Dustin Martin’s mighty reputation for producing outstanding performances in finals, particularly Grand Finals, can’t be disputed – not even by the most rabid Richmond hater.

I believe, however, there is another Tiger champion whose finals achievements surpass even Dusty’s.

Kevin Bartlett was a September star for Richmond from the age of 20 up until his last finals series as a 35-year-old.

In 1967, when the Tigers broke a 24-year premiership drought, beating Geelong by nine points in a classic Grand Final, encounter Bartlett, playing just his second final, was one of the team’s best with 18 disposals and three goals.

Fifteen years later, when Richmond lost to Carlton in the 1982 Grand Final, Bartlett booted an equal game-high three goals.

All-up, Bartlett played 27 finals for the Tigers and kicked 62 goals. There were just four finals where he didn’t score a goal.

And, using the respected AFL Record Season guide as my source of finals information, Bartlett was named Richmond’s best player six times (three of them Grand Finals) and was in the top five of the Tigers’ best in 18 finals overall. In four other finals, he was just outside the top five of the best players’ list.

Bartlett’s best finals series came in 1980.

The then 33-year-old, who had reinvented himself as a small forward following many seasons of dominance as a brilliant rover, was in scintillating form throughout that glorious Yellow and Black September.

He kicked 21 goals from three finals, including seven in the Grand Final demolition of Collingwood and was awarded the Norm Smith Medal for being best afield.

Here is a snapshot of Bartlett’s fantastic finals record . . .

1967 second semi-final v Carlton, MCG: 18 disposals, one goal.

1967 Grand Final v Geelong, MCG: 18 disposals, three goals (3.3), sixth best.

1969 first semi-final v Geelong, MCG: 23 disposals, three goals (3.2), sixth best.

1969 preliminary final v Collingwood, MCG: 25 disposals, four goals (4.3), second best.

1969 Grand Final v Carlton, MCG: 24 disposals, one goal, second best.

1971 first semi-final v Collingwood, MCG: 20 disposals, three goals, second best.

1971 preliminary final v St Kilda, MCG: 18 disposals, one goal, second best.

1972 qualifying final v Collingwood, MCG: 24 disposals, one goal, third best.

1972 second semi-final v Carlton, Waverley Park: 18 disposals, one goal, second best.

1972 second semi-final replay v Carlton, MCG: 16 disposals, two goals, eighth best.

1972 Grand Final v Carlton, MCG: 29 disposals (0.3), best.

1973 qualifying final v Carlton, MCG: 24 disposals, one goal, fifth best.

1973 first semi-final v St Kilda, MCG: 36 disposals, two goals (2.5), best.

1973 preliminary final v Collingwood, MCG: 25 disposals, three goals (3.2), third best.

1973 Grand Final v Carlton, MCG: 26 disposals, one goal, best.

1974 second semi-final v North Melbourne, Waverley Park: 22 disposals, one goal, sixth best.

1974 Grand Final v North Melbourne, MCG: 27 disposals (0.3).

1975 elimination final v Collingwood, Waverley Park: 20 disposals, two goals (2.2), best.

1975 first semi-final v Carlton, MCG: 25 disposals (0.3), fifth best.

1975 preliminary final v North Melbourne, Waverley Park: 13 disposals.

1977 elimination final v South Melbourne, Waverley Park: 28 disposals, one goal, third best.

1977 first semi-final v North Melbourne, Waverley Park, 22 disposals, four goals, third best.

1980 qualifying final v Carlton, Waverley Park: 22 disposals, six goals, best.

1980 second semi-final v Geelong, Waverley Park, 17 disposals, eight goals, best.

1980 Grand Final v Collingwood, MCG: 21 disposals, seven goals (7.4), best.

1982 second semi-final v Carlton, Waverley Park: 13 disposals, three goals (3.3).

1982 Grand Final v Carlton, MCG: 12 disposals, three goals (3.3).