IF A fractured cheekbone and constant speculation around his playing future doesn't stop Richmond star Dustin Martin, it doesn't seem like anything will.
The opposition doesn't have much chance at the moment.
Martin has put together the best three-week stretch to start a season of any player since 2010, based on the Schick AFL Player Ratings. His form in that span ranked third for all three-week averages.
It came after the Tiger posted the No.1 score for the week in the Player Ratings for his 40-disposal and two-goal effort in the win against West Coast last Saturday at the MCG.
He won it in the clinches (21 contested possessions and 15 clearances), was aggressive with his ball movement (898m gained and nine inside 50s) and had a team-high 22 pressure acts.
"His ability to impact the contest when it looks like he shouldn't, really, is very impressive," coach Damien Hardwick said after the game.
It has been a superb start to the season for Martin. He was dominant in the opening round victory versus Carlton and was influential, if a little quieter, the following week against Collingwood.
Player Ratings are calculated based on an individual's past 40 games over a rolling two-year period, with more weighting given to recent performances.
Martin, 25, has also nabbed a career-high ranking in the Player Ratings, moving up to No. 15.
His hot start has helped propel Richmond to 3-0 ahead of a clash with the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on Sunday.
Best three-game stretches in AFL Player Ratings since 2010
1. Gary Ablett (Geel) Round 20-22, 2010 - 32.3 points
2. Patrick Dangerfield (Geel) R12-14, 2016 - 31.4
3. Dustin Martin (Rich) R1-3, 2017 - 29.4
4. Gary Ablett (GC) R14-16, 2015 - 29.2
5. Lance Franklin (Haw) R10-12, 2012 - 28.9
