Richmond’s blockbuster Dustin Martin move for first AFL Draft pick

Dustin Martin is set to return to the spotlight with Richmond announcing a major move for the recently retired superstar.

Dustin Martin is set to play a key role on Wednesday night during the opening round of the 2024 AFL Draft.

The retired Richmond superstar is expected to be on stage as the club announce the number one pick.

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AFL journalist Callum Twomey reported that Martin will be the man to present the first pick with a Richmond jumper.

“Richmond champion Dustin Martin is expected to present the Tigers jumper to the club’s No.1 pick on Wednesday night,” Twomey wrote on X.

“The Tigers will have a number of their premiership heroes on hand to present jumpers to their batch of draftees, including Jack Riewoldt and Trent Cotchin.”

Dusty will be on hand to give out the guernsey. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Sam Lalor (left) is widely expected to be the first overall pick. Picture: Michael Klein

The club however remain up in the air over whether or not Martin’s famous number 4 guernsey will be handed out to the top pick or if it will be put on ice for the time being.

Code Sports reported the club was split and would wait until the eleventh hour to decide on what they would do.

The report noted it “would be best to put it away for a period to avoid labouring the man the club will take with the No.1 pick with extra pressure.”

While the 2024 draft class is considered one of the most even in recent memory, midfielder Sam Lalor is being tipped as the top selection.

The GWV Rebels star has been likened to Martin and Jordan de Goey and is described as a contested bull that can hit the scoreboard.

Lalor is a big time impact player. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos)

The young bull is expected to be taken by the Tigers. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

AFL 2024 Draft information

Start time and how to watch

The draft will be telecast nationally on Fox Footy and Kayo with all the action kicking off from 7pm (AEDT).

First round draft order

1. Richmond

2. North Melbourne

3. Carlton

4. Adelaide

5. Melbourne

6. Richmond

7. St Kilda

8. St Kilda

9. Melbourne

10. Richmond

11. Richmond

12. West Coast

13. Port Adelaide

14. Fremantle

15. GWS Giants

16. GWS Giants

17. Western Bulldogs

18. Richmond

19. Sydney

20. Richmond

21. GWS Giants

22. Sydney

23. Richmond

Originally published as Richmond’s blockbuster Dustin Martin move for first AFL Draft pick