Dynamic midfielder Dustin Martin did his utmost to fill the void created in Richmond’s line-up by the absence of star playmaker Brett Deledio, due to illness, against Adelaide last Friday night.
Without Deledio’s significant influence up forward, the Tigers turned to Martin for a scoreboard boost.
Martin, who had managed only two goals in his previous six games this season, shouldered the added responsibility superbly.
He kicked a game-high three goals and was the sole Tiger on the night to cause major problems for Adelaide’s defence, either when he drifted forward, or was stationed one-out with his opponent in the goal-square.
Unfortunately, Martin’s efforts weren’t enough for a Richmond side that was decisively defeated by the Crows, but he at least gave the Yellow and Black faithful something to cheer about on an otherwise bleak night.
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick admitted after the match that Martin’s on-field positioning proved to be a conundrum throughout the evening.
“He’s one of our better contested-ball players and we had to try and win the game at the coalface . . . we were getting smashed at clearance,” Hardwick said.
“So, we could isolate him down there (deep forward), but the fact of the matter is the ball probably wasn’t going to get down there . . .
“When we got it in there he kicked goals.
“Unfortunately, we don’t have two of him.”
Martin now has a total of 16 goals for the 2015 season. His best return in a year is 33 in 2011.
