COMMENT The last 2 years of my AFL profession included an unanticipated bonus offer when Dustin ‘Dusty’ Martin came to Punt Road late in 2009 for pre-season training. I might quickly bang on about the huge impression he made on me right from the beginning, as he was just doing things on-field I ‘d never ever seen before from a first-year gamer. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Fifteen seasons later on and on the eve of video game 300, this peaceful kid permanently let his football do the talking and it just got louder. A lot has actually been stated of his extraordinary profession however remaining real to yourself throughout a prolonged journey has actually impressed me simply as much. Huge congratulations for a kid who simply liked his footy, had a bucketload of belief and, luckily for him, a desire to conquer some unanticipated challenges. Ben Cousins gets in the field for his last AFL video game, with Dustin Martin nearby. Credit: Scott Barbour/Getty Images Every young gamer goes into the AFL world with a great deal of growing-up to do and even understanding who you truly are can often be puzzling. It’s challenging to remain genuine in a cut-throat market where everybody has their say, at the grace of a system that can typically take advantage of those yet to show themselves an item of the facility. I can envision sometimes there’s been internal suffering, has a hard time and pressure to ‘adhere’ that brings a considerable weight not lost on me. This is a gruelling sport which leaves you physically and mentally invested in a weekly basis. Include extra levels of expectation, appeal and continuous examination it can often make one seem like you’re combating the battle on all fronts, and speaking from experience, it can likewise be lonesome. Every gamer has to show their value at the leading level, however a huge part of success is durability and continuous high efficiency that comes from getting the balance right, comprehending who you are as a footballer and individual, and supplementing it with a way of life favorable to it growing under all conditions. You can quickly get the balance incorrect before you get it right … and vice versa. It ain’t simple, let me inform ya. Cousins runs behind Martin throughout the 2010 season. Credit: Scott Barbour/Getty Images Cousins sitting with Martin at a Richmond training session in Perth. Credit: Instagram Make no error, the whole Richmond Football Club plays a vital function here, too. This story might’ve checked out rather various without the strong assistance of the Tiger army. The alliance that established in between he and his guardians is solid. Yes, there’s an argument to recommend that success brings obligation and gain access to on all fronts however if that’s not your thing why must we press somebody down a course of duplicity. For Dusty to reach 300 video games under a spotlight of unsought attention is testimony to his enthusiasm of simply wishing to play the video game he still enjoys. He’s ended up being an icon of this video game (simply ask any kid) who, in my viewpoint, has actually currently returned more through his on-field deeds than anybody might give up look worth. Other icons of the video game like Tony Lockett, Gary Ablett Sr and more just recently Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin have actually likewise chosen personal privacy over self-praise and excitement so certainly there’s space for him because shelter too. I have the utmost appreciation for the method Dustin Martin has actually managed himself throughout his profession. He went into the arena with a ‘do not argue’ and has actually kept providing since. Possibly that’s a fitting expression for all of us to consider on another level. For me personally, it’s crucial to be at this turning point video game to share in the event of an exceptional guy and his ever-supportive football club. And I for one do not anticipate another wonder efficiency on this specific special day. Simply enjoy it, my buddy, you’ve made it. Go Tiges! Ben Cousins is a 7NEWS sports speaker in Perth. He played 270 AFL video games throughout stints with West Coast, winning a premiership and a Brownlow Medal, and Richmond.
Ben Cousins: The something about Dustin Martin ‘not lost on me’
