Richmond great Dustin Martin has been bracketed alongside club legends Kevin Bartlett and Royce Hart after announcing his retirement, effective immediately, while the career of fellow AFL great Tom Hawkins will also close at the end of this season.
Martin, a three-time Norm Smith medallist, triple premiership player, Brownlow medallist, four-time All Australian, three-time Gary Ayres medallist and dual Jack Dyer Medal winner told teammates on Tuesday morning of the decision to end his 15-year career.
Hawkins, also a three-time premiership player, is trying to fight his way back from injury in time for finals, with Geelong chasing a top-four finish in the home-and-away season.
Famed for his “don’t argue” fend-off, Martin, 33, announced his retirement with a typical lack of fanfare – quietly on Tuesday morning with no press conference and no farewell game.
“It is hard to put into words what the Richmond Football Club means to me, I love this place so much,” Martin said in a statement.
“I will be forever grateful for the love and the support I have received from the people here. To my teammates, the brotherhood that we all share is what I value most, as well as the bond with the staff and coaches … thank you to all of you.
