The Richmond that greeted an 18-year-old Dustin Martin, when he arrived as the Club’s first pick in the 2009 AFL National Draft, is vastly different to the one that is now preparing to face Carlton in Sunday’s blockbuster MCG elimination final.

Back then, the Tigers were coming off a second last-placed finish to the ’09 season, with just five wins, a draw, and 16 losses.

It’s been a methodical build since, under the astute coaching guidance of Damien Hardwick, with six wins in 2010, followed by eight in 2011, 10 and a half in 2012, and 15 to complete the 2013 home-and-away season.

Martin, now 22, and with 85 league games under his belt, can’t wait for Sunday’s big clash to come around.

“It’s going to be awesome,” he said.

 “I got here when ‘Dimma’ (Damien Hardwick) got here.  We were pretty bad when he first got here.

“It’s been a good journey so far, but we’ve got a long way to go.

“We’re going to enjoy it, though . . .”

The dynamic, young midfielder produced another strong performance in last Saturday night’s final home-and-away round match against Essendon at the MCG.

He picked up 26 disposals, kicked a goal, and was used effectively for part of the game curbing the influence of Essendon captain Jobe Watson.

“It wasn’t too bad,” was Martin’s typically modest assessment of his form on the night.

“I ran with Watson for a bit, so I just played my role, and looking forward to next week.”