Richmond Tigers superstar Dustin Martin has ended months of speculation about his playing future and a major announcement to teammates at Punt Road today.
After three premierships and 15 seasons at the Tigers, Martin has announced his retirement effective immediately.
Martin, 33, played 302 games and booted 338 goals.
Renowned for his signature ‘don’t argue’ fend-off, Martin announced his retirement in his typical understated fashion—quietly on Tuesday morning, without a press conference or a farewell game.
Martin had been linked to a career swansong at the Gold Coast Suns where he could link with former coach and good friend Damien Hardwick.
But he will instead retire a one-club man, something he could not be more proud of.
‘It is hard to put into words what the 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 premierships
Martin will go down in history an all-time AFL great and favourite son at the Richmond Tigers
‘I will be forever grateful for the love and the support I have received from the people here.
‘To my teammates, the brotherhood that we all share is what I value most as well as the bond with the staff and coaches… thank you to all of you.
‘To my family and friends thank you for your unconditional love and support.
‘To the Tiger Army, I have always felt so loved and supported throughout my career and for that I will be forever grateful. The memories that we have created together will live with me forever. Thank you.’
Tributes are flowing from AFL fans of all clubs for one of the greatest to ever lace up the boots.
‘Absolutely one of the best footballers I’ve ever had the privilege of watching. His accolades and accomplishments speak volumes for himself. Well done, Dusty,’ one fan posted.
‘How lucky are we to be alive at a time to watch Dustin Martin play Aussie Rules Football,’ added another.
‘Thank you Dustin Martin, absolute legend of the game,’ posted another.
Martin burst onto the scene in 2010, quickly establishing himself as a dynamic midfielder.
Known for his powerful kicks 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 Premiership in 37 years, also securing the Norm Smith Medal as the best player in the Grand Final.
Martin, 33, played 302 games and booted 338 goals in 1 5 season career with Richmond
The Tigers star has turned down the chance to re-unite with former coach Damien Hardwick at the Gold Coast Suns in 2025
Richmond CEO Brendon Gale said it was hard to put into words the immense contribution Martin had made to the club.
‘So much has been said about Dustin’s impact on our Club and the competition, but more than anything, and put simply, I think it is the joy that he gave the Tiger Army and those around him that might mean the most,’ Gale said.
‘Three premierships and best on ground in each of them will always be his legend, and rightly, it, along with his unique aura, will be what he is best remembered for.
‘But I think Dustin would be most proud of what he was able to achieve playing for a team… for our team—and the magnificent role he was able to play within that system, which let him be every bit the footballing genius that he was always destined to be.
‘That genius was most evident when the stakes were at their highest, when the crowd was at its loudest, when all eyes were on him, and when the moments needed a hero.
‘Dustin did it his way, and we are all just so lucky to have been Richmond people during his era of dominance. So, all I can say on behalf of everyone associated with our great Club is thank you to an icon. To our icon.
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