In a ‘Roar Vision’ exclusive interview with Richmond great Matthew Richardson, reigning Jack Dyer Medallist Dustin Martin offered his opinion on a broad range of Tiger topics relating to season 2017. Here’s what the dynamic midfielder had to say . . .
On entering his eighth AFL season
“I am feeling like a bit of a veteran . . . a lot of young blokes at the Club. It goes really quick (AFL career) . . . Looking forward to it (2017 season).”
On this pre-season
“I’ve probably done a bit more weights than I usually would, so that’s been good. I haven’t really put any size on, which has been handy . . . just a bit stronger.”
On the arrival of Prestia and Caddy at Tigerland
“They’ve been great. Their pre-season form’s been awesome. I get along with them really well as does the whole group. It’s really exciting to have those guys here . . . Leadership is certainly something that stands out with them. They’re speaking up in meetings and their leadership is really going to be good for us.”
On Toby Nankervis’ instant impact
“I think the whole club and the fans . . . everyone’s excited by what he’s brought over the pre-season in the first couple of games. He’s run past me a few times and made me look stupid. I’ll have to step my game up. But it’s certainly really good to have a ruckman who can move around and do that.”
On playing forward
“I think there’s going to be a number of guys who can go through that forward role – me, ‘Cotchy’ (Trent Cotchin), ‘Cadds’ (Josh Caddy), even ‘Tigger’ (Nick Vlastuin). So that’s exciting. It’s going to be good to try and kick a few more goals this year . . . Hopefully I can just sit in the goal-square and get it kicked on my head. That’d be nice.”
On the new-look Tigers
“I guess we’re a bit of a different outfit. We’re just playing footy, I guess. It’s been really exciting over the first couple of games. We’ve got a long way to go yet, but we’ll just keep improving . . . There a lot of new faces (at the Club) – not only players, but coaches. So it’s really exciting. I’m really looking forward to the year.”
On having fun at Punt Road
“That’s what you play footy for . . . to have fun. So I think we’re encouraging guys to enjoy their footy and just play.”
On talented Tiger cubs
“Jason Castagna, Dan Butler and Daniel Rioli have all put on a bit of size in the gym, and you can see how quick they are . . . They’re going to be very exciting . . .”
