Dustin Martin sizzles against the Blues

AFTER his sensational display against Carlton, the race for Richmond star Dustin Martin’s signature will only heat up.

Dustin Martin of the Tigers celebrates a goal with Jack Riewoldt of the Tigers.

DUSTIN Martin looks set for a big 2017 — and an increased contract may well follow.

The Richmond star only kicked nine goals last season but already had five against Carlton at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday.

Richmond blew past Carlton in the opening half, putting 83 points on the Blues to lead by 37 points at halftime, as the yellow and black were propelled by their midfield star.

The Carlton pre-game banner mocked Martin, but the Tigers star had the last laugh as his side held off the Blues’ third-term challenge and won 20.12 (132) to 14.5 (89).

Give Dustin Martin the Brownlow now! #3For4 #AFLBluesTigers

— Roy Ward (@rpjward) March 23, 2017

@DustinMartin4 is so good. @Richmond_FC

— Rebecca Maddern (@RebeccaMaddern9) March 23, 2017

Richmond legend Matthew Richardson gave high praise to Martin, saying his performance against the Blues was the best he has played since entering the AFL system.

“I reckon over 30 possessions and five goals is as good as a game gets,” Richardson said.

Richardson’s Channel Seven stablemate Bruce McAvaney summed up the dazzling display as only he can.

“It’s been a remarkable performance. It really has set the season alight in many ways. I mean, we have seen a young champion at the peak of his powers,” McAvaney said.

“There’s no certainty in football. But there will be one in grand final week, because when Gillon McLachlan reads round 1, Carlton vRichmond, 3 points, D Martin, that’s a certainty.”

Fox Footy analyst David King had pre-game implored Richmond to push Martin forward and after the Tigers did exactly that, their star man delivered.

Martin again proved he is almost unstoppable against a direct opponent, further highlighted by Carlton’s inability to get close to the midfielder.

“He’s the best one-on-one contributor in the game now,” King told Fox Footy.

“He doesn’t lose one-on-ones, he’s better than Lance Franklin, better than Tom Lynch, name who you want, he’s number one in the competition.”

Dustin Martin.

Fox Footy commentator Gerard Healy said Martin’s first-half performance was the perfect start to the new season and that he could be starting a run to the AFL’s most coveted prize.

“He’s so far best on ground at the moment — it is incredible,” Healy said.

“His impact on the scoreboard tonight has been first class. You can pencil him in for three votes for the Brownlow.”

Martin is coming off contract at the end of the year and after his opening night performance will no doubt have a host of AFL clubs knocking on his door.

The Tigers are believed to have tabled an $800,000 per year offer to Martin, but they may have to return to the negotiation table if his stellar form continues.

Martin was in a mood at the MCG.

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire was host of Fox Footy’s coverage of the season opener between the Tigers and Blues, and his colleagues reminded him that the Magpies may have to increase any potential offer after Martin’s blockbuster opening to the new campaign.

“A million might not be enough,” said David King.

“The salary cap is going up by about 20 per cent. I reckon you can get it up to $1.2 million,” former Brisbane Lions captain Jonathan Brown said.

Martin didnt have it all his own way, as the Blues did rally after half-time to fight their way back into the contest.

Carlton were resilient in front of 73,137 fans, outscoring the Tigers in the third term to keep the contest alive.

But captain Marc Murphy and Bryce Gibbs were prominent as Carlton won the centre clearances and reduced the margin to 25 at the last change.

Another goal at the start of the final quarter to Carlton would have made it interesting.

But Martin produced one of his famous “don’t argues” to fend off Sam Docherty and set up Daniel Rioli for a pressure-relieving goal in the opening minute.

A few minutes later, Carlton youngster Jack Silvagni should have been paid a mark in front of goal.

Instead, the ball ended up with Martin and he kicked a booming 70m torpedo out of defence.

Josh Caddy then soccered through a goal and the result was clear. Martin ended up with 33 disposals, kicked four goals and dished off a couple more.

In another promising sign for the Tigers, star recruit Dion Prestia also impressed with 28 possessions.

While this looms as a tough season for Carlton, there were promising round-one signs.

No.1 draft pick Jacob Weitering played the whole game in attack and kicked three goals despite hurting a hip early.

He again showed it is only a matter of time before he is one of the league’s top key position players.

Former Giant Caleb Marchbank was solid in defence on debut for the Blues and there was also plenty to like about first-gamer Sam Pretrevski-Seton.

- AAP

Originally published as Dustin Martin sizzles against the Blues