the field, his growing stature led to a two-year contract extension with Richmond, committing him to the club through the end of 2015.[29]2014–2016 seasons
In the 2014 season, Dustin Martin played 22 games for Richmond, averaging 25.4 disposals and kicking 27 goals, despite being interrupted by a hamstring injury that caused him to miss round 22 against St Kilda.[25][30] He finished third in the club's best and fairest count, the Jack Dyer Medal, reflecting his growing influence in the midfield following his earlier development.[26] Richmond secured fifth place on the ladder and advanced to the qualifying final against Sydney, where Martin delivered a strong performance with 19 disposals and six inside-50s in the 20-point loss.[31] Martin's 2015 campaign saw further consistency, as he featured in all 23 games—including the elimination final—averaging 26 disposals per match and booting 24 goals, while polling 21 Brownlow Medal votes.[25] He placed second in the Jack Dyer Medal for the second time in three years, underscoring his emergence as a key leader in the Tigers' engine room.[26] In Richmond's elimination final defeat to North Melbourne by 17 points, Martin stood out with his rugged style and rebounding, exerting significant influence amid a team struggle.[32] By 2016, Martin reached new heights, playing 22 games and averaging a career-high 31.1 disposals, though his goal-kicking dipped to nine for the season.[25] He claimed his first Jack Dyer Medal as Richmond's best and fairest, along with his inaugural All-Australian selection, after finishing third in the Brownlow count with 25 votes.[26][33] Leading the midfield during Richmond's seventh-place finish and elimination final loss to West Coast, Martin reached the milestone of his 100th career game in round 18 against Carlton.[34] Over these seasons, Martin's tactical role evolved into that of the Tigers' primary ball-winner, renowned for his explosive "Dusty burst" runs that broke lines and generated momentum.[35] He began mentoring younger midfielders, fostering leadership qualities that solidified his elite status and consistency within the team.[36]2017–2020 seasons
In 2017, Dustin Martin delivered a career-defining season for Richmond, playing 25 games and kicking 37 goals while polling a record 36 Brownlow Medal votes to win the league's highest individual honour. His dominance culminated in the AFL Grand Final, where he earned the Norm Smith Medal for best afield in Richmond's 89-point victory over Adelaide, securing the club's first premiership since 1980 after 37 years of drought. Martin's performance, which included 32 disposals, nine contested possessions, and two goals, marked him as the first player to claim both the Brownlow and Norm Smith in the same year.[37][38][25] The following year, Martin maintained his elite output, featuring in 23 games with 31 goals and averaging 25.5 disposals per match. Selected in the All-Australian team for the third consecutive season, he played a pivotal role as Richmond finished fourth on the ladder and advanced to the preliminary final, where they suffered a 39-point defeat to Collingwood.[39][26][25] In 2019, Martin appeared in 23 games, booting 32 goals, and was instrumental in Richmond's straight-sets finals charge to their second premiership in three years, earning his second Norm Smith Medal in the grand final triumph over Greater Western Sydney with 22 disposals, six clearances, and nine score involvements.[40] The 2020 season, shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic to 18 rounds, saw Martin play 20 games (including finals) and kick 22 goals while adapting to a hub-based format in Queensland. He won the State of Origin Medal for his standout performance representing Victoria in the interstate match and claimed his third Norm Smith Medal in the grand final against Geelong, kicking four goals from 21 disposals to lead Richmond to a third premiership in four years. Martin's three Norm Smith wins made him the only player in VFL/AFL history to achieve this feat, cementing his legacy as the driving force behind Richmond's transformation into a modern dynasty.[25][41][42]2021–2024 seasons and retirement
In 2021, Martin played 16 games for Richmond, kicking 19 goals while contributing to a team that reached the elimination final before being defeated by Brisbane.[25] The 2022 season proved challenging for Martin, limited to just 9 games due to hamstring injuries and an early period of personal leave taken for mental health reasons following the death of his father.[43] Despite the disruptions, he maintained strong averages of 18.3 disposals per game upon return, and remained contracted with the Tigers through the end of 2024 as part of his existing long-term deal.[25][44] Martin rebounded in 2023, playing 20 games and booting 25 goals as he averaged 23.6 disposals, though Richmond finished 12th and missed the finals for the first time since 2015.[25][45] His consistent performances earned him second place in the club's best and fairest count, marking his ninth top-three finish in the Jack Dyer Medal.[26] Entering his final contracted year in 2024, Martin appeared in 13 games, reaching the career milestone of 300 matches in round 15 against Melbourne before playing his 302nd and last game in round 22 against North Melbourne.[25][46] On August 5, two days after that final outing, he announced his immediate retirement from the AFL, stating it was time to begin a new chapter and pursue a normal life away from the demands of elite sport.[2][47] Following his retirement, speculation arose about potential moves to other clubs for 2025, including reunions with former coach Damien Hardwick at Gold Coast and interest from West Coast.[48][49] However, on November 13, 2024, Martin confirmed he would not activate a delisted free agency pathway back into the league, opting to remain retired.[50] As of November 2025, reports have suggested he may make a one-match cameo appearance in 2026, though this remains unconfirmed.[51]Playing profile
Style of play
Dustin Martin excelled as a versatile midfielder, demonstrating an elite balance between inside and outside play that set him apart in the AFL. He thrived in contested situations, averaging 3.8 clearances per game across his career, which underscored his dominance at stoppages and ability to extract the ball under pressure.[52] Simultaneously, Martin gathered uncontested possessions effectively, transitioning seamlessly from the coalface to open spaces, which contributed to his career average of 24.2 disposals per match.[53] This dual proficiency allowed him to influence games across multiple zones of the field, making him a complete midfield operator.[54] Martin's signature traits included explosive acceleration that opponents termed the "Dusty factor," enabling him to burst away from contests and create scoring opportunities with raw power and speed.[55] His physicality shone in one-on-one battles, where he employed forceful fend-offs and slipped tackles to maintain possession, often described as purposeful savagery in his approach to physical duels.[55] Adding to his arsenal was an exceptional goalkicking ability from midfield, with 338 career goals showcasing his precision and composure under pressure, turning half-forward entries into major scores.[53] In high-stakes matches, Martin proved a clutch performer, particularly in finals, where he averaged 22.6 disposals and elevated his output in grand finals, such as 29 disposals and two goals in 2017.[56] His adaptability to zone-based offenses was evident in his precise kicking and vision, allowing him to break defensive structures and drive team momentum in critical moments.[57] Experts noted his high football IQ in these scenarios, combining pace, power, and decision-making to deliver pivotal contributions.[57] Martin's style blended the hardness and toughness reminiscent of Scott Pendlebury with the flair and individual brilliance of Gary Ablett Jr., creating a unique hybrid of contested grit and creative playmaking.[55] Over his career, he evolved from a raw, power-driven player in his early years—focusing on explosive bursts and physical dominance—to a more polished operator by 2020, with refined decision-making and a contested possession rate rising to 47% since 2017.[54] This maturation enhanced his score involvements to 7.8 per game in later seasons, transforming him into a midfield general capable of orchestrating attacks.[54]Physical attributes and fitness
Dustin Martin measures 187 cm in height and weighs approximately 93 kg, attributes that contribute to his powerful yet agile build as a midfielder. His physique is complemented by exceptional speed and endurance, evidenced by his performance at the 2009 AFL Draft Combine where he clocked a 20m sprint time of 2.89 seconds—placing second overall—and achieved a beep test level of 14.3. These metrics highlight his capacity for rapid acceleration and sustained repeat efforts, key to maintaining intensity across high-demand games.[58][59] Martin's training regimen with the Richmond Tigers emphasizes rigorous gym sessions focused on core strength, agility, and overall power development, often incorporating personalized weights programs that have led to multiple personal bests. He is known for supplementing team workouts with solo training sessions to refine his conditioning, such as individual runs and drills away from the main group to address specific needs. This disciplined approach, guided by the club's strength and conditioning staff, underscores his genetic advantages and commitment to physical preparation.[60][61][62][63] Throughout his career, Martin demonstrated remarkable durability, playing 302 AFL games for Richmond with minimal absences, having featured in 249 of 257 matches up to 2021 alone. He managed occasional minor injuries through structured recovery protocols, including medical assessments and phased returns to training, allowing him to maintain availability without extended stints in reserves. His peak physical condition from 2017 to 2020 aligned with intensified training and recovery focus, contributing to sustained elite performance. Post-2020, following a significant kidney injury in 2021, Martin adapted his regimen with targeted rehabilitation to manage age-related demands, rebuilding strength while slimming down to preserve explosiveness into his early 30s.[64][65][66] Martin's athletic profile has set a benchmark for modern AFL midfielders, blending raw power, speed, and resilience in an era prioritizing all-around fitness, influencing training standards across the league.[9]Career statistics
Season-by-season statistics
Dustin Martin's performance statistics across his AFL career with Richmond are detailed in the table below, focusing on key metrics per season. Averages are calculated from total statistics recorded in official matches. The 2020 season was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a shortened home-and-away schedule of 17 games for most teams, though Martin appeared in 20 games including finals.[25]| Season | Games played | Average disposals | Goals (total) | Average tackles | Average clearances | Average contested possessions | Brownlow votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 21 | 20.2 | 11 | 3.3 | 4.8 | 9.3 | 6 |
| 2011 | 22 | 22.1 | 33 | 3.3 | 3.7 | 8.8 | 12 |
| 2012 | 20 | 22.4 | 23 | 3.0 | 3.4 | 8.5 | 5 |
| 2013 | 23 | 24.2 | 23 | 2.7 | 2.5 | 7.0 | 16 |
| 2014 | 22 | 25.5 | 27 | 2.5 | 2.6 | 8.1 | 13 |
| 2015 | 23 | 26.0 | 24 | 3.9 | 3.2 | 8.9 | 21 |
| 2016 | 22 | 31.1 | 9 | 3.6 | 5.2 | 12.6 | 25 |
| 2017 | 25 | 29.8 | 37 | 3.5 | 6.4 | 14.5 | 36 |
| 2018 | 23 | 25.3 | 31 | 2.1 | 5.3 | 11.8 | 19 |
| 2019 | 23 | 26.1 | 32 | 2.4 | 4.3 | 10.6 | 23 |
| 2020 | 20 | 20.7 | 22 | 2.3 | 3.8 | 10.3 | 15 |
| 2021 | 16 | 22.6 | 19 | 2.3 | 3.6 | 9.4 | 11 |
| 2022 | 9 | 18.3 | 12 | 1.7 | 2.9 | 8.3 | 2 |
| 2023 | 20 | 23.6 | 25 | 1.9 | 2.8 | 9.8 | 8 |
| 2024 | 13 | 17.4 | 10 | 1.3 | 0.9 | 4.5 | 1 |