Mark Williams’ pride in Dustin Martin’s ability to overcome anxiety and mental health obstacles
Mark Williams says his mate Dustin Martin has always been misunderstood, recalling the time a school headmaster was worried about having the Tigers’ star present to a Year 9 class.
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Mark Williams couldn't be prouder of Dustin Martin's evolution on and off the field, thrilled a player he helped mentor continues to prove his critics and doubters wrong.
Williams says his part in the Richmond star’s transformation has provided great personal satisfaction as Martin has successfully worked through his mental health issues to become one of footy’s most dominant players.
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Williams worked closely with Martin in his early AFL years during his time as a development coach with Richmond.
But he says Martin’s growth as a person in that time has helped make him the player he is today — one of the game’s most admired figures.
“The (Martin) journey (has been great) ... to sit on the bench when he come off with all the insecurities and anxiety about stuff, and to be able to lead him on and help him along the way (has been satisfying),” Williams told the Sacked Podcast.
“I am so proud of how far he has come.
“I remember when my youngest son (Louis) was at Caulfield Grammar and we decided to help Dustin in talking to the Year 9 (students) about his journey.
“Dustin had never talked to anyone in his life. We put a presentation together with slides. The headmaster said ‘I’m worried he is going to swear in front of the kids’.
“They wrote back (after the presentation) and said ‘this was terrific, he can come every year and talk to the students’.”
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One of the game’s best kicks, Martin has been a strong advertisement for the Sherrin Precision ball, which Williams created and designed to assist players of all ages and sizes in honing their kicking skills.
The leather version of the Sherrin Precision is now being used by nine AFL clubs, with advocates including Martin and four-time premiership player Shaun Burgoyne.
“I’m a Phys-Ed teacher and I have seen, for years, parents, coaches and teachers struggle with how to teach players how to kick, so I invented this ball,” he said.
“It’s got a big sweet spot on the end of it and it has a spin line that gives immediate feedback.
“There are also 15 one or two-minute videos (with drills).
“My heart and soul is about development, my heart and soul is seeing the struggles of people and finding a solution.
“I had Shaun Burgoyne doing this kicking when he was 18.
“I had all the Giants players ... I have photos and videos of the Richmond players doing it.”
Williams and his family maintain a strong relationship with Martin, despite the fact he hasn't been at Richmond since the end of the 2016 season.
“I look forward to the friendship continuing for many years to come,” he said.
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