In the lead-up to Dustin Martin’s 150-game milestone, the brilliant Richmond midfielder sat down with Club great Matthew Richardson to discuss his exciting journey at the game’s highest level. Here’s how he responded to Richo’s questioning on a variety of topics related to his time with the Tigers . . .
Time flies at Tigerland
“It’s amazing how quickly it (AFL career) goes . . . It was just yesterday that I was down here having my first year. Really grateful to still be at the ‘Tiges’.”
Milestone match v Magpies
“Really looking forward to it. Hopefully I line up on (Collingwood defender) Marley Williams up forward at some stage. I’m pretty close with him . . . It’ll be a good game.”
Best form of his career in 2016
“I think I’ve just taken it to the next step, which I try and do every year . . . just improve every year. I’ve been trying different things. Been doing a bit of mindfulness this year and a bit of extra boxing as well . . . There’s a heap of different things, where you can just keep trying to get an advantage . . . You can always improve, so every session I’m always trying to improve. This year was getting more contested ball. I’m sure we’ll try and find something else (for next season).”
Damien Hardwick’s influence
“He’s been massive. I’ve loved being under ‘Dimma’ . . . it’s been great. I’ve been here since when he first got here, so it’s been a good journey so far.”
Dealing with the media scrutiny
“It’s not too hard. You just don’t buy into it. You just worry about your own life and (what’s going on inside) these four walls . . . To be honest, it is tough at times, but you’ve just got to keep trying to avoid it all and you’ll be fine.”
One-on-one contests deep forward
“When the boys are kicking it down on my head, it’s good. I’ve spent a bit more time in the midfield (this season), but no doubt I love getting down there and kicking a goal. I try and back myself in (one-on-one up forward) . . . I love it when the boys just bang it in there as quick as they can. I’d like to (spend more time forward). Sometimes, I kind of get stuck in the midfield a little bit too long, trying to get the ball. So I’ve just got to keep reminding myself to plonk myself down there and have a bit of a rest.”
His trademark ‘Don’t Argue’
“I think, under-18s, I started to do it a little bit. I played seniors (with Victorian country club Castlemaine) at a young age, so I was playing against bigger bodies and that certainly helped. But it’s just kind of come naturally, to be honest.”
Visiting his father in New Zealand
“The Club’s been great and it’s greatly appreciated. I’ve been over there two or three times so far this season and I’ll go over again soon . . .”
Talk of him winning this year’s Brownlow Medal
“It’s pretty funny, but I don’t think (Patrick) Dangerfield will lose. You play footy to win and I’m more along those lines.”
Prospect of playing another 150 games for Richmond
“I’d love to, for sure.”
