We continue our gradual release of the Tigers’ Team of the 21^st Century so far by today revealing the player selected as ruck-rover in the line-up – Dustin Martin.

Dustin Martin

On-field position: Midfielder

Games in the 2000s (2010-19): 224

Goals: 250

Playing achievements/honours: Member of Richmond’s 2017 and 2019 premiership teams, Norm Smith Medallist in 2017 and 2019, Brownlow Medal winner in 2017, Jack Dyer Medal winner in 2016 and 2017, All-Australian representative in 2016, 2017 and 2018, AFLPA MVP in 2017, AFLCA Player of the Year in 2017, All-Australian nominee in 2014 and 2015, AFL Rising Star nominee in 2010

Top 10 finishes in the Jack Dyer Medal: 10 – 4^th in 2010, 3^rd in 2011, equal 10^th in 2012, 2^nd in 2013, 3^rd in 2014, 2^nd in 2015, 1^st in 2016, 1^st in 2017, 3^rd in 2018, 6^th in 2019

HIGHLIGHTS Watch the best of Team of the 21st Century ruck-rover, Dustin Martin

AFL career averages

Kicks: 16.0

Handballs: 9.4

Disposals: 25.4

Marks: 4.0

Goals: 1.1

Clearances: 4.2

Centre clearances: 1.3

Stoppage clearances: 1.2

Inside-50s: 4.7

Rebound-50s: 1.5

Contested possessions: 10.1

Uncontested possessions: 15.3

Intercepts: 1.2

Score involvements: 3.9

Tackles: 3.1

One-percenters: 1.0

Metres gained: 237.7

Comment: The superstar, powerhouse midfielder is widely regarded as the best player in the competition – and for very good reason. Possesses a unique, exciting blend of skill and toughness. Outstanding at winning one-on-one contests, thrives on big-occasion encounters, and is the ultimate matchwinner. Wins plenty of ball, is a proven goalkicker, and sets up an abundant supply of opportunities for teammates, particularly through his penetrating, pinpoint-accurate kicks. Notwithstanding the numerous individual awards he’s won throughout his outstanding AFL career, he remains totally team focused. The Tigers winning is all that matters to him, and he contributes enormously to ensure this happens on a consistent basis. Is justifiably classified already as an all-time great of the Club.

Team of the 21st Century so far:

B: Vlastuin, Gaspar, Grimes
HB: Newman, Rance, Houli
C: Bowden, Prestia, Campbell
HF: Deledio, Richardson, Lambert
F: Edwards, Riewoldt, Ottens
R: Nankervis, Martin