Richmond champion Dustin Martin thrilled the Tiger Army in last night’s Dreamtime at the ‘G’ blockbuster against Essendon, as he has done so many times throughout his magnificent AFL career. AFL Media football writer Sarah Black reports...

While not quite the Dusty of old, it was the type of night where you sat on the edge of your seat if Martin got near the footy inside 50.

00:46

Round 11: Dusty winds back the clock

Vintage Dustin Martin nails a brilliant snap goal while hugging the boundary line

After a few weeks of speculation about his football future, the out-of-contract Martin didn't show any signs of being a little bit sick of this football thing, booting vintage, curling goals in both the first and second terms.

A strong contested mark and traditional wheel-and-go set shot in the third brought the Tigers back into the game.

He was hit up three times in the dying minutes but couldn't quite get it done.

Richmond coach Adem Yze paid tribute to Martin during his post-match press conference...

“He was terrific today. His last few weeks he’s getting some reward from his training, and he’s training with intensity,” Yze said.

10:58

Round 11: Yze post-match

Adem Yze speaks to the media following the Round 11 match against Essendon.

“The program around his training we’ve adjusted a little bit, so he can have some energy.

“He was sore early in the year and now he’s starting to get some continuity with his training.

“It was just good to see him get some reward out on the field.

“He’s trying so hard  to lead our younger forwards.

“We’ve got a really young forward line at the moment, so synergy can take a little bit of time.

“He’s used to playing with the same guys he has done for the last 10 years. Without having those guys around it can be a little bit hard.

“So, it was good to see him enjoying his footy, as he has done. And he’s enjoying coming to training every day.”

Martin finished third in the voting for last night’s Dreamtime at the ‘G’ individual player award, the Yiooken Trophy, with five votes.

Martin also was awarded five votes from the coaches in the AFLCA Champion Player Award, while captain Toby Nankervis collected five as well.

The full voting details for the Round 11 Richmond v Essendon match are :

10 – Jordan Ridley (Essendon)

5 – Dustin Martin (Richmond)

5 – Toby Nankervis (Richmond)

3 – Zach Merrett (Essendon)

3 – Jake Stringer (Essendon)

2 – Nic Martin (Essendon)

2 – Mason Redman (Essendon)