The arrival of a new coach and an impending 300-game milestone has inspired Richmond superstar Dustin Martin to set personal records in the gym and he’s driving himself and his teammates to get better amid predictions of a 2024 battle for the Tigers.
Martin is also on the verge of signing a new deal to make him a Tiger for life, casting aside speculation of a move to the Gold Coast to reunite with premiership mentor Damien Hardwick, with teammate Jayden Short declaring the 32-year-old was in “unbelievable” shape during his 15th pre-season.
A lot will rest on Martin’s shoulders for new coach Adem Yze after the retirements of premiership heroes Trent Cotchin and Jack Riewoldt, and Short said his superstar teammate was lifting to meet that challenge.
“When you get a new coach, everyone’s got to impress again,” Short said at the club’s second-last training session before breaking for Christmas.
“It’s been good for our young boys, they get to impress a new coach and certainly us older boys as well.
“The way Dustin showed up was amazing.
“He’s coming into his 15th year of AFL and he’s setting PBs (personal records) in the gym and his running’s certainly always improving as well.
“He’s a great role model for everyone at this football club and I’m just lucky that I get to play alongside him and get to watch him go about his business every day.
“It makes us all want to get better when you see one of the best players in the competition always trying to get better.
“It’s hard not to want to better yourself. He’s an awesome footballer but an even better person, so we’re very lucky.
“The boys are all eager to get better and get ourselves back into the finals.”
Key forward Tom Lynch, who has battled a foot injury, has been back running and took part in modified drills during a session in front of a big crowd of fans at Punt Rd on Tuesday night.
Lynch missed most of the 2023 season after injuring his foot against the Western Bulldogs in round 4 and his return remains under a cloud in 2024.
“It’s been a long time for Tom and for anyone who has spent a long time in rehab it’s pretty painful,” Short said.
“But his attitude throughout the whole time has been second to none.
“Just rocking up every day with a smile, he’s been amazing.
“It’s good to see him back running and I’m looking forward to being able to kick it to him again.”
Short said new coach Yze’s arrival had given the club a “refresh” and he had brought a great energy to the club.
