Dustin Martin: Difference between revisions

* [[AFL Coaches Association awards#Champion Playerplayer of the Year Awardyear|AFLCA champion player of the year award]]: 2017

In 2017, Martin had what was described by AFL legend [[Leigh Matthews]] as the greatest-ever individual season by a VFL/AFL player. Despite constant speculation over his playing future, Martin won the league's highest individual honour, the [[Brownlow Medal]], with a record 36 votes, as well as a premiership and the Norm Smith Medal, becoming the first player to win all three in a single season. He also won numerous other accolades, including the [[Leigh Matthews Trophy]], the [[AFL Coaches Association awards#Champion Playerplayer of the Year Awardyear|AFLCA champion player of the year award]] award and his second Jack Dyer Medal.

| source = '''Francis Jackson, Richmond recruiting manager, on his memory of Martin aged 16'''<ref name="Y&B433"/>

Ahead of his second season Martin switched playing numbers, losing 36 in favour of the number 4 Guernsey, one of the club's most famous. He told media members assembled at the announcement that he hoped to be the next Richmond man to win a premiership in the Guernsey, with it having been worn in each of the club's ten previous league premierships.<ref name="no4guernsey">{{cite news|last1=Sheahan|first1=Mike|title=Tigers give Dustin Martin famed guernsey No. 4|url=http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/tigers-give-dustin-martin-famed-guernsey-no-4/news-story/db759e99bf4c3c37f232dd51dcf75655?sv=4916698a3f9c0670e0030a61fd5a0d72&nk=b6fb24ffb8b8fd2acacae06bc9e80b29-1516168080|access-date=17 January 2018|work=The Advertiser|agency=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=13 November 2010}}</ref> Upon returning to training however he received markedly less praise from coach [[Damien Hardwick]], who berated him for being out of shape and not sticking to his off-season training program.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Robinson|first1=Mark|title=Dustin Martin cops the Hardwick blast for being unfit in the off-season|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/afl/hardwick-blast-part-of-tigers-education/news-story/7d070bfaa40bad8159ce866bf312285c?sv=c5b997ede1236744ca1f0df3ea9271db&nk=b6fb24ffb8b8fd2acacae06bc9e80b29-1516169413|access-date=17 January 2018|work=Courier Mail|agency=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=5 February 2011}}</ref><ref name="Robbo1112">{{cite news|last1=Robinson|first1=Mark|title=Richmond Tigers dynamo Dustin Martin ready to lift his team|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/richmond-dynamo-dustin-martin-keen-and-fighting-fit-for-2012/news-story/70e9758039975c514a3956fa2a994384?sv=f1e3533b1851ac283c10043966b936f7&nk=b6fb24ffb8b8fd2acacae06bc9e80b29-1516169437|access-date=17 January 2018|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=17 November 2011}}</ref> Any lingering effect had seemingly worn off by March though, as Martin returned straight back into the club's best-22 for the season's opening match.<ref name="AFLTables"/> In round 5 the [[The Daily Telegraph (Sydney)|''Daily Telegraph'']] said Martin "single handedly destroyed" {{AFL NorNM}} in his side's victory at [[Docklands Stadium|Etihad Stadium]]. He kicked four goals and recorded 33 disposals in what was Richmond's first win of the season.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McGowan |first1=Marc |title=Easter Sunday stunners: Which individual performance was best? |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/391200/easter-sunday-stunners-which-individual-performance-was-best- |access-date=28 July 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=12 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Buckle|first=Greg|title=Martin fires Tigers to win over North|url=http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/martin-fires-tigers-to-win-over-north-20110424-1dsxg.html|access-date=26 April 2011|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=24 April 2011}}</ref> Though it was his first career game with more than 30 disposals to his name, it wasn't even his last of the month, with Martin going to record 35 touches and a goal in a win over the {{AFL BL}} the very next week.<ref>{{cite web|title=Round 6 2011, Richmond vs. Brisbane|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2011/141920110430.html|website=AFL Tables|access-date=17 January 2018}}</ref> By then he had begun receiving comparisons to former {{AFL Ade}} [[Brownlow Medal]]list [[Mark Ricciuto]] for his ball winning strength and his ability to kick goals in a midfielder's role.<ref name="Nial2011"/> [[Fairfax Media]]'s Jake Niall also went so far as to suggest that Martin should be in consideration for All Australian selection that year, despite it being just his second season at AFL level.<ref name="Nial2011">{{cite news|last1=Niall|first1=Jake|title=A champion in the making|url=http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/925427/a-champion-in-the-making/|access-date=17 January 2018|work=The Courier|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=29 April 2011}}</ref> On the back of this newfound praise and his previous two matches, Martin received the extra attention of a tag in round 7's match-up with {{AFL Fre}}. Martin later spoke of seeking advice from teammates [[Nathan Foley (footballer)|Nathan Foley]] and Trent Cotchin on learning how to break free of a tag.<ref name="Caro2011"/> After 11 rounds Martin ranked tenth in the league for total kicks and fifth for handball receives. In addition he was ranked 10th in the league for score involvements at 29 per cent.<ref name="DailyTel11"/> Later that season he would have his best single-game goalkicking performance when he booted five majors against Brisbane in a round 13 victory at [[the Gabba]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Round 13, 2011 – Ric vs Bri|url=http://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2011/141920110618.html|website=AFL Tables}}</ref>

Coming into the 2012 season, Martin was fitter than he had ever been before, placing sixth in the club's 3.8 kilometre run around Melbourne's [[Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria|Tan]] track.<ref name="Robbo1112"/> He started the season proper out strongly too, scoring two goals and adding 16 disposals in round 1's loss to Carlton.<ref>{{cite web|title=Round 1 2012, Richmond vs. Carlton|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2012/031420120329.html|website=AFL Tables|access-date=23 January 2018}}</ref> In round 5 he received his only best-on-ground recognition of the year, picking up the maximum three Brownlow Medal votes with his two goals and 26 disposals in Richmond's loss to {{AFL WCE|WC}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Round 5 2012, RIchmond vs. West Coast|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2012/141820120429.html|website=AFL Tables|access-date=23 January 2018}}</ref> Four weeks later he notched his first 30-plus disposal match of the year, raking in 32 touches along with two goals in a win over eventual [[2012 AFL Grand Final|grand finalists]] {{AFL Haw}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Round 9, 2012 – Richmond vs. Hawthorn|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2012/101420120526.html|website=AFL Tables|access-date=23 January 2018}}</ref> On 3 July 2012, Martin and teammate [[Daniel Connors]] missed a mandatory training session at the club. According to a statement released by Richmond, the pair had overslept after taking sleeping tables the night before, medication that had been prescribed only to Connors.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Brice|first1=Rebecca|title=Another sedative scandal: AFL Richmond|url=http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2012/s3538994.htm|access-date=23 January 2018|work=ABC|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=4 July 2012}}</ref> Martin also admitted to having been drinking alcohol that night. The club said both had failed to uphold team standards and Martin was suspended for two matches for the incident. Meanwhile, Connors, who was on a final warning for indiscretions under coach Hardwick, was sacked.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/tigers-sack-connors-suspend-martin-20120704-21g94.html|title=Tigers sack Connors, suspend Martin|date=4 July 2012|first=Caroline |last=Wilson|work=[[The Age]]|location=Melbourne}}</ref> Martin returned to AFL football in round 17 after concluding what captain [[Chris Newman (footballer)|Chris Newman]] labelled a "mini-pre-season" in which he completed multiple dawn training sessions.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Daffey|first1=Paul|title=Martin 'buzzing' about return|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2012-07-19/martin-buzzing-about-return|access-date=23 January 2018|work=Richmond FC|publisher=Telstra Media|date=19 July 2012}}</ref> Martin played in each of the club's seven remaining matches that season and recorded 20 more disposals in five of those matches.<ref name="AFLTables"/> Martin placed tenth in the club's best and fairest count that year, his lowest finish to date.<ref>{{cite news|title=Trent Cotchin wins second Jack Dyer Medal as Richmond best-and-fairest|url=http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/trent-cotchin-wins-second-jack-dyer-medal/news-story/010b55e67a17cf2c08977061e3d4b317?sv=9e9e0028bad740d70058658e2d4d2928&nk=b6fb24ffb8b8fd2acacae06bc9e80b29-1516685375|access-date=23 January 2018|work=The Advertiser|agency=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=6 September 2012}}</ref> He ranked sixth at the club for contested possessions and disposals as well as fifth in clearances.<ref>{{cite web|title=2012 Season Stats|url=http://afltables.com/afl/stats/2012.html#14|website=AFL Tables|access-date=30 August 2016}}</ref>

Despite the contract stoush the year previous, Martin was welcomed back to the club with open arms by coach Hardwick, who lamented the public nature of the contract dispute but said Martin was "going to learn from his mistakes" and that he would "realise that (the club) is the place where he always wanted to be."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Warner|first1=Michael|title=Richmond has forgiven star Dustin Martin for threatening to quit the club|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/richmond-has-forgiven-star-dustin-martin-for-threatening-to-quit-the-club/news-story/7d29d8c816bd65cc26bd7dd6117a2caf?nk=b6fb24ffb8b8fd2acacae06bc9e80b29-1517967230|access-date=7 February 2018|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=4 February 2014}}</ref> Though the club started the year with a loss to the {{AFL GC}}, round 2's victory over Carlton at the MCG saw Martin kick two goals and add 21 disposals. He was also reported for striking the Blues' [[Simon White]] in the third quarter of the match but was ultimately cleared due to what the AFL's Match Review Panel labelled insufficient use of force.<ref name="strikeonwhite">{{cite news|last1=Pisano|first1=Kristian|title=Richmond survives Blue scare|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2014-03-27/richmond-survives-blue-scare|access-date=7 February 2018|work=Richmond FC|publisher=Telstra Media|date=27 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Martin cleared to face Bulldogs|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2014-03-31/martin-cleared-to-face-bulldogs|access-date=7 February 2018|work=Richmond FC|publisher=Telstra Media|date=31 March 2014}}</ref> In round 5 Martin kicked three goals in a win over the {{AFL BL}}. Despite his impact and the club's recent scoring troubles, Hardwick ruled out a full-time move forward, saying Martin was too dynamic and too effective in the midfield to restrict him to a single role.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lindon|first1=John|title=Martin's versatility a weapon for Tigers|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2014-04-24/martins-versatility-a-weapon-for-tigers|access-date=7 February 2018|work=Richmond FC|publisher=Telstra Media|date=24 April 2014}}</ref> Round 10's win over the GWS Giants saw Martin record a then career-best 36 disposals while two weeks later he added four goals in a losing match against {{AFL NorNM}}.<ref name="AFLTables"/> Though he had been trialed across half-back and up forward that season, it was at this point that Martin declared he wanted to become one of the elite midfielders of the competition.<ref>{{cite news|title=Martin's big midfield ambition|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2014-05-08/martins-big-midfield-ambition|access-date=7 February 2018|work=Richmond FC|publisher=Telstra Media|date=8 May 2014}}</ref> After 16 rounds Martin was showing real progress towards that end, averaging 27 disposals and having kicked 18 goals. What's more, he had been restricted to fewer than 20 disposals on just two occasions.<ref>{{cite news|title=Martin finds right balance|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2014-07-11/-martin-finds-right-balance|access-date=7 February 2018|work=Richmond FC|publisher=Telstra Media|date=11 July 2014}}</ref> By July, the ''[[Herald Sun]]''{{'}}s Jon Ralph said Martin was "maturing into one of the league's most damaging footballers."<ref name="Ralphprofile2015"/> ''Champion Data'' statistics released in mid-August revealed Martin to be the league's best one-on-one player, winning 15 of his 27 contests that year. At 56%, his win rate more than doubled the league average of 26%.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Edmund|first1=Sam|title=Dustin Martin best one-on-one player in AFL and key to Richmond's recent resurgence|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/dustin-martin-best-oneonone-player-in-afl-and-key-to-richmonds-recent-resurgence/news-story/d70112f1050eec192d265017f39223bb|access-date=7 February 2018|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=18 August 2014}}</ref> After seven straight wins saw Richmond go from cellar dwellers to finals contenders, a hamstring strain saw Martin miss the club's must-win match against {{AFL StK}} in round 22, his first miss through injury of his entire career to date.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Edwards|first1=Nat|title=Tiger Martin hamstrung for St Kilda clash|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-08-23/season-done-and-dusted|access-date=7 February 2018|work=AFL Media|publisher=Telstra Media|date=23 August 2014}}</ref> The club managed a win despite his absence and Martin returned for the round 23 win over {{AFL Syd}} that saw Richmond into the finals for a second straight season.<ref>{{cite news|title=Martin expected to return|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2014-08-25/martin-expected-to-return|access-date=7 February 2018|work=Richmond FC|publisher=Telstra Media|date=25 August 2014}}</ref> A road trip elimination final against {{AFL PA}} would prove too much for his side however, as Martin recorded 29 disposals in the club's 57-point loss.<ref>{{cite web|title=Elimination Final, Port Adelaide vs. Richmond|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2014/131420140907.html|website=AFL Tables|access-date=7 February 2018}}</ref> After playing 22 matches that season Martin set a career-best mark for disposals for the second year running and finished second at the club for inside-50s.<ref>{{cite web|title=2014 Stats|url=http://afltables.com/afl/stats/2014.html#14|website=AFL Tables|access-date=1 September 2016}}</ref> Though he did not make the final team, he received his first nomination to the [[2014 All-Australian team#Initial squad|All-Australian squad]] of 40 players and entered the club's best and fairest count as favourite to win.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Nathan Schmook and Adam McNicol|title=Fresh faces aplenty as AFL names 40-man All Australian squad|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-09-02/all-australian-squad-named|access-date=1 September 2016|publisher=AFL.com.au|date=2 September 2014}}</ref> He ultimately received the [[Maurie Fleming]] medal by placing third in the award in addition to recording the second highest number of Brownlow Medal votes of any player at Richmond that year.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Greenberg|first1=Tony|title=Cotchin's Jack Dyer Medal treble|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2014-09-30/cotchins-jack-dyer-medal-treble|access-date=1 September 2016|work=Richmond FC|publisher=Bigpond|date=30 September 2014}}</ref>

Martin avoided the contract intrigue that surrounded him two years earlier by signing a new two-year contract extension in February 2015, eight months before his current deal was to expire.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Pierik|first1=Jon|title=Dustin Martin re-signs with Richmond Tigers|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/dustin-martin-resigns-with-richmond-tigers-20150217-13hisj.html|access-date=9 February 2018|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=17 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Martin re-signs|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2015-02-17/martin-resigns|access-date=9 February 2018|work=Richmond FC|publisher=Telstra Media|date=17 February 2015}}</ref> Also prior to round 1, Martin was issued a challenged by coach Hardwick, to utilise his improved running capacity to play a majority midfield role as well as improving his contested ball winning and tackling in the mould of {{AFL Ess}} captain [[Jobe Watson]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Phelan|first1=Jennifer|title=Hardwick wants Dusty to become Jobe 2.0|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-01-30/jobe-the-second|access-date=9 February 2018|work=AFL Media|publisher=Telstra Media|date=30 January 2015}}</ref> He got off to a slow start, however, kept to just 13 disposals thanks to a [[Australian rules football positions#Tagging|defensive tag]] by his {{AFL Car}} opponents in round 1.<ref>{{cite news|title=Dusty to triumph over tag|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2015-04-10/dusty-to-triumph-over-tag|access-date=9 February 2018|work=Richmond FC|publisher=Telstra Media|date=10 April 2015}}</ref> Martin returned to his dominant best by round 2, though, gathering 31 disposals against the {{AFL WB}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Round 2, 2015, Richmond v Western Bulldogs|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2015/071420150411.html|website=AFL Tables|access-date=9 February 2018}}</ref> He achieved the 30-plus-disposals mark on two more occasions in the next four weeks.<ref name="AFLTables"/> In round 10, Martin was best-afield in Richmond's fourth straight win, recording 34 disposals, five tackles and a goal against {{AFL Fre}} at [[Subiaco Oval|Domain Stadium]].<ref name="R10Freo2015">{{cite news|last1=Schmook|first1=Nathan|title=Dusty delivers on coach's contested challenge|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-06-06/dusty-delivers-on-challenge|access-date=9 February 2018|work=AFL Media|publisher=Telstra Media|date=6 June 2015}}</ref> After that match, which marked the midpoint of the season, Martin was in significant form and featured in the top-five Richmond players in 12 of 15 major statistical categories, including first place in both total disposals and total inside-50s.<ref>{{cite news|title=Martin rules stats count|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2015-06-15/martin-rules-stats-count|access-date=9 February 2018|work=Richmond FC|publisher=Telstra Media|date=15 June 2015}}</ref> He had also lifted his contested possession (9.67 per game), tackle (4.0) and disposal (26.56) counts to career-high levels.<ref name="R10Freo2015"/> He closed the season strongly, too, kicking four lots of three goals over the remaining 12 home and away matches.<ref name="AFLTables"/> Richmond's 91-point victory over {{AFL Col}} in round 21 was marred by a crowd incident, though, in which Martin celebrated a goal by [[V sign#As an insult|displaying an obscene finger gesture]] to members of the Collingwood cheer squad.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Cherny|first1=Daniel|title=Dustin Martin fined $2000 for finger gesture towards Collingwood fans|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/dustin-martin-fined-2000-for-finger-gesture-towards-collingwood-fans-20150827-gj9fbg.html|access-date=9 February 2018|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=27 August 2015}}</ref> He was ordered by the AFL to pay a $2,000 fine for the action, the same fine that was suspended for a crowd gesture in 2013.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ryan|first1=Peter|title=Martin fined by the AFL|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2015-08-27/martin-fined-by-the-afl|access-date=9 February 2018|work=Richmond FC|publisher=Telstra Media|date=27 August 2015}}</ref> For the third straight season Martin's side qualified for the finals and for the third time were knocked out in an elimination final. This time Martin recorded 21 disposals in the 17 point loss to {{AFL NorNM}} at the [[Melbourne Cricket Ground|MCG]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Elimination Final 2015, Richmond vs. North Melbourne|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2015/121420150913.html|website=AFL Tables|access-date=9 February 2018}}</ref>

A reinvigorated Richmond team opened the 2017 season with a 43-point victory over Carlton. In addition to introducing a new game-plan that included faster ball-movement and a greater commitment to tackling, the club also saw another leap from Martin, who put in a starring four-goal performance.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Clark|first1=Jay|title=Dustin Martin dominates for a new-look Richmond in season-opening win against Carlton|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/dustin-martin-dominates-for-a-newlook-richmond-in-seasonopening-win-against-carlton/news-story/479687c9cdaad18a24049cebab59d001|access-date=15 February 2018|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=24 March 2017}}</ref> He kicked another two goals the following week, but suffered a broken cheekbone in the win over {{AFL Col}}.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jake Niall and Julian De Stoop|title=Richmond star Dustin Martin suffers fractured cheekbone but is still a strong chance to play in Round 3|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/richmond-star-dustin-martin-suffers-fractured-cheekbone-but-is-still-a-strong-chance-to-play-in-round-3/news-story/a3cc570c52d5740e4df8553caf8274b8|access-date=15 February 2018|work=Fox Sports|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=3 April 2017}}</ref> He was ultimately given the medical all-clear to play the next week, despite speculation that he would sit out the match or at least play with a protective helmet.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Pierik|first1=Jon|title=Richmond Tigers' Dustin Martin given all clear to face West Coast Eagles|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/richmond-tigers-dustin-martin-given-all-clear-to-face-west-coast-eagles-20170406-gvernd.html|access-date=15 February 2018|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=6 April 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Spits|first1=Scott|title=Richmond v West Coast: Dustin Martin may wear a helmet for Eagles clash|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/richmond-tigers-v-west-coast-eagles-dustin-martin-may-wear-a-helmet-for-eagles-clash-20170404-gvdfzw.html|access-date=15 February 2018|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=5 April 2017}}</ref> Martin did neither though and instead played a starring role in the rain-soaked match, recording 40 disposals, kicking two goals and gathering an equal-club-record 15 clearances in the victory over {{AFL WC}} at the [[Melbourne Cricket Ground]] (MCG).<ref name="2017endofseasonAT"/><ref>{{cite news|last1=Schlink|first1=Leo|title=Richmond holds on to beat West Coast in wet and wild conditions at the MCG on Saturday|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/richmond-holds-on-to-beat-west-coast-in-wet-and-wild-conditions-at-the-mcg-on-saturday/news-story/bb019008390d64efa3006fb08610d17e|access-date=15 February 2018|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=8 April 2017}}</ref> He came under another injury cloud less than a fortnight later after a mid-week training session saw him leave the track with groin soreness.<ref>{{cite news|title=Martin on track for Tigers-Demons clash|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/martin-on-track-for-tigers-demons-clash|access-date=15 February 2018|work=SBS News|publisher=SBS|date=20 April 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Ralph|first1=Jon|title=Richmond confident Dustin Martin will be fit to play Melbourne|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/richmond-confident-dustin-martin-will-be-fit-to-play-melbourne/news-story/13da9ad063c7fe62cd9f8781587a1e1f|access-date=15 February 2018|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=23 April 2017}}</ref> Though he did not miss a match as a result of the soreness, he was below his absolute best for much of the next month until he recorded 35 disposals in round 9's tight loss to the GWS Giants.<ref name="AFLTables"/> In the annual Dreamtime at the 'G match that followed in round 10 Martin received the best-afield Yiooken Award for the second straight year.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gullan|first1=Scott|title=Dustin Martin didn't receive a vote from Caroline Wilson for performance against Essendon|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/dustin-martin-didnt-receive-a-vote-from-caroline-wilson-for-performance-against-essendon/news-story/d01f795c6458e12dbdef506293e92047|access-date=15 February 2018|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=29 May 2017}}</ref> He followed that match up with another best-afield performance against North Melbourne that saw him record a maximum three Brownlow Medal votes in three consecutive matches leading into Richmond's mid-season bye.<ref name="AFLTables"/><ref>{{cite news|last1=Connolly|first1=Rohan|title=Richmond star Dustin Martin ups North Melbourne interest after sinking the Roos|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/richmond-star-dustin-martin-ups-north-melbourne-interest-after-sinking-the-roos-20170604-gwjw8p.html|access-date=15 February 2018|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=4 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Windley|first1=Matt|title=Dustin Martin 'pretty impressive' in Richmond's win over North Melbourne|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/dustin-martin-pretty-impressive-in-richmonds-win-over-north-melbourne/news-story/4144e3a153f03bcb2bc5287665c91a58|access-date=15 February 2018|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=3 June 2017}}</ref> To that point Martin ranked top-10 in the league for disposals (29.9 per game), clearances (6.7) and contested possessions (14.5). He was also second best in the league for metres gained (564.4 per game) and behind only [[Patrick Dangerfield]] for goals scored by the league's top 20 possession winners.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mid-season All Australian contenders|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-06-07/midseason-all-australian-contenders|access-date=7 June 2017|work=AFL Media|publisher=[[Telstra Media]]|date=7 June 2017}}</ref> He was at this point also named in ''AFL Media''{{'}}s mid-season All Australian team.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Navaratnam|first1=Dinny|title=AFL.com.au's mid-season All Australian team|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-06-08/aflcomaus-midseason-all-australian-team|access-date=8 June 2017|work=AFL Media|publisher=[[Telstra Media]]|date=8 June 2017}}</ref>

All year Martin had been plagued by yet another prolonged contract saga after his management announced the year prior that he would not be in a rush to sign a new deal.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ralph|first1=Jon|title=Richmond star Dustin Martin wants to consider all free agency options|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/richmond-star-dustin-martin-wants-to-consider-all-free-agency-options/news-story/1625a0e01263ef835cb161f2130fd8d8|access-date=15 February 2018|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=10 December 2016}}</ref> By the end of January he had confirmed he would delay a decision on a contract until the completion of the season.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ralph|first1=Jon|title=Richmond star Dustin Martin has put off contract talks until the end of the season|url=http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/richmond/richmond-star-dustin-martin-has-put-off-contract-talks-until-the-end-of-the-season/news-story/f344cc24212f4e0c79e8ab4759d056ff|access-date=15 February 2018|work=News.com.au|agency=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=30 January 2017}}</ref> That would not stop speculation however, with news leaking of increasing offers as his form improved throughout the season to the point of him become one of the competition's best players.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Carey|first1=Wayne|title=Richmond Tigers should pay Dustin Martin like the superstar he has become|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/richmond-tigers-should-pay-dustin-martin-like-the-superstar-he-has-become-20170413-gvk4b9.html|access-date=15 February 2018|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=13 April 2017}}</ref> While Richmond opened negotiations with an offer believed to be worth close to $800,000 per year, {{AFL NorNM}} soon emerged as a front-runner to secure him, with a six-year offer purported to be worth more than $6 million across the life of the deal.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Niall|first1=Jake|title=Richmond makes opening offer to gun on-baller Dustin Martin|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/richmond-makes-opening-offer-to-gun-onballer-dustin-martin/news-story/df0b0285036113363a7197096749929f|access-date=15 February 2018|work=Fox Sports|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=28 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Gleeson|first1=Michael|title=North Melbourne's retro moves for Dustin Martin, Josh Kelly could deliver a flag|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/afl-norths-retro-move-could-deliver-a-flag-20170523-gwbgy9.html|access-date=15 February 2018|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=24 May 2017}}</ref> By July that offer had reportedly been matched by Richmond, forcing North Melbourne and other suitors to again up theirs.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jon Pierik and Caroline Wilson|title=Richmond Tigers up contract offer to Dustin Martin to $6 million over six years|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/richmond-tigers-up-contract-offer-to-dustin-martin-to-6-million-over-six-years-20170725-gxihau.html|access-date=15 February 2018|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=25 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Lloyd|first1=Matthew|title=Matthew Lloyd questions why Dustin Martin continues to delay contract talks with Richmond|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/matthew-lloyd-questions-why-dustin-martin-continues-to-delay-contract-talks-with-richmond/news-story/5970223b73865dcc234b0c918b40e57f|access-date=15 February 2018|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=7 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Richmond well short of rival bid for star Dustin Martin|url=http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/richmond-well-short-of-rival-bid-for-star-dustin-martin/news-story/0177cf830bf476fa817393f83db5d171|access-date=15 February 2018|work=News.com.au|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=23 May 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Landsberger|first1=Sam|title=North Melbourne is hoping to secure both Dustin Martin and Josh Kelly this off-season|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/north-melbourne-is-hoping-to-secure-both-dustin-martin-and-josh-kelly-this-offseason/news-story/56df3adb0e8994d1eebbee64afd19b32|access-date=15 February 2018|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=20 July 2017}}</ref> {{AFL Ess}} soon emerged as another suitor with a bid close to the mark set by North Melbourne.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Beveridge|first1=Riley|title=Richmond determined to get an indication on Dustin Martin's future|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/richmond-determined-to-get-an-indication-on-dustin-martins-future/news-story/0b716afd8dbfb5032fb8a45f4a972c38|access-date=15 February 2018|work=Fox Sports|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=17 June 2017}}</ref> Negotiations came to a head in the pre-finals bye week, with Martin's camp finally ready to address the mounting contract offers.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Wilson|first1=Caroline|title=It makes sense for Dustin Martin to stay at Tigerland|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/it-makes-sense-for-dustin-martin-to-stay-at-tigerland-20170825-gy4l7z.html|access-date=15 February 2018|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=25 August 2017}}</ref> A final offer was presented by North Melbourne at a reported $1.5 million a season over seven years, while Richmond's offer sat significantly lower, at closer to $1.1 million.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ralph|first1=Jon|title=Richmond face $2.8m gap on North Melbourne's huge Dustin Martin contract offer|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/richmond-face-28m-gap-on-north-melbournes-huge-dustin-martin-contract-offer/news-story/9b8a8734762061522f7b267e890242a9|access-date=15 February 2018|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=26 August 2017}}</ref> Martin spent the first part of the week in New Zealand where he discussed the offers with his father. Rumours began to circulate upon his return that Martin had made his mind up and would announce his decision on the following night's episode of [[The Footy Show (AFL)|The Footy Show]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lauren Wood, Sophie Smith and Glenn McFarlane|title=Richmond skipper Trent Cotchin insists he isn't worried as Dustin Martin returns from NZ|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/richmond-skipper-trent-cotchin-insists-he-isnt-worried-as-dustin-martin-considers-his-future/news-story/442f053072ec03c9a3c6eb80258d4bc9|access-date=15 February 2018|work=The Daily Telegraph|agency=Herald Sun|date=30 August 2017}}</ref> Martin ultimately forwent more than $2 million over the life of the deal when on Thursday 31 August he accepted Richmond's offer.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Al Paton and Mick Randall|title=Dustin Martin confirms commitment to Richmond|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/dustin-martin-appears-on-the-footy-show-to-talk-tiger-deal-manager-ralph-carr-and-father-shane-martin-give-their-takes/news-story/7eb571ad243b35e02a155f295c0ccd4e|access-date=15 February 2018|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=1 September 2017}}</ref> A handshake agreement took place that afternoon in the home of Martin's agent Ralph Carr before he signed the deal officially in the days that followed.<ref name="Y&B436">{{cite book|last1=Marshall|first1=Konrad|title=Yellow & Black: A Season with Richmond|date=15 November 2016 |publisher=Slattery Media Group|location=Melbourne, Victoria, Australia|isbn=9780987342898|page=436}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Wilson|first1=Caroline|title=Done and dusted: Dustin Martin to stay at Richmond until 2024|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/dustin-martin-set-to-stay-at-richmond-20170831-gy8f0m.html|access-date=15 February 2018|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=31 August 2017}}</ref> Though numerous media organisations had already run with the news in the hours previous, Martin officially announced his decision in a pre-recorded interview that aired on The Footy Show.<ref>{{cite news|title=Dustin Martin signs new seven-year deal to stay at Richmond|url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/afl/dustin-martin-on-the-verge-of-announcing-new-richmond-deal-report-ng-b88585730z|access-date=15 February 2018|work=The West Australian|publisher=Yahoo!7|date=31 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Beveridge|first1=Riley|title=Dustin Martin re-signs: Richmond football boss Neil Balme slams the AFL's free agency process|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/dustin-martin-resigns-richmond-football-boss-neil-balme-slams-the-afls-free-agency-process/news-story/cc322acf03ae231a4c22163285722bd2|access-date=15 February 2018|work=Fox Sports|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=1 September 2017}}</ref>

[[File:Dustin Martin handballs (3) 16.01.18.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Martin handballs during a training drill in January 2018.]]

He followed his round 10 performance with 28 disposals and a goal in round 11's win over {{AFL Ess}} before sitting out of round 12's matchup with {{AFL PA}} due to a minor calf injury.<ref name="AFLTables" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Ben Waterworth and Josh Gabelich |title=Dustin Martin to miss Richmond clash with Port Adelaide, set to spend time with family |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/report-dustin-martin-set-to-miss-richmond-clash-with-port-adelaide-to-spend-time-with-family/news-story/d621fe1a7a3eb0c4f51c8ea54a15e745 |access-date=23 February 2019 |work=Fox Sports |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=7 June 2018}}</ref> To that point, it was just the fifth game Martin had missed due to injury or suspension in his AFL career and his first since round 22, 2014.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pierik |first1=Jon |title=Iron man: Dustin Martin to miss for only fifth time |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/iron-man-dustin-martin-to-miss-for-only-fifth-time-20180607-p4zjyw.html |access-date=23 February 2019 |work=The Age |publisher=Fairfax Media |date=7 June 2018}}</ref> Martin returned after just one match, contributing 22 disposals and a goal in Richmond's round 13 victory over {{AFL Gee}}.<ref name="AFLTables" /> Later that week, Martin was named in [[Fox Footy]]''<nowiki/>'s'' mid-year All Australian squad while also being named in the ''[[Herald Sun]]'' and AFL Media teams of 22 players.<ref>{{cite news |title=Your club's mid-season All Australians |url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-06-06/your-clubs-mid-season-all-australians |access-date=6 June 2018 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=6 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=West Coast dominate, Melbourne snubbed in Fox Footy's mid-year All-Australian squad |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/west-coast-dominate-melbourne-snubbed-in-fox-footys-midyear-allaustralian-squad/news-story/bf33ceb30194de6c8ff5e146b61686c8 |access-date=6 June 2018 |work=Fox Sports |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=4 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Robinson |first1=Mark |title=Mark Robinson names his 2018 mid-season All-Australian team |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/mark-robinson-names-his-2018-midseason-allaustralian-team/news-story/2f18521774f7a4b1924cf1cdab032ac4 |access-date=6 June 2018 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=6 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Who makes our mid-season All Australian team? |url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-06-07/who-makes-our-midseason-all-australian-team |access-date=12 June 2018 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=7 June 2018}}</ref> Following the bye, Martin kicked a game-high two goals and added 30 disposals in a win over {{AFL Ade}} at the MCG.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Balmer |first1=Matt |title=Richmond defeat Adelaide: Tigers continue their march towards finals with big win over Crows |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/live-afl-round-16-richmond-v-adelaide-crows/news-story/19d06d209cb32688f3fb5de6a6400068 |access-date=7 March 2019 |work=Fox Sports |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=6 July 2018}}</ref> The following week he was adjust Richmond's best player in a loss to the {{AFL GWS}} in which he received six coaches award votes.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Dusty top Round 17 Tiger |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-07-16/round-17-coaches-votes |access-date=7 March 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=17 July 2018}}</ref> He repeated the effort in round 18, named by ''[[The Age]]'' as Richmond's best in a win over {{AFL StK}}.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pierik |first1=Jon |title=Martin back to dominance as Tigers make a statement against Saints |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/martin-back-to-dominance-as-tigers-make-a-statement-against-saints-20180719-p4zsbh.html |access-date=7 March 2019 |work=The Age |publisher=Fairfax Media |date=20 July 2018}}</ref> In round 19 he added three goals despite a strong tag from {{AFL Col}}'s [[Levi Greenwood]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Phelan |first1=Jennifer |title=Tigers outlast plucky Magpies |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/match-centre/2018/19/rich-v-coll |access-date=7 March 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=28 July 2018 |archive-date=8 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308002936/https://www.richmondfc.com.au/match-centre/2018/19/rich-v-coll |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Niall |first1=Jake |title=For three quarters, Pies equal to Tigers challenge |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/for-three-quarters-pies-equal-to-tigers-challenge-20180728-p4zu75.html |access-date=7 March 2019 |work=The Age |publisher=Fairfax Media |date=28 July 2018}}</ref> Martin was again named by ''[[The Age]]'' as Richmond's best with a two-goal performance in round 22, a win over {{AFL Ess}} that saw the club secure the season's minor premiership.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ryan |first1=Peter |title=Richmond claim top spot as Essendon eliminated |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/richmond-claim-top-spot-as-essendon-eliminated-20180817-p4zy7w.html |access-date=25 March 2019 |work=The Age |publisher=Fairfax Media |date=17 August 2018}}</ref> To that point Martin ranked first in the league for inside-50s and score involvements as well as second for centre clearances and seventh for goal assists recorded that season.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Navaratnam |first1=Dinny |title=Can the champ be a Brownlow smokey? |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-08-17/can-the-champ-be-a-brownlow-smokey |access-date=25 March 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=17 August 2018}}</ref> At the end of the home and away season, Martin was named at rover in the AFL's Player Ratings team of the year, was nominated for the AFLPA's MVP award and earned his third straight [[2018 All-Australian team|All-Australian]] selection.<ref>{{cite tweet |author=AFL Player Ratings |user=AFLPlayerRating |number=1034308727250149376 |date=28 August 2018 |title=Official AFL Player Ratings 2018 Team of the Year |access-date=28 August 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Tiger trio nominated for AFLPA MVP |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-08-24/tiger-trio-nominated-for-aflpa-mvp |access-date=25 March 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=24 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Tigers' All Australian awesome foursome |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-08-29/tigers-all-australian-awesome-foursome |access-date=25 March 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=29 August 2018}}</ref> He entered that year's Brownlow Medal count as bookmakers' second placed favourite and ranked first in ''AFL Media''{{'}}s Brownlow Predictor.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Navaratnam |first1=Dinny |title=Back-to-back Brownlows? Dusty might do it |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-08-27/backtoback-brownlows-dusty-might-do-it |access-date=25 March 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=27 August 2018}}</ref>

[[File:Dustin Martin (2) - Grand Final.jpg|thumb|Martin celebrates winning the [[2019 AFL Grand Final|2019 premiership]].]]

He was among Richmond's best players upon his return in round 5, kicking three goals and gathering 25 disposals after a tagging effort by {{AFL Syd}}'s [[George Hewett (footballer)|George Hewett]] saw him play long stints as forward.<ref>{{cite news |title=Richmond beats Sydney comfortably after St Kilda rocks Melbourne, Fremantle upsets GWS |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-04-20/afl-saturday-scorecentre/11024920 |access-date=30 October 2019 |work=ABC News |agency=AAP |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=20 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=McGowan |first1=Marc |title='Incredible' Martin, young guns put smile on Dimma's face |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-04-20/incredible-martin-young-guns-put-smile-on-dimmas-face |access-date=30 October 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=21 April 2019}}</ref> Martin was again subject to tagging in round 6, this time kept to 17 disposals and a single goal by {{AFL Mel}}'s [[Michael Hibberd]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Guthrie |first1=Ben |title=Tigers make it three straight as dull Demons fail to fire again |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-04-24/match-report-richmond-v-melbourne |access-date=30 October 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=24 April 2019}}</ref><ref name="AFLTables" /> In round 9 Martin was spectacular, turning in a performance labelled my multiple media outlets as evocative of his best from his 2017 Brownlow-winning season.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gleeson |first1=Michael |title=4 Points: Back on the prowl, like the Tiger of old |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/4-points-back-on-the-prowl-like-the-tiger-of-old-20190519-p51ozr.html |access-date=30 October 2019 |work=The Age |publisher=Nine Entertainment Co |date=19 May 2019}}</ref><ref name="2019like2017">{{cite news |last1=McGowan |first1=Marc |title=Dusty fends off the critics with a return to his 2017 best |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-05-19/is-dusty-back-to-his-2017-best |access-date=30 October 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=19 May 2019}}</ref> He recorded 13 disposals and four clearances in the first quarter of the win, before finishing the match with 37 disposals, 10 clearances and two goals.<ref name="2019like2017" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Beveridge |first1=Riley |title=Ruthless Richmond rolls injury-cruelled Hawthorn |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-05-19/match-report-richmond-v-hawthorn |access-date=30 October 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=19 May 2019}}</ref> He earned 10 Coaches Award votes that match and was named in ''AFL Media''{{'}}s Team of the Week, a feat he repeated after 25 disposals and eight clearances in round 10.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Vintage Dusty |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-05-21/vintage-dusty |access-date=30 October 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=21 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Navartnam |first1=Dinny |title=Team of the Week, R9: Who makes the cut? |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-05-21/team-of-the-week-r9-who-makes-the-cut |access-date=30 October 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=21 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Navaratnam |first1=Dinny |title=Team of the Week, R10: Who makes the cut? |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-05-28/team-of-the-week-r10-who-makes-the-cut |access-date=30 October 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=28 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Dusty's dazzling Dons dominance |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-05-26/dustys-best-against-the-bombers |access-date=30 October 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=26 May 2019}}</ref> For the second time that season, Martin kicked three goals in round 11's loss to {{AFL NM}}.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ramsey |first1=Michael |title=Roos thump Tigers to hand Rhyce Shaw the perfect start |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-05-31/match-report-kangaroos-v-tigers-r11-2019 |access-date=30 October 2019 |work=AFL Media |agency=AAP |publisher=Telstra Media |date=31 May 2019}}</ref>

In round 13, injuries to captain [[Trent Cotchin]], vice-captains [[Jack Riewoldt]] and [[Alex Rance]] as well as to early-seasons stand-in captain [[Shane Edwards]] saw Martin called upon to captain Richmond for the first time in his career.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Twomey |first1=Callum |title=TEAMS: Tigers lose three, Crow veterans still out in the cold |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-06-12/teams-tigers-lose-three-crow-veterans-still-out-in-the-cold |access-date=30 October 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=12 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Ryan |first1=Peter |title=Martin skipper as Cotchin and Edwards to miss crucial clash with Crows |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/cotchin-to-miss-crucial-clash-with-crows-20190612-p51wv9.html |access-date=30 October 2019 |work=The Age |publisher=Nine Entertainment Co |date=12 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Waterworth |first1=Ben |title=AFL 2019: The unenviable task facing Dustin Martin's Richmond in Adelaide |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2019-the-unenviable-task-facing-dustin-martins-richmond-in-adelaide/news-story/2a11437442259686e360ca769bfe3a8c |access-date=30 October 2019 |work=Fox Sports |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=13 June 2019}}</ref> He performed well with 32 disposals, nine marks and two goals, earning a club-best three coaches votes despite an eventual loss to {{AFL Ade}} in that match, the last before the club's mid-season bye.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Dusty rewarded for captain's game |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-06-17/round-13-coaches-votes |access-date=30 October 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=17 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Dusty leads by example |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-06-14/dusty-leads-by-example |access-date=30 October 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=14 June 2019}}</ref> At that point he held averages of 25.3 disposals and 1.1 goals per game and was labelled by ''AFL Media'' as a mid-season contender for a fourth-straight All-Australian selection.<ref>{{cite news |title=Your club's mid-season All Australians: Who makes the cut? |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-06-26/your-clubs-midseason-all-australians-who-makes-the-cut |access-date=30 October 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=26 June 2019}}</ref> Martin was exceptional again following the bye, earning three Brownlow votes and the Ian Stewart Medal for best-on-ground with a game-high 36 disposals and six clearances against {{AFL StK}} in round 15.<ref>{{cite news |title=Martin takes out Ian Stewart Medal |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-07-01/martin-takes-home-second-ian-stewart-medal |access-date=30 October 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=1 July 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Round 15 St Kilda v Richmond: Tigers roar back into top eight after Dustin Martin and Sydney Stack star |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/live-afl-round-15-st-kilda-v-richmond/news-story/70732201a31961d8e76084eed26defd7 |access-date=30 October 2019 |work=Fox Sports |agency=AAP |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=30 June 2019}}</ref><ref name="AFLTables" /> Martin was named to ''AFL Media's'' Team of the Week in rounds 18 and 19 after recording a personal season-high 38 disposals in the latter of those two matches.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Navaratnam |first1=Dinny |title=Team of the Week, R18: Who makes the cut? |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/129705/team-of-the-week-r18-who-makes-the-cut |access-date=19 January 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=23 July 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Whiting |first1=Michael |title=Team of the Week, R19: Who makes the cut? |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/56629/team-of-the-week-r19-who-makes-the-cut |access-date=19 January 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=30 July 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Here comes Dusty |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/245618/here-comes-dusty |access-date=19 January 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=29 July 2019}}</ref> His seven coaches award votes also saw him move into 18th place on the award's leaderboard.<ref>{{cite news |title=Coaches' votes, R19: 11 votes separate top four as title race heats up |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/39180/coaches-votes-r19-11-votes-separate-top-four-as-title-race-heats-up |access-date=19 January 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=29 July 2019}}</ref> He bested that mark with nine votes as best afield with 34 disposals and 11 inside-50s in round 20's win over {{AFL Mel}}, again earning Team of the Week honours.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Dominant Dusty |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/237759/dominant-dusty |access-date=19 January 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=6 August 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Whiting |first1=Michael |title=Team of the Week, R20: Who makes the cut? |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/106036/team-of-the-week-r20-who-makes-the-cut- |access-date=19 January 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=6 August 2019}}</ref> Martin suffered general soreness and was a late withdrawal from the following week's match, before returning with what multiple media outlets labelled one of the best performances of his career in round 22's win over {{AFL WCE|WC}}.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Michaels |first1=Jake |title=Like the Tigers, Dustin Martin has rediscovered his 2017 form |url=https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/27409701/like-tigers-dustin-martin-rediscovered-2017-form |access-date=19 January 2020 |work=ESPN |date=18 August 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Beveridge |first1=Riley |title=Game of the season: Tigers pip Eagles in a classic |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/118770/game-of-the-season-tigers-pip-eagles-in-a-classic |access-date=19 January 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=18 August 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Ryan |first1=Peter |title=Dustin Martin out of clash with Carlton |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/dustin-martin-out-of-clash-with-carlton-20190810-p52ftr.html |access-date=19 January 2020 |work=The Age |publisher=Nine Entertainment Co |date=10 August 2019}}</ref> In addition to a game-high 35 disposals and 818 metres gained, Martin set a new career-best with 13 inside-50s, which was also the most by any player in the league in a match that season.<ref>{{cite web|title=2019 Team Stats & Season Highs|website=AFL Tables|access-date=26 August 2019|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/2019s.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190826075412/https://afltables.com/afl/stats/2019s.html|archive-date=26 August 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Dusty back to his brilliant best |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/51726/dusty-back-to-his-brilliant-best |access-date=19 January 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=19 August 2019}}</ref>

Prior to the commencement of the 2021 season, Martin was once again named the number-one player in the game as part of the ''Herald Sun''{{'}}s annual pre-season list.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Robinson |first1=Mark |title=Mark Robinson reveals his top 50 heading into the AFL 2021 season |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/expert-opinion/mark-robinson/mark-robinson-reveals-his-top-50-heading-into-the-afl-2021-season/news-story/e23a2631d104f2df8eee82e17b204914 |access-date=7 March 2021 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=4 March 2021}}</ref> After a full an interrupted pre-season training period, Martin participated in both unofficial and office pre-season matches in February and March. Martin had a consistent season; however, he suffered a kidney injury when colliding with Brisbane midfielder [[Mitch Robinson]] in round 18, ruling him out for the rest of the season.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Twomey |first1=Callum |title=Big Max dominates, fringe forward fires, Dusty finishes early |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/553122/big-max-dominates-fringe-forward-fires-dusty-finishes-early |access-date=7 March 2021 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=26 February 2021}}</ref>

Martin had his most productive season since 2020 in a strong return to form which saw him named in the All-Australian Squad of 40. He kicked 25 goals in a season which showed flashes of his brilliant best including a number of Best on Ground performances throughout the latter part of the year. Martin played brilliantly in the penultimate game of the season - a farewell match for his great mates Trent Cotchin and Jack Riewoldt in which DustinMartin had 31 disposals and kicked 3three goals. <ref name=":0" />

DustinMartin struggled through the early part of the 2024 season as many within the AFL Media acknowledged that he was in the twilight of his career. Speculation around his retirement, as well as a move away from Richmond continued throughout the season as Martin refused to speak to the media.

Martin played in his 300th AFL game in Round 14 against Hawthorn at the MCG. A record 92,311 people showed up to acknowledge the milestone, and they were rewarded instantly with Martin kicking the first goal of the game. Hawthorn would go onto win easily, before DustinMartin broke his media silence by completing an interview with former Premiership teammate Jack Riewoldt, confirming his want to play on for the remainder of the season. A tug of his guernsey may also suggest he has no plans to leave the Richmond Football Club any time soon. <ref name=":0" />

On August 6th6, Martin announced his retirement. <ref> https://www.afl.com.au/news/1190191/richmond-legend-dustin-martin-retires-effective-immediately </ref>

| 13 || 10 || 8 || 128 || 98 || 226 || 50 || 17 || 0.8 || 0.6 || 9.8 || 7.5 || 17.4 || 3.8 || 1.3 || 1

! 302 !! 338 !! 232 !! 4563 !! 2757 !! 7320 !! 1169 !! 835 !! 1.1 !! 0.8 !! 15.1 !! 9.1 !! 24.2 !! 3.9 !! 2.8 !! 212213

* [[List of VFL/AFL minor premiers|AFL minor premiership]]/[[McClelland Trophy]] ({{AFL Ric}}): [[2018 AFL season|2018]]

In a feature article for ''The Age''{{'}}s ''Executive Style'' magazine in March 2019, Martin revealed he had suffered from [[anxiety]] and [[Depression (mood)|depression]] in 2018. He described an empty feeling after achieving his professional goals in his extraordinary 2017 season.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Paton |first1=Al |title=Dustin Martin reveals he battled depression during 2018 season |url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/richmond/dustin-martin-reveals-he-battled-depression-during-2018-season/news-story/fb7cbcf98b82140082f773e94d853c80 |access-date=25 March 2019 |work=news.com.au |agency=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=16 March 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Guthrie |first1=Ben |title=Dusty reveals his struggle with anxiety and depression |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-03-16/dusty-reveals-his-struggle-with-anxiety-and-depression |access-date=25 March 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=16 March 2019}}</ref>

{{AFLCA Championchampion Playerplayer of the Yearyear}}