Richmond superstar Dustin Martin was an inspirational first-time captain for the Tigers in last night’s match against Adelaide at the Adelaide Oval.
Martin, who took Richmond’s captaincy reins in the absence of on-field leaders Trent Cotchin, Alex Rance and Jack Riewoldt, along with this season’s fill-in skipper Shane Edwards, responded superbly to the extra responsibility placed upon him.
He finished the match with a team-high 32 disposals, five inside-50s, five rebound-50s, three clearances, nine marks, four tackles, two goals and 641 metres gained.
Those five rebound-50s were the most he’d had in a game since six against Geelong at the MCG in Round 21, 2016, underlining his determination to get back to help the undermanned Tigers as much as possible.
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick praised Martin’s efforts during his post-match press conference.
“I thought he was really good in and around the contest,” Hardwick said.
Martin has hit top form over the course of the past month.
In the five games during that period, he’s averaged 30 disposals, 10 contested possessions, six clearances, five inside-50s, six marks, and has kicked a total of eight goals.
