'Love ya': Dustin Martin sends emotional message to dad after AFL triumph
An emotional Dustin Martin used a post-grand final interview to send a shout-out to his father Shane, who was forced to watch his son win a second Norm Smith medal from New Zealand.
Shane Martin had his visa cancelled in 2016 by then-Immigration minister Peter Dutton, based on a lengthy criminal history and connections to bikie gangs.
After winning his first Norm Smith medal in 2017, when the Tigers demolished the Adelaide Crows, Dustin Martin once again dominated the MCG on the biggest day in September.
'WHOLESOME AS IT GETS': Young girl steals the show in AFL grand final presentation
HEARTBREAK: Alex Rance in tears in devastating moment after AFL grand final triumph
Finishing with four goals, 22 disposals and four marks, Martin was undoubtedly the best player on the ground.
Speaking to former Richmond star turned Channel 7 commentator Matthew Richardson after the final siren, Martin sent a shout-out to his dad and pumped up first-gamer Marlion Pickett.
“The club has given him (Pickett) a second chance,” Martin told Richardson.
“People make mistakes, I could not have been prouder of the club taking a chance on him.
“And super proud of him for putting his head down and it (his goal) was pretty sweet, wasn’t it?
“And I just want to say g’day to dad in New Zealand — I love ya mate.”
Richmond smash Giants in grand final ‘bloodbath’
Richmond have confirmed their new dynasty, crushing GWS by 89 points in the most-lopsided AFL grand final in 12 years.
The 17.12 (114) to 3.7 (25) thrashing on Saturday at the MCG gives the Tigers their second flag in three years and confirms coach Damien Hardwick's men as the latest AFL pacesetters.
Fittingly, Maureen Hafey presented the premiership cup to Hardwick and captain Trent Cotchin.
Her late husband, the legendary Tom Hafey, coached Richmond to their last dynasty that featured the 1967, '69 and 73-74 premierships.
It is Richmond's 12th flag, drawing them level with Melbourne in equal-fifth place.
It is the biggest grand final thrashing since Geelong's record 119-point win in 2007 over Port Adelaide.
Dustin Martin shone with four goals and won his second Norm Smith Medal as best afield.
Marlion Pickett, the story of the past two days since his debut was announced, also starred on the game's biggest stage.
The 27-year-old father of four, who did jail time as a teenager and was recruited four months ago, impressed as he became only the sixth player in AFL history to debut in a grand final.