Dustin Martin breaks silence, ignites MCG in game 300

Dustin Martin has finally spoken publicly after his 300th game, making a statement about his future following Saturday’s loss to Hawthorn.

Dustin Martin has finally snapped his media ban after competing in his 300th AFL game on Saturday.

The notoriously reclusive Martin denied countless media requests in recent weeks in the build-up to his milestone match, which finally arrived in the 14.13 (97) to 6.13 (49) defeat to the Hawks at the MCG.

After being rested, or falling ill according to the club, for last week’s trip to Adelaide to face the Crows, “Dusty” brought up the 300th in front of a staggering 92,311-strong crowd in Melbourne, thousands of them there simply to see the three-time Norm Smith medallist.

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Martin became the seventh Tiger and 104th player in VFL/AFL history to bring up the 300-game milestone and the champion Tiger ignited the huge crowd by kicking the first goal just minutes into the opening term.

The 32-year-old was relatively quiet from there, finishing the day with 13 touches, two marks and a clearance, but it mattered little to the crowd as Martin was rightly celebrated by all in attendance.

He also finally talked about it all, in a post-game interview with his long-time teammate Jack Riewoldt.

Dustin Martin finally speaks after game 300.

“It’s amazing,” Martin said. “Disappointing result for the club but I love the Tiger Army so much. I love the club so much.

“It means the absolute world to me and all the love I received this week has meant the world to me. I felt so loved this week. I appreciate it.”

Asked how he felt after such a big build-up, Martin said “a little bit numb” and also described his sensational goal as “the best, old school, I loved it”.

When Riewoldt asked him for his favourite moments at the MCG, Martin said: “This is pretty special.

“No there’s too many. I’ve been so blessed over my whole career, it’s been an unbelievable journey. I don’t really know what to say.

“I really can’t believe it. You made me feel really special and loved.”

Martin then gave the crowd and those watching on an answer many had been hoping for.

There had been speculation Martin could retire on the spot after getting to 300 games in a season where the legend of the game has struggled to recapture his best football.

When Riewoldt said: “Look forward to seeing you in two weeks against Freo?”

Martin replied: “Yeah mate, freshen up from the bye and see how we go,” as the crowd went nuts.

Richmond’s Dustin Martin got off to the perfect start. Photo: Michael Klein

When Martin kicked that vintage goal on the run from the 50m arc there was an incredible roar that belied the fact this was a clash between the 12th-placed Hawks and 17th-ranked Tigers.

The commentators all erupted as Dusty ignited the huge occasion in trademark style.

“Martin from 50, the crowd lights up, Dustin Martin of course kicks the opener,” Mark Howard yelled.

“It could only be one man, Dusty in 300, gets things underway.

“What a star this man is, who writes his scripts?”

Riewoldt, who played alongside Martin in three Richmond premierships, was also blown away by the moment.

“Wowee the superstar Dustin Martin in game 300,” he said.

“You could see Hugo Ralphsmith, he knew what the script was, get it to the big No. 4 and he has delivered on the big stage.

“Eighty-thousand I’d say predominantly Richmond supporters in the house today are getting the Dusty chant up and going.”

Martin was mobbed by his teammates after the goal. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Nathan Buckley was impressed by the kick, with Martin covering the distance with ease.

“There was little energy in that too, that’s travelled 65 metres and he was dead straight,” Buckley said.

“He didn’t even have the advantage of running around, it was dead straight at goal and the adrenaline that he would be feeling, he’s brought it to the table.”

Riewoldt added: “The greatest showman turned up, didn’t he?”

Howard then said: “The roar when the ball went towards him, before he even received it, just lifted the MCG.

“Martin kicks the first, of course he does. Great start by the Tigers.”

There was a huge reaction on social media as the Brownlow Medallist celebrated his milestone with the goal.

The Richmond banner was all about one man. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)

“It just had to be Dusty,” the official AFL account posted on X.

“How awesome it was to watch Dusty kick off his 300th with the first goal. Legend of the game and hope he has a ripper!” wrote an account called Bunnings snag.

“The greatest player ever,” wrote another.

The Hawks steadied after Martin’s stunning moment, kicking the next three goals of the game.

At quarter-time, Hawthorn led by two goals, 4.3 (27) to 2.3 (15).

During the first break, Riewoldt admitted he wasn’t sure Martin was still capable of such a ripping goal.

“You could hear from the crowd noise there, just get it to the great man,” he said.

“They wanted to get him an early touch. I didn’t actually know if he still had that in him.”

The Hawks continued to spoil Martin’s party, leading by 19 points at the main break.

Seven goals to just two after halftime made it a comfortable win for the Hawks in the end, but the day belonged to one man.

Originally published as Dustin Martin breaks silence, ignites MCG in game 300