A teary-eyed Dustin Martin has gone down the MCG players’ race for the final time on Saturday, to the rapturous cheers of the Richmond faithful.
Martin granted an interview with former Richmond triple premiership teammate Jack Riewoldt after the Tigers’ Round 24 loss to Gold Coast, revealing his all-time favourite career moment.
The 33-year-old made his way around the hallowed turf, engaging with his adoring supporters before making his way down the race as his eyes filled with tears.
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Richmond also farewelled flag-winning duo Dylan Grimes and Marlion Pickett, but the 34,000-odd in attendance were hanging around to hear from one man.
“(I’m) pretty emotional, (it’s) just pretty surreal,” Martin told Riewoldt post-game on Fox Footy.
“Feels a little bit weird; I think after today it’ll probably really sink in. As everyone knows, I love the club so much, I love you (gesturing to the supporters) all so much.
“I’m going to miss the place so much, just so grateful to be a Tiger.”
Riewoldt quizzed his great mate on his favourite moment throughout a glittering 302-game journey — and there was one that stuck out to the game’s only triple Norm Smith Medallist.
“There’s been too many awesome moments over the journey, but you can’t go past the OG flag 2017; that was pretty bloody special.
One last message to the Tiger Army, he said: “As I’ve said, I love you all so much, I’ve been so loved and supported. I love you all so much. Thank you, thank you for everything.”
Despite the club’s 2-21 record and status as wooden-spooners this year, the fans farewelling their hero wouldn’t have their hopes dampened on Saturday night.
Former Richmond triple flag-winning coach Damien Hardwick said: “It’s great to see off some legends of not only the Richmond Football Club but the AFL game in general.”
Martin exited the field visibly in tears, going down the race and embracing former Richmond administrator and now-Gold Coast football boss Wayne Campbell.
“It’s a beautiful thing for Richmond supporters,” Hawthorn great Dermott Brereton said of the touching scene.
“That’s one thing you never really thought you’d see in footy, Dusty Martin very, very emotional,” Fox Footy’s Kelli Underwood reflected.
“To see fans crying in the crowd; look how much it meant to those who bleed yellow and black.
“The man himself bled yellow and black for more than 300 games. The club’s premiership hero is going to disappear further into the memory bank — it’s emotional, it’s been the best, (but) it’s time for a new era at Punt Road.”
Source Agencies
