DUSTY ORIGIN BOOST
RICHMOND superstar Dustin Martin will take centre stage in next Friday night’s State of Origin clash after confirming he will play in the bushfire fundraiser.
The Brownlow medallist and dual premiership hero was the first player picked to lead Victoria into battle against the All-Stars in a near sold-out clash at Docklands Stadium on February 28. He also unveiled the traditional navy blue and white “Big V” jumper to be worn in the match.
Martin’s inclusion is a huge boost for the first State of Origin-style game in 12 years, with the biggest names in football including Collingwood’s Scott Pendlebury and Geelong’s Patrick Dangerfield (Victoria) and Fremantle’s Nat Fyfe and Carlton co-captain Patrick Cripps (All-Stars) tipped to lock horns under the roof.
Martin, considered the game’s top player after winning a second Norm Smith Medal in last year’s grand final, said he would be honoured to pull on the Big V to help raise funds for rural communities.
“I can’t imagine how hard it must be for the families and communities that have lost everything in the bushfires,” Martin said. “I’m really grateful to be able to play a small part along with the rest of the guys in helping rebuild these people’s lives.”
Victoria coach Damien Hardwick and All-Stars boss John Longmire release their squads at noon tomorrow.
The duo face major headaches finalising their star-studded teams, but there has been a late selection criteria change to ensure the two sides are as strong as possible.
The two coaches will now be able to pick as many players as they like from each club after the AFL decided to scrap the previous three-player-perclub limit. It means there could be as many as five players from some of the top sides such as Richmond, Collingwood and Greater Western Sydney.
Martin is certain to be one of the headline acts on the night, with Tigers teammate Jack Riewoldt tipping the 28year-old powerhouse to kick a big bag of goals in a forward role under lights.
All money raised will help communities devastated by the bushfire crisis last month. The league and its 18 clubs have already pledged $2.5 million.