Martin “entirely invested” at Richmond amid staggering criticism

Dustin Martin is “entirely invested” at Richmond as he approaches his 300th game.

There continues to be chatter around Martin and either a possible move elsewhere, with Gold Coast continually being named, or retirement at season’s end.

Martin, who turns 33 next month, was superb in the Tigers’ 12-point Dreamtime loss to Essendon on Saturday night, picking up 23 disposals and booting three goals at the MCG.

He’s been criticised this year for perhaps not showing enough desire, but according to SEN regular and Channel 9’s Tom Morris, the three-time Norm Smith Medallist is all in on the Tigers.

“I’ve been staggered at the criticism that has been directed at Dustin Martin,” Morris began on Channel 9’s Footy Furnace.

“In game 298 he’s entitled to not be at his absolute best, but he was fantastic on Saturday night.

“My information is that he’s entirely invested behind the scenes, far more than he even was last year.

“I don’t know when he’s going to retire, he’ll get to game 300 in a couple of weeks which will be a great celebration.

“I hope he plays on for as long as he can, and he’s not that old. I still think, if he wants to, he has a lot to offer.”

Footy legend Leigh Matthews is acutely aware that age slows down even those who once seemed immortal.

However, he feels that Martin still has plenty to offer Adem Yze’s Tigers group as evidenced by his Dreamtime contributions.

“He certainly was fantastic,” Matthews said.

“Basically the ageing process is on his shoulders and what the ageing process means is you play less good games and more poor games.

“I think that’s where Dusty is in his career. Saturday night was one of his good games.

“The criticism of Dusty not being the Dusty in his prime is correct. But that doesn’t he mean he still can’t be of value, whether it’s just for this season or it’s another season - who knows?”

Martin is due to play his 300th game against the Crows in Adelaide in Round 13.

He is currently without a contract for 2025.