Dustin Martin wins first Richmond best-and-fairest award

DUSTIN Martin has narrowly edged out Alex Rance to win his first Jack Dyer Medal by just one vote.

Dustin Martin has boasted career-best form in an otherwise sorry year for Richmond.

DUSTIN Martin has narrowly edged out Alex Rance to win his first Jack Dyer Medal by just one vote.

In a thrilling count the star midfielder polled strongly after the bye to narrowly claim victory ahead of the star defender — last year’s club champion — with skipper Trent Cotchin finishing third.

PASSIONATE SPEECH: HARDWICK TELLS FANS ‘WE FAILED YOU’

After a week of high drama surrounding the club with a rival ticket launched in a bid to spill the club’s board, Martin — who has finished as runner-up on two previous occasions — capped what coach Damien Hardwick had previously dubbed an “outstanding” season with the award, having averaged more than 31 disposals per game.

The 25-year-old was last week named for the first time in the All-Australian team, alongside Rance, and is second-favourite to add a second medal — the Brownlow — to his collection in just over a fortnight.

And he said the work he has been doing with outgoing assistant coach Mark Williams – and between his ears with mind coach Emma Murray - is partly to thank.

Alex Rance finished runner-up after another superb season. Picture: Michael Klein

“‘Choco’ (Williams) – you’ve helped take my game to another level and I’m going to miss you around the club,” Martin said.

“Emma Murray who has been doing a bit of mindfulness with myself and the guys this year … it’s much appreciated.

“I’m very blessed to have so many people in my life, and I’m very grateful for it.”

Martin has had his fair share of off-field issues, including an off-season incident in December last year that was investigated by the AFL and Victoria Police, but he thanked the club for its support.

“Thanks to Peggy, Brendon and the board for sticking by me,” he said.

The 25-year-old was last week named for the first time in the All-Australian team, alongside Rance, and is second-favourite to add a second medal – the Brownlow – to his collection in just over a fortnight.

Hardwick has lauded Martin’s maturity — particularly during the respective absences of fellow midfielders Trent Cotchin and Brett Deledio at times this year — throughout this season, even likening him to superstar midfielder Patrick Dangerfield earlier this year.

“I’ve been really impressed with his work rate and his ability to win contested ball,” Hardwick said.

“We sort of knew it would come and we’re really pleased that it’s come to the fore at the moment.

“When we needed him to stand up when (captain) Trent (Cotchin) was out (with a cheekbone injury), he did that which is a sign of his maturity level as a player.”

JACK DYER MEDAL

62 Dustin Martin

61 Alex Rance

51 Trent Cotchin

43 Jack Riewoldt

35 Shaun Grigg

31 Anthony Miles

30 Dylan Grimes

30 Brandon Ellis

29 Nick Vlastuin

28 Brett Deledio

Originally published as Dustin Martin wins first Richmond best-and-fairest award