Prestia, who successfully requested a trade to the Tigers in 2016, admitted to feelings of apprehension about meeting the mysterious Martin for the first time. But from that initial anxiety a strong bond has blossomed, on and off the field.
“When I got to the club I was a bit nervous to meet him because I didn’t know what he was like, which is kind of similar to everyone,” said Prestia, who was confident of being available for the milestone match despite nursing a sore calf after the Crows clash.
“I’ve become really close with Dustin. Once you’re in his circle and close to him, he’s an absolute ripper. He’d do anything for all the guys in his close circle.”
Richmond coach Adem Yze joked that after Thursday’s victory – the Tigers’ first since stunning Sydney on Easter Sunday – he couldn’t guarantee Martin would slot straight back in.
“We did win, so he might have to come back through the VFL,” the relieved first-year coach said with a laugh.
“In all seriousness, it’s a massive week for our club and one that we want to celebrate. He’s one of our greatest players. We do that really well at our footy club – celebrate our people.
“We’ll have an amazing week leading up to it. We’re not going to shy away from the fact we want it to be a big spectacle, and we want to play well for him.”
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