Is Dustin Martin Retiring? Why is Dustin Martin Not Playing?
by Rubaditsha | Updated Aug 07, 2023
Is Dustin Martin Retiring?
There is a belief that Dustin Martin will leave Richmond at the end of the season. The spotlight has been on Martin since coach Damien Hardwick's unexpected resignation last week. Martin and Hardwick had a close relationship that spanned over a decade, surviving both highs and lows together.
Rumors about Martin potentially leaving Richmond surfaced last year, particularly as he struggled to cope with the death of his father, Shane. Speculation linked him to a move out of Victoria to escape the football scrutiny in Melbourne.
Jordan Lewis, who won four premierships with Hawthorn, expressed his belief that Martin will play for another club, potentially in Sydney or Queensland. Kane Cornes, a Port Adelaide great, also thinks Martin's decision will be his own, and he believes Richmond would support him if he chooses to leave.
Nathan Buckley, a Brownlow medallist and former Collingwood coach, pointed out that Martin might not be the only player leaving Richmond. Trent Cotchin, who is close to Martin, is likely to retire, and veteran forward Jack Riewoldt could also be considering his future.
With the departure of Damien Hardwick as coach, there is a sense of uncertainty surrounding Richmond, and experts suggest that major changes may be on the horizon. As for Martin, his future remains uncertain, and his decision to leave Richmond or stay will likely be a significant talking point in the AFL community.
Who is Dustin Martin?
Dustin Martin, born on 26 June 1991, is a highly accomplished Australian rules footballer who currently plays for the Richmond Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). He was selected by Richmond as the third overall pick in the 2009 national draft and made his AFL debut during the opening round of the 2010 season. Early in his career, Martin showed great promise and was nominated for the 2010 AFL Rising Star award, but was ineligible to win due to suspension.
Throughout his career, Martin has achieved remarkable success, earning numerous accolades and awards. In 2016, he was honored with the Jack Dyer Medal, which is given to Richmond's best and fairest player, along with his first All-Australian selection. He has been a pivotal part of Richmond's success, contributing to three premiership victories for the club.
Martin's impact on the game has been truly exceptional, with a record-breaking performance in the 2017 season. AFL legend Leigh Matthews described it as the greatest-ever individual season by a VFL/AFL player. During that season, Martin achieved a remarkable trifecta, winning the Brownlow Medal, which is the league's highest individual honor, with a record 36 votes.
He also earned the Norm Smith Medal as the best player in the grand final, a feat he achieved in each of Richmond's three premiership years. Furthermore, he received the Gary Ayres Award as the player of the finals series.
In addition to his 2017 achievements, Martin's career has been consistently decorated with various accolades. He has won multiple Jack Dyer Medals and has been selected for the All-Australian team on four occasions. He has also received several best-on-ground awards for his exceptional performances.
Despite the immense success on the field, Martin's future has been the subject of speculation throughout his career. However, his commitment to Richmond and his contributions to the club have been pivotal in the team's triumphs. He is regarded as one of the most exceptional and influential players in the AFL and has left an indelible mark on the sport.
Full name
Dustin Martin
Nickname(s)
Dusty
Date of birth
26 June 1991 (age 32)
Place of birth
Castlemaine, Victoria
Original team
Bendigo Pioneers (TAC Cup)
Draft
No. 3, 2009 national draft
Debut
Round 1, 2010, Richmond vs. Carlton, at the MCG
Height
187 cm (6 ft 2 in)
Weight
93 kg (205 lb)
Position(s)
Midfielder / forward
Why is Dustin Martin Not Playing?
Dustin Martin is not playing in the upcoming match against the Western Bulldogs because he has been managed by the Richmond Football Club. The decision to rest Martin, along with former captain Trent Cotchin, was made due to the short break following Richmond's previous match against Melbourne last Sunday.
Player management is a common practice in professional sports, especially in the demanding and physically taxing sport of Australian rules football. The Tigers' coaching staff and medical team likely assessed Martin's workload and decided that giving him a break would be beneficial for his long-term performance and well-being.
Managing players involves striking a balance between maintaining their form and fitness while also avoiding the risk of burnout or injury. Considering Martin's importance to the team and his stellar contributions in the past, the club wants to ensure that he remains in peak condition throughout the season.
Resting key players like Dustin Martin is a strategic decision to protect their health and maximize their impact on the field in the long run. It also allows other players to step up and gain valuable game time, contributing to the team's overall depth and development. With the intense nature of the AFL season and the need for players to perform at their best in each match, player management becomes crucial for teams aiming to achieve success.
Dustin Martin News
The Dustin Martin news revolves around speculation and discussions about his future at Richmond Football Club. Following coach Damien Hardwick's shock resignation, there have been rumors and opinions from various AFL pundits suggesting that Dustin Martin may consider leaving the club.
Several experts, including Jordan Lewis and Kane Cornes, believe that Martin could potentially seek a move to another club, with Sydney and Gold Coast mentioned as potential destinations. The reason behind this speculation is that Martin and Hardwick had a strong bond, and with the coach's departure, it might prompt the Brownlow medallist to explore other opportunities.
While there is no direct indication that Martin is retiring, the news indicates that his future at Richmond is uncertain. The situation has been further fueled by the club's decision to rest him for an upcoming game against the Western Bulldogs, along with former captain Trent Cotchin, due to the short break between matches.
The news also highlights the impact of player management in professional sports, where key players are sometimes rested to preserve their form and physical well-being throughout the season. This decision indicates the importance of Martin to the team and the club's focus on his long-term performance.
In summary, the Dustin Martin news includes discussions about his potential future at Richmond amid Hardwick's resignation and the club's decision to rest him for an upcoming match. While there are no concrete statements about his retirement, the situation has sparked speculation about his possible move to other clubs. The news sheds light on the dynamics of player management in AFL and its impact on team strategy and performance.
Dustin Martin Age
As of 2023, He is 32 years old. Dustin Martin was born in Castlemaine, Victoria, to a Māori father, Shane Martin, and an Australian mother, Kathy Knight. His father has family connections to the Ngāti Maru tribe on New Zealand's North Island. Dustin is one of three boys, with brothers Tyson and Bronson.
At the age of six, Martin started playing football through the local Auskick program. He and his brothers would regularly play on a self-constructed field in the paddocks at their family's three-acre home in Yapeen. He continued to develop his football skills, playing junior football for Campbell's Creek and later joining the Bendigo Pioneers under 15 squad.
When he was 14, Martin's parents separated, and he moved to Sydney with his father. He left Castlemaine High School after Year 9 and began working full-time in his father's transport business, performing various roles, including forklift driving. He also assisted his father's girlfriend's sports apparel business. Despite working long hours, he remained passionate about football and continued to play in Sydney.
At 15, he joined the Ingleburn Magpies Junior Australian Football Club's under 16 side but quickly moved to the Campbelltown Football Club's under 18's team due to his dominant performance. He even had a brief stint with the club's senior team. He considered joining the Sydney Swans junior academy, but was ineligible at the time due to not meeting the residency requirements.
Dustin Martin Stats
Season
Team
No.
Games
Totals
Averages (per game)
Votes
G
B
K
H
D
M
T
G
B
K
H
D
M
T
2010
Richmond
36
21
11
6
210
215
425
50
70
0.5
0.3
10.0
10.2
20.2
2.4
3.3
6
2011
Richmond
4
22
33
14
311
175
486
78
72
1.5
0.6
14.1
8.0
22.1
3.5
3.3
12
2012
Richmond
4
20
23
23
257
190
447
63
60
1.2
1.2
12.9
9.6
22.4
3.2
3.0
5
2013
Richmond
4
23
23
32
382
175
557
110
63
1.0
1.4
16.6
7.6
24.2
4.8
2.7
16
2014
Richmond
4
22
27
15
385
175
560
108
56
1.2
0.7
17.5†
8.0
25.5
4.9
2.6
13
2015
Richmond
4
23
24
13
400
197
597
103
89
1.0
0.6
17.4
8.6
25.9
4.8
3.7
21
2016
Richmond
4
22
9
9
427
257
684
99
80
0.4
0.4
19.4
11.7
31.1
4.5
3.6
25
2017#
Richmond
4
25
37
29
479†
265
744
103
88
1.5
1.2
19.2
10.6
29.8
4.1
3.5
36±
2018
Richmond
4
23
31
21
362
221
583
86
50
1.3
0.9
15.7
9.6
25.3
3.7
2.2
19
2019#
Richmond
4
23
32
15
377
223
600
96
56
1.4
0.7
16.4
9.7
26.1
4.2
2.4
23
2020
Richmond
4
20
22
11
251
162
413
52
46
1.1
0.6
12.6
8.1
20.7
2.6
2.3
15
2021
Richmond
4
16
19
7
200
161
361
46
36
1.2
0.4
12.5
10.1
22.6
2.9
2.3
11
2022
Richmond
4
9
12
7
114
51
165
31
15
1.3
0.8
12.7
5.7
18.3
3.4
1.7
2
2023
Richmond
4
17
20
19
231
150
381
79
28
1.2
1.1
13.6
8.8
22.4
4.6
1.6
Career
286
324
221
4386
2618
7004
1104
809
1.1
0.8
15.3
9.2
24.5
3.9
2.8
204
Is Dustin Martin Retiring: FAQs
Dustin Martin is a professional Australian rules footballer who plays for the Richmond Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). He was drafted by Richmond with the third pick in the 2009 national draft and made his AFL debut in 2010.
Dustin Martin has achieved numerous accolades in his career, including three premierships with Richmond, two Jack Dyer Medals as Richmond's best and fairest player, and four All-Australian selections. He has also won the Brownlow Medal, the Norm Smith Medal (three times), the Gary Ayres Award, and other best-on-ground awards.
Dustin Martin won the Brownlow Medal in 2017 with a record 36 votes, making it a historic season where he also won the Norm Smith Medal and a premiership.
Dustin Martin's individual season in 2017 was described by AFL legend Leigh Matthews as the greatest-ever individual season by a VFL/AFL player.
Dustin Martin was born on 26th June 1991 in Castlemaine, Victoria. He has a Māori father, Shane Martin, and an Australian mother, Kathy Knight. He has two brothers, Tyson and Bronson.