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* [[Brownlow Medal]]: [[2017 Brownlow Medal|2017]]
* [[Leigh Matthews Trophy]]: 2017
* [[AFL Coaches Association awards#Champion
* 4× [[All-Australian team]]: [[2016 All-Australian team|2016]], [[2017 All-Australian team|2017]], [[2018 All-Australian team|2018]], [[2020 All-Australian team|2020]]
* 3× [[AFL Coaches Association awards#Gary Ayres Award|Gary Ayres Award]]: 2017, 2019, 2020
* 2× [[Jack Dyer Medal]]: 2016, 2017
* State of Origin best on ground: [[State of Origin for Bushfire Relief Match|2020]]
* 2× [[Yiooken Award]]: 2016, 2017
* [[AFL Rising Star]] nominee: [[2010 AFL Rising Star|2010]]
}}
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Martin won the [[Jack Dyer Medal]] as Richmond's [[best and fairest]] player in 2016, along with his first [[All-Australian team|All-Australian]] selection. He has won three [[List of VFL/AFL premiers|premiership]]s, two Jack Dyer Medals and four All-Australian selections among other individual accolades, and also won several major best-on-ground awards. In each of his three premiership years, he won the [[Norm Smith Medal]] as best afield in the grand final (Martin is the only player to win the award three times) and the [[AFL Coaches Association awards#Gary Ayres Award|Gary Ayres Award]] as the player of the finals series.
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
==Early life and junior football==
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{{Quote box
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===2013 season===
[[File:Martin (cropped).jpg|thumb|Martin playing against {{AFL Ess}} in round 9, 2013]]
Rumours concerning possible off-field misconduct circulated during the 2013 pre-season to the point where they became the dominant talking-point for Richmond players and staff during the summer.<ref>{{cite news|title=Martin at trade risk: Lyon|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-03-15/martin-at-trade-risk-lyon|access-date=31 January 2018|work=AFL Media|publisher=Telstra Media|date=15 March 2013}}</ref><ref name="EQ2013">{{cite news|last1=Quayle|first1=Emma|title=Dustin Martin: The man behind the mask|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/dustin-martin-the-man-behind-the-mask-20130327-2guq7.html|access-date=31 January 2018|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=28 March 2013}}</ref> Former captain Chris Newman refused to address questions concerning the negative rumours, while coach Hardwick and new captain Trent Cotchin reiterated Martin's strong on-field pre-season preparations.<ref name="lifeskills"/><ref>{{cite news|last1=Phelan|first1=Jennifer|title=Angry Hardwick quells rumours of Dustin Martin sacking|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-02-15/twitter-rumours-unaustralian|access-date=31 January 2018|work=AFL Media|publisher=Telstra Media|date=15 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Thompson|first1=Matt|title=Cotchin backs Martin|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-03-24/cotchin-backs-martin|access-date=31 January 2018|work=AFL Media|publisher=Telstra Media|date=24 March 2013}}</ref>
In any case, Martin was at the same time taken under the wing of new Richmond assistant coach [[Mark Williams (Australian footballer, born 1958)|Mark Williams]] who was tasked with supporting Martin off-field and in building structure and life skills for Martin when away from the strict processes of the club itself.<ref name="lifeskills">{{cite news|last1=Paton|first1=Al|title=Richmond star Dustin Martin still learning life skills required of AFL players|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/afl/richmond-star-dustin-martin-still-learning-life-skills-required-of-afl-players/news-story/c517d27de270e310e8857db986716b44?sv=85a7a8fb043b1305ed111f07f26a5788&nk=b6fb24ffb8b8fd2acacae06bc9e80b29-1517370886|access-date=31 January 2018|work=The Daily Telegraph|agency=Herald Sun|date=15 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Landsberger|first1=Sam|title=New Richmond development coach Mark Williams a hit at Tigerland|url=http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/new-richmond-development-coach-mark-williams-a-hit-at-tigerland/news-story/715f1b98f449d2e67d21b0b2162effc0|access-date=31 January 2018|work=News.com.au|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=29 January 2013}}</ref><ref name="houseinorder">{{cite news|last1=Buckle|first1=Greg|title='Choco' has Dustin Martin's house in order|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-08-02/dustys-house-in-order|access-date=31 January 2018|work=AFL Media|agency=AAP|publisher=Telstra Media|date=2 August 2013}}</ref> By the season's start Martin was in strong footballing form, arguably in his side's best players at half-time of both rounds 1 and 2. However, second half drop-offs saw his performances end disappointingly.<ref name="rd32013">{{cite news|title=Martin fresh and firing|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2013-04-15/martin-fresh-and-firing|access-date=31 January 2018|work=Richmond FC|publisher=Telstra Media|date=15 April 2013}}</ref> In round 3 he turned in a complete four-quarter performance, lodging 35 disposals and seven inside-50s, and kicking two goals.<ref name="rd32013"/><ref>{{cite news|last1=Guthrie|first1=Ben|title=Tigers thump Bulldogs to maintain best season start in 18 years|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-04-14/richmond-v-western-bulldogs-match-report|access-date=31 January 2018|work=AFL Media|publisher=Telstra Media|date=14 April 2013}}</ref> He reached 30 disposals for a second time in round 7 before kicking three goals in the second half of a match against {{AFL Mel}} in round 8 to help Richmond to their fifth win of the season.<ref name="AFLTables"/><ref>{{cite news|last1=Macgugan|first1=Mark|title=Tigers do it not-so-easy against Demons|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2013-05-19/tigers-do-it-notsoeasy-against-demons|access-date=31 January 2018|work=Melbourne FC|publisher=Telstra Media|date=19 May 2013}}</ref> In round 12 he kicked a season best four goals in a win over {{AFL Ade}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Round 12, 2013, Richmond vs Adelaide|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2013/011420130615.html|website=AFL Tables|access-date=31 January 2018}}</ref>
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===2014 season===
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 NM}}.<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>
===2015 season===
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===2017 season===
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>
He continued his roll into the second half of the season including receiving a maximum ten votes from Richmond's, and opponent Carlton's, coaches in round 14, to enter first place in the association's, champion player of the year award.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Greenberg|first1=Tony|title=Martin moves ahead|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2017-06-27/martin-moves-ahead|access-date=2 July 2017|work=Richmond FC|publisher=[[Telstra Media]]|date=27 June 2017}}</ref> The next week he set an AFL record by breaking eight attempted tackles by his {{AFL PA}} opponents that saw Richmond into the top-four teams on the ladder.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Morgan|first1=Kym|title=Five talking points: Port Adelaide v Richmond|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-07-01/five-talking-points-port-adelaide-v-richmond|access-date=2 July 2017|work=AFL Media|publisher=[[Telstra Media]]|date=1 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Porter|first1=Ashley|title=Ferocious Richmond Tigers pounce on Port Adelaide Power to crash into top four|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/ferocious-richmond-tigers-pounce-on-port-adelaide-power-to-crash-into-top-four-20170701-gx2syr.html|access-date=15 February 2018|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=2 July 2017}}</ref> He was at the point named the June player of the month by the AFL Players Association for performances between rounds 11 and 15.<ref>{{cite news|title=AFLPA MVP, June: Superstar Tiger voted as month's best|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-07-05/aflpa-mvp-june-superstar-tiger-voted-as-months-best|access-date=6 July 2017|work=AFL Media|publisher=[[Telstra Media]]|date=5 July 2017}}</ref>
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===2018 season===
[[File:Dustin Martin handballs (3) 16.01.18.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Martin handballs during a training drill in January 2018.]]
Martin entered 2018 as the best player in the league, according to a pre-season [[AFL Players Association|Players Association]] poll, up from 12th position at the same time the previous year.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Greenberg|first1=Tony|title=Tiger trio in Players' Top 50|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-03-15/tiger-trio-in-players-top-50|access-date=15 March 2018|work=Richmond FC|publisher=Telstra Media|date=15 March 2018}}</ref> He trained at full strength during the off-season and played well in each of Richmond's two [[2018 JLT Community Series|pre-season matches]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Pavey|first1=James|title=Dustin Martin stars on return as Richmond thump Essendon|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/au/afl/news/dustin-martin-richmond-thump-essendon-afl-jlt-community-series/geqh2blxrwra1nh0efwsre92l|access-date=15 April 2018|work=Sporting News|publisher=Sporting News Media|date=24 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Martin stars as Tigers tame Roos|url=http://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/22674668/dustin-martin-stars-richmond-tigers-tame-north-melbourne-kangaroos|access-date=15 April 2018|work=ESPN|agency=AAP|date=8 March 2018}}</ref> In round 1 he was named in Richmond's best players by ''AFL Media'' for a performance that included 32 disposals and a goal.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Schmook|first1=Nathan|title=Match report: Sluggish Tigers topple injury-hit Blues|url=http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2018/1/rich-v-carl|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171104001239/http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2018/1/rich-v-carl|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 November 2017|access-date=15 April 2018|work=AFL Media|publisher=Telstra Media|date=22 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Gleeson|first1=Michael|title=Fittingly, it was Dusty that got things started for the Tigers|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/fittingly-it-was-dusty-that-got-things-started-for-the-tigers-20180322-p4z5sn.html|access-date=15 April 2018|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=23 March 2018}}</ref> He added his second five-goal haul of his career the next week, in a loss to {{AFL Ade}} at the [[Adelaide Oval]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Richmond coach Damien Hardwick says not even five Dustin Martins would have helped against Adelaide|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/richmond-coach-damien-hardwick-says-not-even-five-dustin-martins-would-have-helped-against-adelaide/news-story/ae5e00231a6493dbbf953d5a1da212e1|access-date=15 April 2018|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|date=30 March 2018}}</ref> Martin would outdo that effort just a fortnight later, posting a new career-high total with six goals in a wet and rainy 93-point win over the {{AFL BL}}.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Pierik|first1=Jon|title=Dustin Martin a 'beast' as Hardwick lauds Tigers' midfield depth|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/dustin-martin-a-beast-as-hardwick-lauds-tigers-midfield-depth-20180414-p4z9kv.html|access-date=15 April 2018|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=14 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Dusty in rarefied goal air |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-04-16/dusty-in-rarefied-goal-air |access-date=23 February 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=16 April 2018}}</ref> In round 6, he posted numerous game highs, including ten clearances, ten inside-50s and 605 metres gained, and he earned five votes as Richmond's second-best player behind only captain [[Trent Cotchin]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Captain Courageous Cotchin |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-05-01/captain-courageous-cotchin |access-date=23 February 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=1 May 2018}}</ref> After that match, [[Fox Footy]] reported that Martin had recorded just one of his 150 disposals that season in Richmond's defensive 50, with analyst [[Leigh Montagna]] explaining that Martin was tasked with attending centre bounces as a midfielder but would play forward of the ball at virtually all other points of the match.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Beveridge |first1=Riley |title=Dustin Martin stats: The incredible way the Richmond star has taken his game to a 'whole new level' |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/dustin-martin-stats-the-incredible-way-the-richmond-star-has-taken-his-game-to-a-whole-new-level/news-story/8a9acc1160e78e3e9406a0e117184657 |access-date=23 February 2019 |work=Fox Sports |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=4 May 2018}}</ref> A fortnight later Martin was effectively tagged out of Richmond's win over {{AFL NM}} by [[Ben Jacobs (Australian rules footballer)|Ben Jacobs]] and managed only 16 disposals, his lowest total in more than a year.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gullan |first1=Scott |title=Damien Hardwick says Richmond doesn't rely on one player to win |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/damien-hardwick-says-richmond-doesnt-rely-on-one-player-to-win/news-story/8d688af4500bf280a9561c9f2e3c84fd |access-date=23 February 2019 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=13 May 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Twomey |first1=Callum |title=Lesser lights fire up for the Tigers: Hardwick |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-05-13/lesser-lights-fire-up-for-the-tigers-hardwick |access-date=23 February 2019 |work=Richmond FC |agency=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=13 May 2018}}</ref> That match also marked the first time Martin had gone without scoring a goal or a behind since round 23, 2016.<ref name="AFLTables"/> In round 10's win over {{AFL StK}}, Martin kicked two goals and was named as one of Richmond's best by ''AFL Media''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Twomey |first1=Callum |title=Depleted Tigers hold off Saints |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/match-centre/2018/10/rich-v-stk |access-date=23 February 2019 |work=Richmond FC |agency=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=26 May 2018 }}{{Dead link|date=July 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
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>
In the first week of the finals series, Martin played his 200th AFL match in a qualifying final victory over {{AFL Haw}}.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Robinson |first1=Mark |title=Richmond star Dustin Martin is absolutely driven to bring even more success to the Tigers |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/richmond-star-dustin-martin-is-absolutely-driven-to-bring-even-more-success-to-the-tigers/news-story/28a63f84d0905da7ababa2f56bc8d3bc |access-date=25 March 2019 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=1 September 2018}}</ref> He became the 29th Richmond player to achieve the milestone and the quickest to do so, having achieved the feat eight years and five months after his initial debut.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=Martin motors to 200 |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-09-03/martin-motors-to-200 |access-date=25 March 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=3 September 2018}}</ref> He finished the match with 29 disposals, 10 clearances and a boundary line goal that ''[[The West Australian]]'' said would have been the goal of the year had it been kicked during the home and away season and what [[Fox Footy]] commentator [[Jonathan Brown (Australian footballer)|Jonathan Brown]] labelled "one of the greatest finals goals you'll ever see".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rynne |first1=Nick |title=AFL Finals 2018: This is Dustin Martin's world, we're just living in it |url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/richmond-tigers/afl-finals-2018-this-is-dustin-martins-world-were-just-living-in-it-ng-b88953018z |access-date=25 March 2019 |work=The West Australian |publisher=Seven West Media |date=6 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Dustin Martin kicks one of the all-time great finals goals against Hawthorn at the MCG |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/dustin-martin-kicks-one-of-the-alltime-great-finals-goals-against-hawthorn-at-the-mcg/news-story/ad08faa005b08a6a4a26274f880728ce |access-date=25 March 2019 |work=Fox Sports |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=6 September 2018}}</ref> Media reports following that match suggested that Martin had suffered a [[corked thigh]] during play, a claim seemingly supported by Martin's limited training program the following week, but nonetheless continually denied by club officials at the time.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cavanagh |first1=Chris |title=Dustin Martin, Daniel Rioli and Kane Lambert suffer injury scares at Richmond training |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/dustin-martin-daniel-rioli-and-kane-lambert-suffer-injury-scares-at-richmond-training/news-story/bf714128b1f72ab01cace8c2e12d1ec7 |access-date=25 March 2019 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=14 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Morris |first1=Tom |title=Will Dustin Martin play against Collingwood? David King reports he's injured, but Tigers say he'll play |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/theres-more-to-the-dusty-story-than-were-being-told-david-king-says-richmond-superstar-dustin-martin-is-battling-a-knee-injury/news-story/dcd8719239b21cfd28810dc65a54339b |access-date=25 March 2019 |work=Fox Footy |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=17 September 2018}}</ref> Less than a week later the club reversed its position, revealing Martin had suffered a serious corked thigh on his kicking leg and was continuing to deal with the effects of bleeding on the knee.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pierk |first1=Jon |title=Martin has bleeding on knee but set to be 'wrecking-ball' self v Pies |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/martin-has-bleeding-on-knee-but-set-to-be-wrecking-ball-self-v-pies-20180919-p504m9.html |access-date=25 March 2019 |work=The Age |publisher=Fairfax Media |date=19 September 2018}}</ref> Despite the injury, Martin played in what would be a shock preliminary final loss to {{AFL Col}} which saw Richmond's season ended.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bowen |first1=Nick |title=Dusty 'was always going to play' |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-09-22/dusty-was-always-going-to-play |access-date=25 March 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=22 September 2018}}</ref> He produced a significantly reduced output, finishing the match with just 19 disposals, six of which were kicks and represented his lowest kicking tally since round 23, 2013.<ref name="AFLTables" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Morris |first1=Tom |title=Damien Hardwick says Dustin Martin wouldn't have played with his injury in a home and away game |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/damien-hardwick-says-dustin-martin-wouldnt-have-played-with-his-injury-in-a-home-and-away-game/news-story/dca22e42e9a7fa93b77beac1eb2aff23 |access-date=25 March 2019 |work=Fox Sports |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=22 September 2018}}</ref> Following the conclusion of the 2018 finals series, Martin was named by the ''[[Herald Sun]]'s'' chief football writer Mark Robinson as the league's second best midfielder and the fourth best player overall, during the 2018 season.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Robinson |first1=Mark |title=Mark Robinson names his top 50 AFL players following the 2018 season |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/mark-robinson-names-his-top-50-afl-players-following-the-2018-season/news-story/366dd8ff170d7775876240d2365a7001 |access-date=13 October 2018 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=10 October 2018}}</ref> After winning the award in each of the previous two seasons, Martin placed third in the club's best and fairest count behind only [[Kane Lambert]] and eventual winner [[Jack Riewoldt]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Tony |title=It's Jack for Jack |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2018-10-02/2018-jack-dyer-medal-winner |access-date=25 March 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=2 October 2018}}</ref>
===2019 season===
[[File:Dustin Martin (2) - Grand Final.jpg|thumb|Martin celebrates winning the [[2019 AFL Grand Final|2019 premiership]].]]
According to media reports in November of the previous off-season, Martin was to captain one of four franchise-style [[AFLX]] teams in an upcoming [[2019 AFLX tournament|pre-season tournament]] in 2019.<ref>{{cite news |title=AFL set to revamp AFLX competition with stars to hand-pick teams for one-off tournament |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/afl-set-to-revamp-aflx-competition-with-stars-to-handpick-teams-for-oneoff-tournament/news-story/a764a9585cb5e8d80ac0133dc1873f97 |access-date=25 March 2019 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=16 November 2018}}</ref> Martin was replaced in the reported line-up by teammate [[Jack Riewoldt]] after seemingly removing himself from availability before the tournament concept was confirmed. Instead, he made his first footballing appearance of 2019 in each of Richmond's two [[2019 JLT Community Series|pre-season]] matches in early March.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ralph |first1=Jon |title=Richmond youngster Noah Balta shows he's ready for the big stage |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/jlt-series-richmond-youngster-noah-balta-shows-hes-ready-for-the-big-stage/news-story/9948d55473b4085c284d12314e3d2a14 |access-date=25 March 2019 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australian |date=4 March 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Second-half flurry leads Tigers to second consecutive JLT comeback |url=https://wwos.nine.com.au/afl/tigers-come-back-beat-hawks-in-afl-trial/00dbe338-4245-47fb-9961-4d833cfd97ac |access-date=25 March 2019 |work=Nine.com.au |agency=AAP |publisher=Nine Entertainment Co. |date=9 March 2019}}</ref> In round 1 Martin was described by ''AFL Media'' as "solid, yet not spectacular" with 30 disposals and seven inside-50s in his club's 33-point victory over {{AFL Car}}.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Guthrie |first1=Ben |title=Tigers salute, but win set to come at a massive cost |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-03-21/match-report-carlton-v-richmond |access-date=25 March 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=21 March 2019}}</ref> The following week he was tagged effectively by {{AFL Col}}'s [[Levi Greenwood]] and held to just 19 disposals in Richmond's round 2 loss to {{AFL Col}}.<ref>{{cite news |title=RICHMOND STAR MARTIN DID NOT WORK HARD ENOUGH: SHEAHAN |url=https://www.sen.com.au/news/2019/03/29/richmond-star-martin-did-not-work-hard-enough-sheahan/ |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=SEN |publisher=Croc Media |date=29 March 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Robinson |first1=Mark |title=Richmond needs Dustin Martin at his best but Tigers superstar hasn't started 2019 at usual level |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/richmond-needs-dustin-martin-at-his-best-but-tigers-superstar-hasnt-started-2019-at-usual-level/news-story/3345f5d7074d0b0cc96a1d4dc91d5f84 |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=30 March 2019}}</ref> The strategy was repeated by the Giants in round 3, when [[Matt de Boer]] managed to restrict him to just 15 disposals.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rugari |first1=Vince |title=Giants' De Boer proud of 'annoying' job on Tigers champion Martin |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/giants-de-boer-proud-of-annoying-job-on-tigers-champion-martin-20190407-p51bq2.html |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=The Age |publisher=Fairfax Media |date=7 April 2019}}</ref>
Martin was undisciplined in response, attracting an AFL fine and significant media scrutiny for an [[The finger|obscene gesture]] towards Giants ruck [[Shane Mumford]] and facing a Match Review report for an off-the-ball hit on defender [[Adam Kennedy (footballer)|Adam Kennedy]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Beveridge |first1=Riley |title=Dusty cops big fine for offensive hand gestures |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-04-10/dusty-cops-big-fine-for-hand-gestures-against-giants |access-date=30 October 2019 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=10 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Richmond's Dustin Martin under scrutiny for middle finger and drug snorting gestures |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-04-08/dustin-martin-faces-afl-scrutiny-finger-drug-snort-off-ball-hit/10979940 |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=ABC News |agency=AAP |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=7 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Robinson |first1=Mark |title=Manager Ralph Carr explains why Dustin Martin lost his composure against GWS |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/manager-ralph-carr-explains-why-dustin-martin-lost-his-composure-against-gws/news-story/bd886600c3f3a18ec1d3a3c57da3f880 |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=Herald SUn |publisher=News Corp Australia |date=9 April 2019}}</ref> Initially, Martin was offered a two-week suspension for the incident, which the AFL's Match Review Officer classed as intentional conduct and high contact with medium impact to the head.<ref>{{cite news |title=Update: Martin to face AFL Tribunal |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-04-08/round-3-mro-findings |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=9 April 2019}}</ref> Martin challenged the classification at the AFL Tribunal, where the impact was downgraded, with the suspension subsequently reduced to one match.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cherny |first1=Daniel |title=Dustin Martin's suspension downgraded |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/dustin-martin-s-afl-suspension-downgraded-20190409-p51cjd.html |access-date=9 April 2019 |work=The Age |publisher=Fairfax Media |date=9 April 2019}}</ref>
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|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>
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===2020 season===
[[File:Dustin Martin 28.02.20.jpg|thumb|Martin during the [[State of Origin for Bushfire Relief Match|2020 State of Origin for Bushfire Relief Match]]]]
Martin returned to pre-season training in the first week of December 2019 and was labelled a certain selection for representative honours by Richmond and Victoria coach Damien Hardwick when the league announced a State of Origin exhibition match for bushfire relief fundraising was to be held in February.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Black |first1=Sarah |title=Premiers begin title defence, Dusty finally picks up his car |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/266337/premiers-begin-title-defence-dusty-finally-picks-up-his-car |access-date=5 April 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=2 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Cleary |first1=Mitch |title=Guess who Hardwick has already pencilled in for Victoria |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/366433/guess-who-hardwick-has-already-pencilled-in-for-victoria |access-date=5 April 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=17 January 2020}}</ref> Martin contributed the standout performance of that match, helping Victoria to a victory over the All-Stars with a two-goal and 23 disposal showing that saw him awarded the Best on Ground medal.<ref>{{cite news |title=Dusty to play for Victoria |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/564246/dusty-to-play-for-victoria |access-date=5 April 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=17 February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Beveridge |first1=Riley |title=Goals rain for bushfire relief as Vics storm home over All-Stars |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/379147/goals-rain-for-bushfire-relief-as-vics-storm-home-over-all-stars |access-date=5 April 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=28 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Victoria down AFL All Stars in State of Origin clash for bushfire relief |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-02-29/victoria-down-afl-all-stars-in-bushfire-origin-match/12013062 |access-date=5 April 2020 |work=ABC News |agency=AAP |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=29 February 2020}}</ref> He sat out {{AFL Ric}}'s first pre-season match that same weekend but returned in fine form for the final practice match against {{AFL GWS}} a week later.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Collins |first1=Ben |title=Tigers go down to Pies |url=https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/570460/tigers-go-down-to-pies |access-date=5 April 2020 |work=Richmond FC |publisher=Telstra Media |date=1 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Curley |first1=Adam |title=Toby turns it on as Giants, Tigers turn up the heat |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/382939/giants-get-a-little-bit-of-grand-final-revenge |access-date=5 April 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=8 March 2020}}</ref> Despite an uninterrupted pre-season, the rapid progression of the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Australia|coronavirus pandemic]] into Australia by mid-March saw the future of the season in doubt, including Martin and {{AFL Ric}}'s premiership defence.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Barrett |first1=Damien |title=Why coronavirus could force the AFL to play games without fans |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/384419/why-coronavirus-could-force-the-afl-to-play-games-without-fans |access-date=5 April 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=10 March 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=David Mark and James Coventry |title=AFL looking at cramming matches in case coronavirus outbreak postpones 2020 season |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-14/coronavirus-afl-looking-at-drastic-changes-to-premiership-season/12056848 |access-date=5 April 2020 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=14 March 2020}}</ref> The AFL commission eventually announced a shortened 17-round season would proceed as scheduled, but without fans in attendance due to public health prohibitions on group gatherings.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Barrett |first1=Damien |title=Coronavirus crisis: AFL makes call on round one |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/384878/coronavirus-crisis-afl-makes-call-on-round-one |access-date=5 April 2020 |work=AFL Media |publisher=Telstra Media |date=13 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=AFL to go ahead with round one of men's 2020 season amid coronavirus pandemic |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-18/coronavirus-afl-round-one-announcement/12066394 |access-date=5 April 2020 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=19 March 2020}}</ref>
Line 152 ⟶ 156:
===2021 season===
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>
=== 2022 season ===
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=== 2023 season ===
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
=== 2024 season ===
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
On August
==Player profile==
Line 233 ⟶ 237:
'''Team'''
* 3× [[List of VFL/AFL premiers|AFL premiership player]] ({{AFL Ric}}): [[2017 AFL Grand Final|2017]], [[2019 AFL Grand Final|2019]], [[2020 AFL Grand Final|2020]]
* [[List of VFL/AFL minor premiers|AFL minor premiership]]/[[McClelland Trophy]] ({{AFL Ric}}): [[2018 AFL season|2018]]
'''Individual'''
Line 245 ⟶ 249:
* [[Victoria Australian rules football team|Victoria representative honours]] in [[State of Origin for Bushfire Relief Match]]: 2020
* State of Origin best on ground: [[State of Origin for Bushfire Relief Match|2020]]
* 2× [[Yiooken Award]]: 2016, 2017
* [[AFL Rising Star]] nominee: [[2010 AFL Rising Star|2010]]
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===Mental health===
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>
===Ambassadorial roles===
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{{Brownlow Medal winners}}
{{Leigh Matthews Trophy}}
{{AFLCA
{{Navboxes
| title = Dustin Martin in {{coloured link|gold|All-Australian team|All-Australian teams}}
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{{VFL/AFL club best and fairest winners in premiership years}}
{{2020 Victorian team players}}
{{Yiooken Award}}
{{2010 AFL Rising Star nominees}}
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