Dustin Martin already had his third Norm Smith Medal in the bag before perhaps his most-brilliant moment in Richmond’s comeback grand final win on Saturday night.
The Tigers star pinched possession, shrugged off Patrick Dangerfield and snapped his fourth goal to leave no doubt about who was best on ground in the 31-point comeback win over Geelong.
He’s the first man to win three best-on-grounds in AFL deciders, claiming the honours along with three premierships in the last four years and a Brownlow Medal in 2017.
Only three other players in VFL/AFL history have been the best afield in two grand finals, the last being now-retired Luke Hodge for Hawthorn in 2014.
Adelaide’s Andrew McLeod (1997, ’98) and Hawthorn’s five-time premiership player Gary Ayres (1986, ’88) are the only other members of that club.
Martin’s 21 touches and four goals from open play helped the Tigers first peg back Geelong’s slender lead, then ram home the advantage.
“He had it (the medal) before the game I reckon,” teammate Shane Edwards told Channel 7.
“He’s just an amazing player to play with. I’m going to look back and cherish every game I’ve played with him.”