Dusty’s medal chances in limbo
DUSTIN Martin’s AFL Brownlow Medal hopes are in the balance after the Richmond star had an eventful day out against Brisbane.
Martin, the Brownlow second favourite behind Geelong’s Patrick Dangerfield, surely banked three votes in yesterday’s 16.16 (112) to 12.9 (81) win against the Lions at Etihad Stadium.
After an error-filled first half, Martin was outstanding and he finished with 40 disposals, a whopping 14 clearances and two goals.
But he is also certain to come under match review panel scrutiny following his third-quarter running battle with Lions agitator Nick Robertson. Robertson went on to Martin, who was running red-hot in the third term, and did everything he could to niggle the Tigers star.
Video shows Robertson clearly kneeing Martin in the back of the leg. Then came the incident that could cost Martin his Brownlow eligibility. The camera angle makes the contact unclear, but Martin reaches around from behind and Robertson briefly drops to the ground, holding his face. There is little doubt that Robertson milked the incident and he played out the match.
Tigers coach Damien Hardwick was unhappy with Robertson’s tactics.
“When you probably get belted in the back 35 times for the game, I reckon it would be fair enough,” Hardwick said.
“We got a memo from the AFL saying if you consistently hit someone in the back, it’s going to be a free kick – so that’s up to the umpires to adjudicate.”
Martin had the last laugh at the end of the third term, playing deep and drawing a dubious free kick on Robertson that gifted him a goal.
Robertson also faces certain suspension – just before going on to Martin, he headbutted Richmond captain Trent Cotchin and was reported.
Brisbane were no match for their opposition in the midfield.
Martin was unstoppable after halftime, Cotchin also impressed and after plenty of scrutiny about his form, Dion Prestia had his best game for Richmond. Prestia restricted Dayne Zorko, who racked up 30 disposals in the Essendon win, to just 11 touches.
Richmond are fifth, a game plus percentage behind third-placed GWS ahead of next Sunday’s MCG clash.