Richmond midfield star Dustin Martin was at his dynamic best in last Thursday night’s season-opener against Carlton at the MCG and, accordingly, he received maximum votes in the AFL Coaches Association’s Player of the Year award for Round 1.

Respective coaches Damien Hardwick (Richmond) and Brendon Bolton (Carlton) gave Martin 10 out of 10 for his brilliant performance.

Martin, who finished third in last year’s AFLCA Player of the Year award, had a team-high 33 disposals, including six clearances, six inside-50s, four rebound-50s, 13 score involvements, four goals, four goal assists, along with five marks, four tackles, and a game-high 817 metres gained.

The Tigers’ mature-age midfield recruit Dion Prestia was next best afield in the eyes of the competing coaches on the night.

Prestia, in his Yellow and Black debut, picked up eight votes after finishing with 28 disposals, including six clearances, three inside-50s, three rebound-50s, one goal, plus five tackles.

Lively, young Tiger forward Jason Castagna, in just his sixth senior league game, was awarded four votes following an impressive display that netted him 20 disposals, including 10 contested possessions, five inside-50s, 10 score involvements and two goals, three marks (all inside forward-50), four tackles, and 315 metres gained.

Speedy, skilful small forward Dan Butler capped off an eye-catching senior debut for Richmond by receiving one vote in the coaches award.

Butler had 19 disposals, including five inside-50s, kicked two goals and applied three tackles.

Richmond captain Trent Cotchin was the other Tiger to poll in Round 1.

Cotchin was given one vote for his 21-disposal performance that included a team-high eight clearances, five inside-50s, along with eight tackles.

Full voting details for the Round 1 Richmond v Carlton match are . . .

10 – Dustin Martin (Richmond)
8 – Dion Prestia (Richmond)
4 – Jason Castagna (Richmond)
3 – Matthew Kreuzer (Carlton)
3 – Marc Murphy (Carlton)
1 – Dan Butler (Richmond)
1 – Trent Cotchin (Richmond)