Dustin Martin loses his mantle as footy’s leading tackle breaker
Dustin Martin was an unstoppable force in 2017 but the stats show opponents are starting to get a grip on the Richmond superstar. Are Dusty’s dominant days over?
AFL News
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Dustin Martin was an unstoppable force during his Brownlow Medal-winning year but opponents are starting to get a grip on the Richmond superstar.
With his famed “don’t argue”, Martin put would-be tacklers to shame in setting a new benchmark for broken tackles in a season in 2017.
ROBBO: WHY I’M CONCERNED ABOUT TOM LYNCH
TOP SPEED: TIGER ROOKIE IS FOOTY’S FASTEST MAN
That year he broke 83 tackles, which included eight in the preliminary final against Greater Western Sydney.
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE SUPERFOOTY PODCAST
That number dropped by nearly half in 2018, but Dusty’s 44 broken tackles still ranked No.1 in the competition and well ahead of the 28 broken tackles recorded by Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield.
However, Martin has endured a frustrating start to 2019 which has highlighted the extra attention he’s received from opposition clubs.
Not only is Martin this season well below on the high standards he set in 2017 in a range of statistical categories, he is no longer the top tackle breaker.
Champion Data stats reveal the powerful midfielder has broken just four tackles year - two of them coming against the Western Bulldogs last Saturday night - ranked 32nd in the league and well behind leader Luke Breust (11).
Martin is also averaging 8.2 fewer disposals this season compared to 2017 — from 29.8 to 21.6 and has seemingly lost his explosiveness in close.
He was twice caught holding the ball against the Bulldogs, by Caleb Daniel early in the first quarter and Easton Wood midway through the last.
On both occasions Martin attempted to fend-off an opponent.
In the first instance, Martin pushed away Bailey Smith before he was tackled from behind by Daniel.
In five games this season Martin has been pinged five times for holding the ball. Last year he conceded just 12 free kicks for holding the ball and 20 in 2017.
Earlier this year Martin revealed he battled anxiety and depression throughout 2018 as he felt the pressure of matching his dominant 2017 season.
Martin’s frustrations boiled over in Round 3 against GWS after he was closely tagged by Matt De Boer.
In a spiteful game, Martin was suspended for elbowing Giants defender Adam Kennedy, fined for striking De Boer in a separate incident and also sanctioned for abusive gestures.
Quiz: Can you name every club’s best-and-fairest top five?
How well do you know your club’s best-and-fairest? Take our ultimate quiz to test your knowledge and see how you compare to other footy fans.
Scott takes on surprise role with club partner
Chris Scott has moved into the world of finance, joining a Geelong based company in a new role.