From cheers to beers: How Richmond celebrated its third flag win in four years
Dustin Martin famously celebrated his 2019 flag in style, leaving his car parked at the MCG for two months. Now, the three-time Norm Smith Medallist is at it again – front and centre of the Tigers’ premiership party. SEE THE VIDEO
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They’ve had plenty of practice in celebrating premierships and Richmond players have certainly exploded out of lockdown.
And there was no surprise to see who was leading the charge with a shirtless triple Norm Smith Medallist Dustin Martin in everything.
The Tigers hooked up with Gold Coast’s famous DJs the Stafford Brothers on Sunday afternoon at their team hotel.
WATCH THE TIGERS PARTY IN THE VIDEO PLAYER ABOVE
While Jack Riewoldt played golf with the premiership cup, Martin took over the decks as the Tigers players made their own impressive mosh pit.
Also making an appearance was another high-profile DJ Paul Fisher, who also lives on the Gold Coast.
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His most famous tune, Losing It, was on high-rotation in the Tigers’ hub, having won a Grammy in 2019.
Later in the night some of the premiership heroes, including Shai Bolton, also hit the major clubs on the Gold Coast’s Glitter Strip.
Earlier, Martin revealed he is planning to extend his stay in Queensland following Saturday’s grand final win, admitting the Sunshine State now holds a special place in his heart.
It comes as both grand final clubs praised Queensland for their contribution in saving the 2020 AFL season.
Martin took out a record third Norm Smith medal in his third AFL premiership win at the Gabba on Saturday to arguably become the best finals footy player.
The win at the Gabba also cemented Richmond’s status as the best club of the modern era – now boasting three flags in four years.
The remarkable feat came off the back of spending more than 100 days inside the Queensland hub.
When asked whether the Gabba will hold a special place for him, Martin replied: “I think all of Queensland will”.
“It’s got beautiful weather … it’s a very special one.”
His comments even worried his head coach Damien Hardwick slightly.
“Settle down,” Hardwick joked.
“You’re still contracted (with Richmond) for how long?”
Martin’s incredible grand final performance also raised the question on how he plans to celebrate, after his infamous 2019 post-Grand Final festivities saw him leave his car at the MCG for more than two months.
“We’ll enjoy it together at the resort we’re at tonight, tomorrow and then I might stick around here for a little bit,” he said.
“We’ll see what happens.”
What ð™³ðšð™´ð™°ð™¼ðš‚ are made of ðŸ†ðŸ¯
— AFL (@AFL) October 25, 2020
🎥: Jack Riewoldt via Instagrampic.twitter.com/D7G15L7nvW
It follows after Queensland became the saviour for the AFL in 2020, by hosting all 18 clubs north of the Tweed and the flow-on effect has been significant.
An estimated $70 million has been pumped into the state economy, junior footy participation rates has reached a record level and the Gabba Grand Final became the biggest TV event of 2020.
Victorian clubs are also exploring the logistics of starting their 2021 pre-season in Queensland while the code’s hierarchy are keen to introduce an AFL Magic Round week.
INSIDE RICHMOND’S ‘UNBLOODYBELIEVABLE’ CELEBRATIONS
It was the Grand Final victory that thrust Richmond into the midst of the greatest teams of all time.
And while the game – and primarily the road to get there – was very different to what the AFL is used to, one thing remained the same.
They sure know how to celebrate.
From beers in the changerooms, to on the ground, to on the bus, the Tigers soaked up every drop of their well-earned victory, joining family at the team’s hub to cap off a night of brilliance.
At 9pm local time, the cup was all but won and done, with the team’s Tiger cubs a central part of the on-field celebrations with Harper, Mackenzie and Parker Cotchin, Poppy Riewoldt, baby Mya Edwards, Sarah, Maryam and Mohamed Houli, and Marlion Jnr, Latrell, Shaniquae and Levi Pickett all among the festivities.
By 11.40pm, the team gathered in the centre circle – as has become tradition for winning teams in recent years – and delivered a rousing rendition of the club song.
Twice.
“Wish all the tiger army were here,” forward Jack Riewoldt wrote.
“This one’s for you.”
Between, the celebratory drinks flowed in the changerooms as players – including star performer Jayden Short – danced in their playing gear.
This was no ordinary win.
This was dynasty stuff, they had said.
Drawing “snow angels” in the streamers left on the ground, defender Kamdyn McIntosh had just one word to describe the night’s events.
“Unbloodybelievable,” he wrote on Instagram.
The bus trip from the Gabba to the team’s KDV Sport hub complex takes 47 minutes on a good day, via the M1.
“She might be a long one,” three-time Norm Smith Medallist Dustin Martin declared after the game.
It was skipper Trent Cotchin who had the most sought-after seat partner for the journey, with the premiership cup strapped in alongside him as speedy forward Shai Bolton cranked up dance tune “Pump It Up” through a portable speaker.
Family and club officials awaited, with the party going well into the early morning.
Things ended a little more subdued for defender Bachar Houli, who travelled to the Southport Masjid to give thanks for the glory now that the AFL’s strict COVID restrictions on players and officials have ended.
“Nothing better than finally being allowed to pray Fajr prayer at the local mosque in Queensland,” he wrote on Instagram early on Sunday morning.
“It’s been 4 months since I’ve done this and it’s better then the whole world and what it contains. Alhamdulliah (praise be to Allah alone).
“Oh and winning a premiership is a good feeling too which I’m completely grateful for.”
Star midfielder Dustin Martin continued his best-on-ground performance off the field, captured on social media being carried aloft by his teammates as they belted out iconic Queen number “We Are the Champions” with the premiership cup held high at the team’s hub.
And he might not be the only one suffering the effects on Sunday morning, teammate Kane Lambert revealed.
“A few boys are pretty dusty at the moment,” he laughed on Channel 9.
“I actually think the night Grand Final might have helped - it gave a big chance to get to bed a bit quicker.
“I think a few boys went right through, but I’m feeling pretty good at the moment.
“I haven’t seen Dusty yet, so I’m sure he’s dusty.”
You’re welcome everyone pic.twitter.com/ZFxLen39XF
— sophia ðŸ¯ðŸ†xðŸ†ðŸ† (@sophdaniellex) October 24, 2020
In a far cry from usual scenes of tens of thousands of supporters at Punt Road Oval, Richmond will gather with families and staff members at the KDV Sport facility on Sunday afternoon for a relaxed celebration, complete with jumping castle for the kids.
MORE GRAND FINAL REACTION:
AFL Grand Final 2020: All the best moments from Cats v Tigers
Back-to-back: Richmond defeats Geelong to win the 2020 AFL Grand Final
Originally published as From cheers to beers: How Richmond celebrated its third flag win in four years