Dustin Martin to take part in ‘one last lap’ after Tigers’ final game of 2024

Dustin Martin is set to receive an epic farewell from the Tigers after his retirement, but will we hear from the champ before he rides off into the sunset?

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – AUG 03: Dustin Martin of the Tigers marks the ball during the 2024 AFL Round 21 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Richmond Tigers at Marvel Stadium on August 03, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Retired Richmond champion Dustin Martin has agreed to take part in “one last lap” of the MCG at the conclusion of next week’s final round clash with Gold Coast.

It comes as the Tigers have announced new deals for Mykelti Lefau and Maurice Rioli Jr.

The Herald Sun understands the legendary No. 4 will be a part of the post-game action, giving the 33-year-old the chance to interact in part with Tigers fans and his former teammates.

Martin made several famous celebratory laps of the MCG during his long and celebrated career – two of them after winning premierships and having Norm Smith success (the third was at the Gabba), and following his 300th AFL match earlier this season.

There had been speculation that Martin would be a part of the pre-game focus against Gold Coast, but it is believed he preferred it to be staged at the end of the match.

At this stage he won’t take part in any post-game interviews, which means a Jack Riewoldt-style chat which happened after his 300th game is regarded as unlikely.

With huge uncertainty surrounding some of the club’s highest profile players, Richmond general manager of football talent Blair Hartley has confirmed Lefau and Rioli will remain with the club until the end of 2026.

“Mykelti and Maurice have exciting skill sets and showed this year that they make us a better team,” Hartley said.

“Maurice has worked hard on his game across his four years with us and should take great confidence into next year from the form he was able to produce when fit and firing.

“For Mykelti his contract is a great reward for the hard work he has put in behind the scenes since joining our AFL program.

Martin handballs during his last game against North Melbourne. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

“We have great faith he will return fitter and stronger in 2025, and we are looking forward to having his unique versatility back in our team.

“Both players have great upside in their game, and we are delighted that we will see more of them over the coming years.”

Lefau, 26, made a real impression in his first year at the club, booting 14 goals from 10 games before suffering a season-ending knee injury. Rioli, 21, also had some good form in the early part of the season before an ankle saw him sidelined for three months.

Originally published as Dustin Martin to take part in ‘one last lap’ after Tigers’ final game of 2024