- He won three championships with Richmond
- He has been linked with the Gold Coast Suns
- He has made a final decision on his future in the AFL
Richmond Tigers superstar Dustin Martin has ended months of speculation over his playing future and made a major announcement to his teammates at Punt Road today.
After three titles and 15 seasons with the Tigers, Martin has announced his retirement effective immediately.
Martín, 33, played 302 games and scored 338 goals.
Martin had been linked with a late move to the Gold Coast Suns, where he could link up with his former coach and good friend Damien Hardwick.
But instead he will retire as a one-club player, something he couldn’t be more proud of.
“It’s hard to put into words what Richmond Football Club means to me, I love this place so much,” Martin said in a club statement.
Dustin Martin played 15 seasons with the Richmond Tigers and won three championships.
Martin will go down in history as the greatest AFL player of all time and the favourite son of the Richmond Tigers.
‘I will be forever grateful for the love and support I have received from the people here.
‘To my teammates, the brotherhood we all share is what I value most, as well as the bond with the staff and coaches… thank you all.
‘To my family and friends, thank you for your unconditional love and support.
“To the Tiger Army, I have always felt very loved and supported throughout my career and for that I will be eternally grateful. The memories we have created together will live with me forever. Thank you.”
AFL fans across all clubs are paying tribute to one of the greatest players to ever lace up the boots.
“Without a doubt one of the best footballers I have ever had the privilege of watching. His accolades and achievements speak for themselves. Well done Dusty,” one fan posted.
“How lucky we are to be alive at a time when we can watch Dustin Martin play Australian Rules football,” added another.
“Thanks Dustin Martin, absolute legend of the game,” posted another.
Martin burst onto the scene in 2010 and quickly established himself as a dynamic midfielder.
Known for his powerful kicking and exceptional ball-handling skills, Martin’s prowess on the field earned him the prestigious Brownlow Medal in 2017.
That same year, he led Richmond to their first AFL title in 37 years, also winning the Norm Smith Medal as the Grand Final’s best player.
Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale said it was difficult to put into words the immense contribution Martin had made to the club.
“Much has been said about Dustin’s impact on our Club and the competition, but more than anything, and in simple terms, I think it’s the joy he brought to the Tiger Army and those around him that might mean the most,” Gale said.
‘Three titles and the best performance on the pitch in each of them will always be his legend, and rightly so, along with his unique aura, will be what he will be best remembered for.
‘But I think Dustin would be most proud of what he was able to accomplish playing for one team… for our team, and the magnificent role he was able to play within that system, which allowed him to be the football genius he was always destined to be.
‘That genius was most evident when the stakes were highest, when the crowd was loudest, when all eyes were on him and when moments called for a hero.
“Dustin did it his way and we are all very fortunate to have been Richmonders during his time of dominance. So all I can say on behalf of everyone associated with our great Club is thank you to an icon. Our icon.”
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