MARTIN MAGIC
Tigers maestro claims third best-on-ground
IT was the trademark ‘don’t argue’ which helped clinch the dynasty.
Rewind back to the second term and Richmond was staggering around on the ropes down by 21 points with two minutes left before half time.
Then came ‘Dusty’.
That’s Dustin Martin the best big-game player of our generation, perhaps of all time.
The only man to win three Norm Smith Medals after another four-goal demolition job on Geelong in Saturday night’s Grand Final.
The man who, right when Richmond needed someone to rescue them before the main break, produced one of those signature superhero moments that turned the tide in the premiership decider. Roving the pack at full tilt, Martin reeled the ball in with his right and then with his left hand planted one of his famous shoves in the middle of Jake Kolodjashnij’s chest.
And then somehow, keeping balance as only he can, Martin flipped the ball on to high foot to curl home the snap that reignited the Richmond fire, when Geelong had them by the throat.
Straight away, Brisbane Lions’ champion Michael Voss said “what a moment” as the Tigers went into the halftime break with some Martin-inspired momentum.
But, to be honest, who is surprised? No one.
The 29-year-old tattooed superstar owns this stage.
Said Luke Hodge on the Channel 7 broadcast: “He stood up for them in the second quarter right when they (Tigers) needed, when Geelong had that burst.
“We didn’t think we could talk more highly about this bloke but he comes into a shortened game and kicks four goals, really important goals as well.”
While it has often been said Martin straps on his cape for the big ones, when has he ever really taken it off? There will be a statue, somewhere, around Punt Road after he winds up.
Martin’s done it in September in 2017 and 2019, and now he’s produced the magic right throughout October in 2020.
Extraordinarily, Martin has been best-on-ground in the Tigers’ three finals wins after carving up Port Adelaide (21 disposals and two goals) and St Kilda (25 and one) in the past two.
Martin kept his feet when players crashed like waves upon him in the third term to slot his second major with a right-foot banana to put Richmond’s noses ahead by three points. Then in the last term it was party time when he slotted his fourth from the pocket. Martin was just more clean, more powerful. And predictably clutch when the pressure was at its highest.
Teammate Shane Edwards was in awe of a third Grand Final masterclass. “He had it (Norm Smith) before the game I reckon,” Edwards said.
He was presented the medal from Port Adelaide great Byron Pickett and thanked the Cats “for an awesome game”.
“You are an awesome club and well done to Gaz on an unbelievable career,” Martin said. “To the AFL, Toyota and the Government (thank you) but last but not least the footy club ‘let’s go’.”