As influential as he yet again was in a Richmond win this season, star midfielder Dustin Martin’s sole focus when interviewed in the rooms following the Tigers’ success against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval last Saturday night, was talking up the team’s overall performance.

Martin, who almost certainly secured another three Brownlow votes for his dominant display, was thrilled with the way Richmond managed to wear down Port on its home deck.

“It took us four quarters to break them, but it was just a great team effort. That’s a really good win . . . really proud of the boys,” he told Triple M.

“That’s what you play footy for. When you’ve got to stand up, I want to be the man . . . but it was a team effort, and I think everyone stood up, so really proud . . .

“It’s such a good win because it was such a grind, and to come away with a win over here in Adelaide, with their massive crowd, it was just awesome.”

Martin was confident the Tigers had the running ability to overpower Port Adelaide in the last quarter.

“We had a lot of faith in the work that we’ve done over the pre-season and throughout the year,” he said.

Former Port Adelaide star key forward Warren Tredrea, who covered the match for Triple M, was in awe of Martin’s trademark exhilarating exhibition.

“He is in ripping form. If you want to talk about blokes who just put the bit between their teeth . . . he willed himself, and got his team over the line. And everyone just followed. It was brilliant to watch,” Tredrea said.

Martin’s young Tiger teammate Dan Butler also expressed his immense admiration for the powerhouse on-baller following Sunday’s match.

“The last two pre-seasons he’s gotten a bit fitter and, at the moment, he’s pretty much unstoppable,” Butler told 3AW.

“He’s pretty hard to tag and watching him out there, some of the stuff he does is pretty unbelievable. He’s very good to watch.

“When anyone’s in trouble, they just give it to Dusty, and he always seems to find a way out, which is a pretty handy asset to have.”