Dustin Martin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dustin Martin |
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Martin playing for Richmond in 2017
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| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Dustin Martin | ||
| Nickname(s) | Dusty | ||
| Date of birth | 26 June 1991 | ||
| Place of birth | Castlemaine, Victoria | ||
| Original team | Bendigo Pioneers (TAC Cup) | ||
| Draft | No. 3, 2009 national draft | ||
| Debut | Round 1, 2010, Richmond v. Carlton, at the MCG |
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| Position(s) | Midfielder / forward | ||
| Career highlights | |||
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Dustin "Dusty" Martin (born 26 June 1991) is a retired professional Australian rules footballer who played for the Richmond Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). Many people consider him one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
Martin is famous for his amazing achievements, especially in big games. He is the only player ever to win the Norm Smith Medal for best on ground in a Grand Final three times. He won the award in each of Richmond's premiership victories in 2017, 2019, and 2020.
His 2017 season is often called the best individual season by any player. In that year, he won the AFL's highest honour, the Brownlow Medal, along with a premiership and his first Norm Smith Medal. No other player has ever won all three in the same season.
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Early Life and Junior Football
Dustin Martin was born in Castlemaine, Victoria. His father, Shane, is Māori from New Zealand, and his mother, Kathy, is Australian. He started playing football when he was six years old with a local Auskick program.
When he was 14, Martin moved to Sydney with his father. He left school after Year 9 and started working. Even while working long hours, he continued to play football. He was so good that he quickly moved from playing with kids his own age to playing with the under-18s team at the Campbelltown Football Club.
After a year, Martin moved back to Victoria. He returned to playing for his local club, Castlemaine, and also joined the Bendigo Pioneers in the TAC Cup, a top league for young players. His amazing skills caught the attention of AFL recruiters. In 2009, he played for Victoria Country in the Under-18 Championships and was named in the All-Australian team for the tournament.
AFL Career
Getting Drafted and Early Years (2010–2015)
Richmond drafted Martin with the third pick in the 2009 AFL draft. He made his debut in the first round of the 2010 season. He had a great first year and was nominated for the AFL Rising Star award. He quickly became one of Richmond's most important players.
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Over the next few years, Martin became known for his strength and ability to kick goals from the midfield. He was a powerful player who was hard to tackle. In 2013, he helped Richmond make the finals for the first time in 12 years. He was chosen for the AFL Players Association 22under22 team, which recognises the best young players in the league.
By 2015, Martin was one of Richmond's star players. He finished second in the club's best and fairest award, the Jack Dyer Medal, and was again nominated for the All-Australian team.
Becoming a Champion (2016–2017)
In 2016, Martin had a fantastic season. He won his first Jack Dyer Medal as Richmond's best and fairest player and was selected for the All-Australian team for the first time. He also finished third in the Brownlow Medal count.
The 2017 season was one for the history books. Martin played at an unbelievable level all year. He led Richmond to the finals and helped them win their first premiership in 37 years. His performance in the Grand Final against Adelaide was incredible, earning him the Norm Smith Medal.
Just days before the Grand Final, Martin won the Brownlow Medal with a record 36 votes. He became the first and only player to win a premiership, the Brownlow Medal, and the Norm Smith Medal in the same year. He also won the Leigh Matthews Trophy as the players' choice for the best player in the league.
A Richmond Dynasty (2018–2020)
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After their 2017 victory, Martin and Richmond continued to be a powerful force in the AFL. In 2018, they finished on top of the ladder, and Martin was again named in the All-Australian team.
In 2019, Martin led Richmond to another premiership. In the Grand Final against the Greater Western Sydney Giants, he was once again the best player on the field, winning his second Norm Smith Medal. He became only the fourth player in history to win the award twice.
The 2020 season was unusual, with games played in different locations and with no crowds. Despite the challenges, Martin guided Richmond to a third premiership in four years. In the Grand Final against Geelong, he kicked four goals and was awarded his third Norm Smith Medal, a record that no other player has matched.
Later Career and Retirement (2021–2024)
Martin continued to be a star player for Richmond in the following years. In 2021, his season was cut short by a serious kidney injury. He returned in 2022 but had to take some time off for personal reasons.
In 2023, he had a strong season and was again nominated for the All-Australian team. He played a brilliant game in the farewell match for his teammates and friends, Trent Cotchin and Jack Riewoldt.
On June 15, 2024, Martin played his 300th AFL game in front of a massive crowd of over 92,000 people at the MCG. He kicked the first goal of the match. On August 6, 2024, Martin announced his retirement from professional football, ending an amazing career.
Playing Style
Martin was a unique player who could dominate in the midfield and as a forward. He was famous for his "don't argue," a powerful fend-off where he would use his strength to push away tacklers. This made him incredibly difficult to stop.
He was excellent at winning the ball in the middle of the ground and was also a dangerous goalkicker. His ability to perform at his best in the most important games, especially finals, is what makes him a true legend of the sport. Many experts and fans call him the greatest finals player of all time.
Honours and Achievements
Team
Individual
- 3× Norm Smith Medal: 2017, 2019, 2020
- Brownlow Medal: 2017
- Leigh Matthews Trophy: 2017
- AFLCA champion player of the year award: 2017
- 4× All-Australian team: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020
- 3× Gary Ayres Award (Best Finals Player): 2017, 2019, 2020
- 2× Jack Dyer Medal (Richmond F.C. Best & Fairest): 2016, 2017
- State of Origin best on ground: 2020
- 2× Yiooken Award: 2016, 2017
Images for kids
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Martin at the Richmond Football Club's Family Day in December 2016
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Martin with captain Trent Cotchin during the 2017 AFL Grand Final parade
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Martin handballs during a training drill in January 2018.
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Martin during the 2020 State of Origin for Bushfire Relief Match
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