Richmond legend Dustin Martin has thrown his support behind the Tigers’ youth policy and declared he’s open to returning to the AFL in a mentoring role.
The three-time Norm Smith medallist sat down with 7NEWS for an exclusive interview, backing the club’s decision to go even younger next season.
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“I think they’ve got an awesome young list and I’m really excited to see what they can do,” Martin said.
“It’s not too dissimilar to when I first started. A heap of new players, even the new development (at Punt Rd).”
Martin was the face of Richmond’s renaissance, and has now passed the baton to new No.4 Sam Lalor.
“I’ve had a couple of catch-ups with Sammy,” Martin said.
“He seems like a good young kid and he’s a superstar in the making.
“Hopefully he can just get the body right and have a good pre-season and shine next year.”
Two years into retirement, Martin dominated this year’s Legends Game and is planning to play more local games with old teammates.
The Tigers great also revealed he’s open to a job back in footy.
“I think so — maybe not full-time,” he said.
“Maybe just a bit of part-time mentorship, I could see myself doing (that) down the track. So, yeah, something I’ll look at.”
Martin for now is returning to sport with an appearance in cricket’s T20 Gold Cup, live and free on Seven and 7plus Sport on Sunday, November 22.
He will line up alongside the likes of Joel Selwood, Gary Ablett Jr, Ash Barty, Matthew Hayden and Brian Lara.
“I used to rate myself highly,” Martin said of having a hit with Tigers teammates.
“But Jack Riewoldt, Nick Vlastuin, all the boys, we used to have so much fun playing.”
Martin pointed to Nick Watson, Shai Bolton and Will Ashcroft among his favourite current players.
When asked if Ashcroft was stiff not to join him as a three-time Norm Smith medallist, Martin was diplomatic: “Oh, I don’t know. I don’t know. I’m not going to comment too much on that (laughs).”
