Dustin Martin was the sole Richmond player to poll votes in the AFL Coaches Association’s Champion Player of the Year Award Round 20 voting.
The Tigers superstar received four votes for his top-class display against Melbourne – 21 disposals, nine contested possessions, five inside-50s, four clearances, three goals, a team-high 11 score involvements, three intercepts and 354 metres gained.
Martin has picked up 23 coaches’ votes in his past five games, underlining the hot form he is in.
Interim Richmond coach Andrew McQualter paid tribute to Martin during his post-match press conference yesterday.
“He’s having a great year,” McQualter said.
“We ask him to do lots of different things for us, and he’s still having an impact defensively, as well.
“He’s loving his footy.
“I think Dustin just loves the challenge and the competition and winning. He’s really hooked on winning.
“We’ve been able to put a bit of a patch together where we’ve been able to get over the line, and Dustin’s been a big catalyst in that.
“And his energy, obviously being who he is, really whips through our group.”
Full voting details for the Round 20 Richmond v Melbourne match are:
10 – Max Gawn (Melbourne)
8 – Harrison Petty (Melbourne)
6 – Jack Viney (Melbourne)
4 – Dustin Martin (Richmond)
2 – Christian Petracca (Melbourne)
