Emotional Richmond legend Dustin Martin has paid tribute to the passionate “Tiger Army” — and seemingly put a hot retirement rumour to bed — in a rare and raw post-match interview with fellow triple premiership teammate Jack Riewoldt.
A record 92,311 fans attended Saturday’s clash between Martin’s Tigers and Hawthorn in what was the triple Norm Smith Medallist’s 300th AFL game.
After dozens of fans lined up for a Dusty haircut at a pop-up barber, Martin produced the perfect start to his 300th game, kicking a stunning, long-range goal — the first major of the match.
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It just had to be… DUSTY LAUNCHES | 00:43
But the in-form Hawks were too strong across all four quarters, pulling away to record a comprehensive 48-point win over the Tigers at the MCG.
Martin finished with just 13 disposals, but was still the centre of attention after the siren. In Shane Warne-like scenes, Martin walked around the centre square waving and clapping towards Richmond fans in a show of appreciation.
Riewoldt, who was working as a commentator for Fox Footy on Saturday, then tracked down great mate Martin for an interview.
And the usually-shy Martin was up for a chat before being chaired off. Here’s the full transcript.
JACK RIEWOLDT: Not the result, but the occasion, how do you feel as they’re chanting your name right now?
DUSTIN MARTIN: It’s amazing, disappointing result for the club. I love the Tiger Army so much, I love the club so much, it means the absolute world to me. All the love I received this week has meant the absolute world to me. Thank you everyone who sent me a message, social media, on the radio, I felt so loved this week. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, I appreciate it.
JR: It’s been a huge week, we haven’t heard much from you, there’s been a big build up, people have been reminiscing over 299 games, how are you feeling at the moment
DM: I dunno. A little bit numb, it’s been a surreal week, it really has. I just appreciate everyone coming out tonight, it’s meant the absolute world to me.
JR: 92,000 — I’m going to go with predominantly Richmond supporters out here — came to pay tribute to you, mate. It didn’t take long, they’ve witnessed highlights, they’ve witnessed moments of your greatness in 299 games, eight minutes into game 300, you ran through 50 and you kicked one of the great goals of your career and the crowd went ballistic, it must’ve been an unreal feeling.
DM: The best, old school, I loved it. I love the crowd so much. I don’t know what else to say, I love this club more than anything and thank you again.
JR: We’ve all been reflecting over the week, people go what’s your best Dusty moment, I can remember a couple of my favourites, just to the left of his here mate in 2017 when the siren went and myself, you and Shaun Grigg hugged for the first time as premiership players. In 2019 just right here, the final siren went and myself and you hugged again. One of the great moments in Richmond’s history is when you took the opportunity to kick it to Marlion Pickett in his first game in the 2019 Grand Final to kick a goal. Each and every one of us has a favourite Dusty moment – what’s your favourite Dusty moment at the ‘G?
DM: This is pretty special, there’s too many. I’ve been so blessed throughout my own career, it’s been an unbelievable journey, I don’t really know what to say. I’m so grateful for all the support, it’s bloody awesome.
JR: I know you’re not a man of the spotlight, but I will get you to start to walk over for the chair off which is probably something you’ve been dreading all week. I speak on behalf of Richmond fans, of AFL fans, to say you’ve given us great joy and great pride. I want to quickly talk about your family. Your mum Cathy, Bronson, Tyson and of course your old man, Shane. I can imagine right now he’s looking down on you as one of the proudest fathers, that his son has gone on to play 300 games, be a champion of the football club but ultimately be a great teammate. You must be thrilled to know that there’s pride in this amazing arena and it’s pride for you.
DM: As I said, I’ve been overwhelmed this week with all the support. I really can’t believe it, you really made me feel special and loved and I can’t thank everyone enough.
JR: Before I let you jump on the shoulders of Toby Nankervis and Tom Lynch, it’s an incredible day, you’ve given us an incredible ride so far, mate, look forward to seeing you in two weeks against Freo?
DM: Yeah mate, freshen up for the bye and we’ll see how we go!
JR: There we go fans, Dustin Martin, your champion.