Richmond captain Trent Cotchin believes Tigers star Dustin Martin is thriving because of his improved fitness base.

Martin backed up his dazzling, 33-disposal, four-goal, opening round display against Carlton, by having a major impact through the midfield, as well as deep forward, in Richmond’s 19-point victory over Collingwood at the MCG last night.

He finished with 25 disposals, including 15 contested possessions, four inside-50s, three clearances, nine score involvements, two goals (both in the last quarter), along with 509 metres gained.

“He’s just in fantastic condition, he’s as fit as he’s ever been, he’s strong, and it’s nice for him to be on our side, not anyone else’s,” Cotchin told ‘SEN Breakfast’.

“I think the stats say that he’s one of the best one-on-one players in the game, hence why he’s so potent when he’s forward.

“But to accumulate the footy the way he does and extract it out of stoppage and contests up the field, is obviously a massive strength to his game.”

Cotchin also highlighted Martin’s unselfish attitude and team-first ethos.

“I reckon, even last year at times, he would probably blast away, and this year he’s definitely using the guys around him and picking and choosing the moments where he either goes forward, or uses the numbers around the footy,” he said.

“You speak about those two examples where he gave it off unselfishly last week. It actually sums Dusty up, not just as a footballer, but as a person.

“He really does care about his teammates.”