Dustin Martin speaks on family, being a role model ahead of Bonds launch

As his illustrious AFL career powers along, Richmond star Dustin Martin has grown increasingly comfortable being a role model for young footy fans. Now, the Brownlow Medallist speaks candidly about his aspirations to start a family, revealing the ‘great joy’ inspiring the desire.

Richmond superstar Dustin Martin has spoken of his desire to start a family.

Martin has told of his joy at playing “Uncle Dusty” to his friends’ kids, including Tiger teammate Trent Cotchin.

And having kids of his own is part of his of future plans.

“Definitely it is,” Martin, 28, said.

“I still have a lot of things I want to do. It is something I certainly want to have down the track, but at the moment I love seeing my mate’s kids grow up and that gives me great joy.

“A lot of my close friends have got young kids and I love them as if they are my own.

“I think most people would love to have a family, but I am still a fair way off that, to be honest.

Dustin Martin modelling his Bonds X DM capsule collection. Picture: Bonds

Martin, who is launching his first fashion collection with Bonds, said he has also become comfortable knowing he’s a role model for young fans.

“I just think back to when I was a young kid and the people I looked up to, so if I can be a good role model to the kids who look up to me, that is important,” he said.

“The thing I like to get across is to have dreams and to chase your dreams and not to let anything get in the way of them, because anything is possible.

“You want them to have a crack at anything they love; it doesn’t have to be football. “Whatever your passions are I would certainly encourage people to follow them.”

Having long had an interest in fashion, Martin said he was excited to be launching his six-piece Bonds X DM capsule collection which includes his signature DM Hoodie.

“I have always been into fashion and it has been fun working with the design team to come up with this range,” he said.

“It is inspired by streetwear and is very comfortable and reflects my style in that it is very laid back. “It is oversized and comfortable and looks good.

“I have certainly enjoyed this experience and I hope everyone likes it. It is a good start and hopefully we can keep it rolling.”

Martin says the new range is inspired by streetwear. Picture: BONDS

Dusty will be in-store at Bonds Melbourne Central on Monday. Picture: BONDS

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With Richmond again shaping up as serious finals contenders, Martin said he was yet to lock in his annual post-season travel plans with his larrikin mate, Dane Swan.

“We have not quite planned it yet but there is no doubt we will be sneaking off somewhere to have a bit of fun,” he said.

A return to the training track with the Bali Geckos is very much an off-season possibility.

“I had a great time over there with them during the New Year in the period,” he said.

“If I am over there anytime over the summer I will definitely pop in and have a training session with them. They are a great bunch of people.”

And while he is ineligible for the Brownlow this year owing to an early season suspension, he is tipping a past winner to collect the AFL’s top individual prize this year.

“It is going to be a really exciting count. There are heaps of guys who have had awesome seasons but for my tip, I reckon Nat Fyfe might win this year,” he said.

WHERE TO SEE DUSTY

The Bonds X DM collection is available online and in selected stores on Monday, August 19, 2019.

Dustin Martin will be in-store at Bonds Melbourne Central at 1pm and Bonds Highpoint at 4pm on Wednesday, August 21, 2019.

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See the first commercial for the Bonds X DM collection, starring Dustin Martin, in the video player above.