Richmond make huge call on Dustin Martin’s iconic No 4 shirt after draft prospect puts his hand up to take retiring legend’s guernsey

Richmond are set to put Dustin Martin’s iconic No 4 guernsey on ice for at least another year despite claims being made that their No 1 draft pick Sam Lalor could don the Tigers’ great’s shirt.

The Victorian club will also hold off on handing out jersey numbers for his former team-mates and Tigers legends Jack Riewoldt (No 8) and Trent Cotchin (No 9) for the 2025 season.

Lalor, who is one of the most exciting acquisitions in this year’s National Draft, has drawn some comparisons to Martin, who bid an emotional farewell to the club at the end of the 2024 season.

The 18-year-old rookie will take up the No 22 shirt, most previously worn by Jacob Hopper – who is switching to take the No 2 shirt. Hopper had worn that number during his time at GWS Giants.

Lalor has previously put his hand up to take Martin’s guernsey, claiming: ‘I’d definitely like it [the No 4 shirt].’ 

‘I wear No.4 throughout the year and it’s my favourite number, so if I did get it, I’d snatch it up.’ 

Richmond have had one of the most successful drafts this season, landing an exciting crop of young players including No 1 draft pick Sam Lalor (third from right)

It comes as the Tigers will also keep the shirts of retired AFL stars Trent Cotchin (left) and Jack Riewodlt (right) on ice for 2025

While clubs have traditionally handed their top draftee a shirt worn by a former club great, Richmond have opted not to hand out jerseys of their premiership trio to any of their new acquisitions.

Last year, No 1 draft pick Harley Reid was assigned West Coast’s No 9 shirt, which has previously been worn by club greats Nic Naitanui and Ben Cousins.

Elsewhere, Jeremy Cameron is currently wearing Gary Ablett Snr’s No 5 jersey at Geelong, which was not worn by his son Ablett Jr. 

‘The Club has opted to keep the numbers recently worn by triple premiership and 300-game icons Dustin Martin (4), Jack Riewoldt (8), Trent Cotchin (9) and Shane Edwards (10) vacant for the 2025 season,’ the Tigers said in a statement online.

While the move could be a nod to the club’s retired trio, according to Code Sports, it is also aiming to alleviate the pressure being placed on Lalor and Richmond’s rookies as they embark on their AFL careers.

Following his retirement, speculation has revolved around what Martin will do next, with rumours bubbling that the three-time premiership winner could step into a broadcasting role with Fox Sports. 

If such a move happens, Martin could link up with former team-mate Riewoldt in front of the camera.

Back at Punt Road, the Tigers have announced the shirt numbers for their new recruits, following what’s been a very favourable draft period.

There was speculation that No 1 draft pick Lalor could take Martin’s No 4 guernsey, having also been likened to martin in his style of play

Perhaps this year’s draft winners, the Tigers have reaped the rewards from trading premiership stars, Daniel Rioli, Shai Bolton, Liam Baker and Jack Graham during the trade period, to rejuvenate their ranks with multiple young stars.

Taj Hotton (No 24), Jonty Faull (No 26), Jasper Alger (No 29), Luke Trainor (No 31), Harry Armstrong (No 34), Tom Sims (No 38) and Josh Smillie (No 16) all joined the Tigers during the draft period.

Elsewhere, Rhyan Mansell will take the No 7 jersey having played 53 matches in the No 31 shirt. 

Ben Miller will shift over to No 46 from No 12, which has been vaant since three-time premiership winner David Astbury retired in 2021.