Dustin Martin picks up career-high 43 disposals but doesn’t get a vote in ABC media award

UPDATE: ABC commentator Mark Maclure couldn’t find a vote for Dustin Martin after his 43-disposal performance against Essendon, but what did the coaches think?

Dustin Martin celebrates a goal. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

COACHES have given Mark Maclure no love in the Dustin Martin “Vote Gate” scandal.

The commentator and former Carlton champion ignored Martin’s 43-possession performance against Essendon on Saturday, not finding a vote for him in the ABC award.

The official stats had Martin amassing 35 kicks, 22 contested possessions and 14 clearances — all career highs — as well as two goals, six marks and four tackles to earn 152 SuperCoach points in the Tigers’ 19-point win over the Bombers.

There was not much more Dusty could do in what was arguably the biggest performance of his career as every other commentator at the ground gave him the top votes.

And now Richmond coach Damien Hardwick and Essendon’s John Worsfold have agreed he was the best player.

Dustin Martin racked up 43 disposals against Essendon. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

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Martin received the maximum 10 votes in the AFL Coaches Association Award on its 5-4-3-2-1 system with Griffiths and Merrett next on seven while Cotchin received four votes.

The Tigers star moved to third (74 votes) in the award behind Adelaide’s Rory Sloane (80) and Geelong’s Patrick Dangerfield (79).

The three Brownlow votes are surely in the bag as Martin firmed into second favourite for the medal at $7 with the TAB after the game.

But Maclure instead gave best-on-ground honours to Richmond forward Ben Griffiths, two votes to Tigers skipper Trent Cotchin and one to Essendon’s Zach Merrett.

His theory was that 33 of Martin’s possessions were in the back half and “went 2 yards”.

Just spoke to Maclure. He gave 0 votes to Dusty. His first comment: "I couldnt care less". Says he had 33 in the back half that went 2 yards

— Jon Ralph (@RalphyHeraldSun) July 16, 2016

Don't agree with Sellers that Dusty wasn't in the top 3 but agree with his point we should ignore stats sheets and vote more on influence

— Jon Ralph (@RalphyHeraldSun) July 16, 2016

Martin’s disposal efficiency was only 51 per cent but most of his possessions didn’t come cheaply, and his 585 metres gained was the most of any player on the field.

He also had six inside 50s, which was more than any other player.

It’s worth remembering not even 44 disposals guaranteed Greg Williams a Brownlow vote in 1993.

But Maclure copped it on social media after leaving out Dusty from his votes.

Hi. My name is Troy McClure. You may remember from such things such as not giving Dustin Martin a single vote and being incompetent #gotiges

— SoccerBeast (@borgy017) July 16, 2016

@ABCAFL So @DustinMartin4 "dominates" in your words, but doesn't even deserve a vote? Really? Why not?

— Daffy says (@that_daffy) July 16, 2016

@Richmond_FC @ABCAFL wow! I must have been at a different game and imagined @DustinMartin4 getting 43 disposals #AFLTigersDons

— Tahnee Bungey (@T_Bung) July 16, 2016

Dustin Martin was the difference between the two sides at the end of the day, Maclure to give no votes is ridiculous https://t.co/9EkGQuYVZF

— Peter Filopoulos (@peterfilopoulos) July 16, 2016

Credibility out the window for this award with no votes for Dustin Martin after 40+ touches. https://t.co/m6dCSVApYq

— anthony bunn (@adbunn) July 16, 2016

🤔 Dunno who Dustin Martin is either https://t.co/ixkU3aHEJF

— isabella (@isatrott) July 16, 2016

@ABCAFL didn't watch the game at all see a bloke by the name of dustin Martin he had 43 & kicked 2

— Tiger (@Moodie21) July 16, 2016

@ABCAFL no Dustin Martin, that's an absolute joke 😡

— Michael Keating (@mickyo_GOLIONS) July 16, 2016

@ABCAFL I'm an Essendon fan and it's a joke that dustin Martin is not in those votes #killedus

— Nathan Fimmel (@therealfimshady) July 16, 2016

@ABCAFL dustin martin dominates yet you didnt give him a vote?? Ok then #AFLTigersDons

— Matt (@stkildamatt) July 16, 2016

@ABCAFL What about Dustin Martin? 43 possessions!!!

— Cheryl Critchley (@CherylCritchley) July 16, 2016

LOL no Dustin Martin! https://t.co/RoDeBwQnlN

— Sir Jordan Politics (@JordanPolitics) July 16, 2016