The growing maturity of Richmond’s young gun midfielder Dustin Martin was evident in an interview on Fox Footy show “AFL Insider” this week.
Martin, who appeared alongside fellow Tiger top-line midfielders Trent Cotchin and Brett Deledio, spoke about the learning curve he’s been on.
“I think I’ve learnt, over probably the last year, that your professionalism has to be right up there, and I think I’ve taken that to the next level for myself,” he said.
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“Having ‘Choco’ (Mark Williams) come in (as a Club development coach), has been really good for me.
“My preparation’s the best it’s ever been . . . lifestyle and training standards – even just sitting down with Choc each week and going through my game and doing the opposition (analysis) moving forward. It’s just a lot of little things.”
Another of those little things was keeping a close eye on Geelong captain Joel Selwood, when Richmond played the Cats at the MCG in Round 6.
“What I took out of that was he was just so intense for the whole four quarters,” Martin said.
“I think that’s something I need to be – just consistent intensity for four quarters.”
Martin is averaging 23.8 disposals per game after 10 rounds of the 2013 season, having racked up a career-high 35 disposals against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium in Round 3.
He is ranked equal sixth in the competition for total kicks and has also booted 12 goals.