Two months ago, if anyone had said a run-of-the-mill Richmond and Hawthorn clash would pull together a crowd to 80,000 people – they would have been told they’re dreaming.
However, that is exactly what has happened.
All for Dustin Martin’s 300th game.
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Amid seas of yellow and black, the people spoke with their feet – entering through the MCG’s turnstiles to watch the only three-time Norm Smith Medallist in quite possibly his last ever milestone game.
Pre-game, there’s a massive line for an at-venue barber, which is offering free Dusty-style haircuts to all those who dare to go (somewhat) bare. Fans of all ages took up the challenge with great delight.
The Richmond cheersquad flaunt their banner for all to see with less than an hour to go before the first bounce. They’re not shy of showing it off before Martin and his teammates run through it.
Simply reading ‘300’ for all to see in a bright yellow, accompanied by a smirk-provoking caricature of the three-time premiership player fending off the milestone – true to his trademark.
In addition to the banner, the words ‘Strong And Bold’ roll around the outskirts of the advertising boards, as does ‘Welcome To The Jungle’.
While perhaps a motto that holds true to for their squad and culture, the words ‘strong and bold’ arguably embody Martin more than anyone else on the ground.
Strong not just physically, but also with his unconventional leadership style: Quiet, but will always lead by example.
Bold – much like the banner’s numbers – we’ve seen all too often in the regular seasons, but particularly come the big stage.
And while this evening may not be the orthodox big stage the 32-year-old is used to, it’s a big stage that has been organically created through Richmond fans and beyond to say thank you to one of the modern era’s greatest ever players.
To speak volumes of just how large an occasion this is, Dustin Martin memorabilia and merchandise had sold out across the whole MCG an hour before the first bounce even hit the hallowed turf.
Sold. Out.
The roar around the ground as Dustin – reluctantly – led his side through a banner of himself was bellowing.
Sitting in the centre of their final huddle before dispersing for the milestone game, Martin looked calm and unassuming.
Starting one out in the goalsquare on Hawks skipper James Sicily, the stage was set – one final Dustin Martin milestone game.
And it took Martin less than five minutes to stamp his authority on the game, receiving a handball from Hugo Ralphsmith and nailing an epic running goal from outside 50.
Usually the MCG only shakes in the last quarter of a thrilling final. But on Saturday, it shook five minutes into a Round 14 game between two bottom-10 teams.
“Dustin Martin of course kicks the opener! It could only be one man,” Fox Footy commentator Mark Howard said.
“What a star this man is – who writes his scripts?!”
Triple premiership teammate Jack Riewoldt added: “Wowee, the superstar Dustin Martin in game 300 – you can see Hugo Ralphsmith, he knew the script – get it to the big — No. 4 — and he has delivered.”
Source Agencies
