Dusty wins Norm Smith Medal in AFL decider
Richmond’s Dustin Martin has capped perhaps the greatest individual season in AFL history by claiming the Norm Smith Medal in the grand final victory over Adelaide yesterday.
Martin was judged best afield in the 108-60 victory, and can add the award to his premiership medallion and Brownlow Medal for his efforts across the home-and-away season.
It was another personal triumph for the high school drop-out from a broken home, whose father Shane Martin is a former bikie gang member now living – under protest – in his native New Zealand.
Receiving his medal from previous recipient James Hird, the 26-year-old yelled ‘‘Yellow and Black’’ into the microphone to the delight of the Richmond faithful.
‘‘I honestly cannot believe it. This is a dream come true,’’ he said. ‘‘This is the best thing in the world mate. I’m proud of each and every player that played today.’’
Martin polled 13 votes from the five-person judging panel, seen as best afield by four of the judges.
Bachar Houli was the only other player to poll votes from each judge. Martin’s performance will also see him receive the Gary Ayres Medal for best performer in the finals series, in addition to the swag of media awards he has also received through 2017.
Norm Smith Medal Votes: 5 judges voted 3 2 1 13 D Martin 10 B Houli 2 A Rance S Edwards D Prestia 1 J Graham