Dustin Martin's 'rare' act at MCG as Richmond fans farewell AFL legend in fitting tribute

Dustin Martin has farewelled Richmond fans in a fitting tribute with the media-shy superstar addressing the fans and shedding a tear in a 'rare' moment at the MCG. Martin stunned the AFL world in August when he announced the clash against North Melbourne would be his final game.

Many had already predicted Martin's career would come to an end after the 2024 season, but his decision with two games left in the season left Richmond fans stunned. Many expected he would at least see out the season and give fans the chance to farewell the Tigers legend at the MCG in the final game.

Although Martin didn't have it in him to continue and called it ahead of the final game of the season against the Suns. Richmond were not able to send their retiring stars - Dylan Grimes, Marlion Pickett and Martin - off in style with the Suns running away with a 28-point win. Although images showed Martin embracing Pickett after the loss in the tunnel before all three went out to greet the fans.

Although all eyes were on the triple Norm Smith Medalist as he took to the field post-game to wave goodbye to the fans. The Richmond players gave him a guard of honour as Martin engaged in a rare interview to thank those at Richmond for supporting him throughout his legendary career.

“It’s pretty surreal, it feels a little bit weird. I think after today it’ll probably really sink in,” Martin said when asked about how he was feeling with the spotlight firmly on him. “As everyone knows, I love the club so much, I love you all so much. I’m going to miss the place so much, I’m just so grateful to be a Tiger.”

RELATED:

• Collingwood's defiant response after shock Brendan Fevola 'rumour'

• Matthew Nicks responds after comment towards Ken Hinkley revealed

And ahead of his final walk down the tunnel with his teammates, Martin was seen shedding a few tears as Richmond fans cheered goodbye one of the greatest players the AFL has ever seen. Martin's decision to retire clearly weighed-on him for quite some time with most kept in the dark over his thoughts.

Speculation carried on for months on whether he would reture at the end of the season or join the Susn in 2025. The Age reporter Andrew Wu pointed out the significance of Martin's appearance for the fans because it was so 'rare' for the Richmond legend to give an interview. Martin's moment embrace Wayne Campbell at the MCG also had fans in tears.

Dustin Martin retires as an AFL legend

Martin will forever be famous for ending Richmond's 37-year premiership drought in 2017. And he will go down as one of the best players of all time and arguably the greatest finals player of all time. The midfielder won three premierships and added three Norm Smith Medals along with them.

He also added a Brownlow Medal with his 2017 title. He remains the only player even to win the Norm Smith medal three times. Hawthorn great Luke Hodge (2008, 2014), Adelaide legend Andrew McLeod (1997, 1998) and Hawks hero Gary Ayres (1986, 1988) are the only other players to have one the medal more than once.

Marlion Pickett stuns fans with retirement announcement

Many eyes were on Martin ahead of the retirement, but Pickett had also announced it would be his last game for Richmond. TheTwo-time premiership-winning Tiger announced he would retire at the end of the season on Thursday. The 32-year-old will play his 91st and final game

Pickett was famously a mid-season mature-aged draftee from Western Australia who quickly took the AFL by storm after he made an incredible debut in the 2019 AFL grand final win, earning Norm Smith Medal votes. He then went back to back featuring in the Tigers' 2020 flag triumph. Pickett said his AFL dream always looked like a long shot and looking back is so happy with his short but successful AFL career.