Richmond opts against handing Dustin Martin’s No.4 jumper to one of its 2024 draftees

After a big song and dance about if No.1 draft pick Sam Lalor would take on Dustin Martin’s famous jumper number, the Tigers have made their call.

Richmond will put Dustin Martin’s famous No. 4 guernsey on ice for at least one year to help honour the champion midfielder.

The Tigers’ number one pick Sam Lalor said he would love to wear Martin’s number in 2025 but the club has made the decision to retire the jumper for next season.

It was a tough call for the club which agonised over a decision to put the jumper away or hand it to Richmond’s latest powerhouse midfielder, Lalor.

Dustin Martin says goodbye to the Richmond faithful.

The Herald Sun revealed last month how the club was mindful of how much extra pressure or attention the number four would generate for the young player who was handed it.

Lalor, a gun midfielder-forward from Bacchus Marsh who has been linked to Martin for his power, fend-offs and explosiveness in the engine room, also wore the number four in his junior career.

But Lalor has been given No.22, which was formerly owned by Jacob Hopper, with Hopper moving to No.2

Fellow first rounder Josh Smillie will wear No.16, Taj Hotton has received No.24, Jonty Faull will own No.26, Luke Trainor has No.31 and Harry Armstrong will don No.34.

Maurice Rioli Jr moved to the No.17 that was vacated by Dan Rioli, while Rhyan Mansell moved to No.7 and Ben Miller to No.12.

Clubs often shelve the jumpers of their champion players for a period as a tribute to their retired superstars, and Richmond has kept No.4 (Martin), No.8 (Jack Riewoldt) and No.9 (Trent Cotchin) vacant.

Richmond draftees (L-R) Luke Trainor, Harry Armstrong, Josh Smillie, Sam Lalor, Jonty Faull and Taj Hotton.

Originally published as Richmond opts against handing Dustin Martin’s No.4 jumper to one of its 2024 draftees