Mark Robinson on the retirement, career and legacy of Dustin Martin and Tom Hawkins

Dustin Martin and Tom Hawkins, two country boys with contrasting backgrounds, did things differently at the top level. But, as MARK ROBINSON writes, they have both left big footprints on their clubs – and our game.

Footy welcomes and sends-off all kinds of players.

On Tuesday, it was the turns of Dustin Martin and Tom Hawkins, two country boys with vastly different backgrounds – Martin from Castlemaine and Hawkins from Finley – who deservedly both depart the game on their terms.

Hawkins was the son of a club favourite, Jumping Jack, the quietly spoken farmer who grew wheat, barley and rice, and raised prime lambs near the Victorian border.

From there, Tommy attended Melbourne Grammar School. He was a prodigy. He played first XVIII footy in year 10 and way before then, the Cats knew they had their next father-son.

He certainly wasn’t born with a spoon in his mouth, but he wasn’t disadvantaged either.

Martin was the son of a bikie, a school dropout about year 9, who, aged 17, uttered the most prophetic words ever said by a player – “I reckon I was born to play AFL”.

As it unfolded, Dusty sold himself short.

The No. 4 inspired a generation. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

His story is well-told. The flags, the Norm Smiths and his 300th game light-up a highlights package that was more clutch than impossibly brilliant.

Others won more ball, took more marks and kicked more goals.

But no one in the modern era did all that when it mattered most.

Surely, there’s never been a better and more consistent big-game player.

Maybe Matthews. Maybe Carey. But even those two would nominate Dusty.

He didn’t just play footy. Because everyone can do that. He seduced it. And through deeds on the field, and a curious reclusiveness off it, he grew to be a cultural colossus.

Against the odds, he created a legend status that went far beyond mesmerising opponents and, at times, even his teammates.

Not only did thousands of Tigers’ kids adore him, his appeal extended to all kids. Nevermind if mum and dad barracked for Carlton or Essendon, their little boppers became Tigers fans.

Families named their dogs after Dusty. Bigger yet, children were named after Dusty.

One of the more quirky events leading up to Dusty’s 300th game at the MCG was the appearance, at training, of a bunch of young fans all named Dustin and all wearing the No.4.

In essence, that celebration of his 300th game was the precious, perfect moment in a career destined for Legend status in the Hall of Fame.

Even he will be required to talk then. As expected, he didn’t appear at the press conference beside the brilliantly spoken Brendan Gale on Tuesday. It was all very low-key.

Senior Tigers officials were told on Monday of his resignation.

Martin arrived at Punt Rd early on Tuesday, helped script the official club announcement, and then spoke to the players.

Like an emperor of Rome seceding, an emotional Martin stood at the front, spoke of his love for the club and for his teammates. And thanked them all.

In return, he got an applause that said thankyou back.

All up, it was about three minutes.

Soon after, Dusty was gone. Once word got out, his long-time nemesis – the media – would descend on Punt Rd and he didn’t want a part of that.

He leaves the game smothered in tributes. What he might not fully appreciate – and Gale spoke of this – is the impact he had on so many people.

As profound a statement it is, Dusty changed people’s lives. He helped resurrect a once powerhouse football club and helped save a supporter base that was so bereft of joy for so long.

A young Tom Hawkins playing for Melbourne Grammar in 2004.

And with dad Jack after announcing his retirement on Tuesday. Picture: Josh Chadwick/Getty Images

Hawkins was a phenom in a different way. He was 100kg+ who got to 359 games and 796 goals – and maybe still counting.

Unfashionably unselfish for a full-forward, Hawkins had strong hands, used both body and brain to outmanoeuvre many an opponent and after early-career yips, he became a reliable set shot goal-kicker.

Like Dusty, Hawkins, 36, was a humble champion who was respected and liked by all who met him.

“He is a generational player who will rightly be celebrated for his achievements on field, as well as the role he has played shaping our club into what it is today,’’ the Cats said on Tuesday.

He and Dusty went about it differently, but their footprints on the club are sizeable.

Hawkins is the club’s longest-serving player, while Dusty might simply be the club’s greatest player. Not bad for a couple of country kids who started with hope and who end as legends.

Originally published as Mark Robinson on the retirement, career and legacy of Dustin Martin and Tom Hawkins