It all goes to script for Richmond champion Dustin Martin who boots the opening goal in his 300th match for the Tigers
The stage was set and Richmond talisman Dustin Martin launched himself straight into the spotlight, scoring the opening goal in his 300th match at the MCG on Saturday.
It was fate for the champion Tiger, who was stopped by Richmond against Adelaide last week so he could celebrate the milestone at the MCG, where he famously claimed three premierships.
Coach Adem Yze recalled Martin and key forward Tom Lynch ahead of the match against Hawthorn, with the exception of Samson Ryan (injured) and Dion Prestia (injured).
Fans arrived in their thousands, sporting the same haircut as the Richmond icon, courtesy of a special Dustin Martin Barber at the Punt Road end of the G.
“I sent Nathan Buckley there, so it will be interesting to see when he comes to the studio today if he has the Dusty haircut,” former teammate Jack Riewoldt joked on commentary.
Dustin Martin is mobbed by teammates after scoring the opening goal in his 300th game
Martin kept a low profile in the build-up to the milestone match, but his closest loved ones were on hand to congratulate him as he headed to the MCG for the match.
The party started early, with fans filling Punt Road Oval to catch the VFL action before the main attraction.
They poured through the concourse early and filled the Punt Road side of the stadium, giving Martin a raucous cheer as he emerged early to catch up with former Richmond strength and conditioning coach Peter Burge.
Friends and family formed a small guard of honor for the superstar, who hugged them all individually before bursting through the banner in his honour.
Martin, a private individual, declined all media requests in the lead-up to the match.
“I don’t think it’s a quiet run-up,” said coach Adem Yze.
And in typical Dustin Martin fashion, he let his foot do the talking.
“The greatest showman showed up, didn’t he!” Riewoldt said on Fox Footy.
“The roar came before he even kicked it!” replied fellow commentator Mark Howard.
Martin led the team out for their match against Hawthorn to loud cheers from the loyal Punt Road fans who turned up in their thousands for the game.
Richmond held Martin out for their final game against Adelaide to ensure he could celebrate the milestone at home with the fans
Fans felt the kick was the perfect script for the enigmatic Tigers star.
“Dustin Martin scores the first goal at Punt Road End, we’ve seen that a few times in his career,” said a fan.
“I wonder how many punters let Dustin Martin score the opening goal,” mused another.
“Dustin Martin is forever the freak,” said another.
“Dustin Martin has been the best player of this generation, and probably the most demanding player to ever play the game. Give the man a statue outside the G. Congratulations on 300 games,” another Dusty fan posted.
Fans, young and old, stormed the Punt Road Oval next to the MCG before heading down the concourse to the main attraction
Large numbers of fans even received a special Dustin Martin 300 haircut from a mobile hairdresser at the MCG
Although there will be no premiership or Norm Smith medal on offer this time, Richmond’s modern superhero relished the chance to put on a show for his legion of fans to mark his latest milestone.
‘We are looking forward to. It’s a massive game for him,” Yze said ahead of Martin’s 300th AFL game against Hawthorn on Saturday.
“His whole focus will be on performance and trying to get a win for the Tiger Army, and we will try to do the same for him.”
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell prepared his team to play the role of ‘villains’ and spoil Martin’s party.
The Hawks were heavy favorites, having won five of their past six games, but were wary of an injury-hit Richmond team that still has plenty of big-game experience.
“Probably half of their team is Dusty’s teammates, so it’s going to be a big challenge for us,” Mitchell said.
“There’s the two hours of the actual game and there’s the event that happens around it, which we have no control over.
“All we’re focused on is making sure we play the game the way we need to to get the win.”
Martin won three AFL premierships (2017, 2019, 2020) and three Norm Smith medals in those same years, underscoring his impact in the grand finals.
Martin also achieved the prestigious Brownlow Medal in 2017 and was named to the All-Australian team four times (2016, 2017, 2018, 2020).
His accolades include the Leigh Matthews Trophy, AFLCA Champion Player of the Year, and the Gary Ayres Award, a reflection of his consistency and excellence throughout his career.