The tattooed Richmond hero or the shaven-headed Geelong and Gold Coast master?
Richmond great Dustin Martin fends off Gold Coast and Geelong champion Gary Ablett.Getty Images
Dion Prestia – who was two-time Brownlow medallist Gary Ablett’s right-hand man for six seasons as an inaugural Sun,before riding shotgun to triple Norm Smith medallist and 2017 Brownlow winner Dustin Martin over the past eight years – can’t split the pair.
After missing,Martin is set to return for next Saturday’s round-14 clash against Hawthorn at the MCG where he will become the seventh Richmond player – after Kevin Bartlett,,Jack Dyer,, and Francis Bourke – to play 300 VFL/AFL games.
“I used to split them[Martin and Ablett] but now I just love that I played with both of them,” Prestia said after the win over the Crows.
“Gaz was amazing in his own way and Dustin has done his own thing.
From left:Brandon Ellis,Dustin Martin and Dion Prestia celebrate Richmond’s 2019 flag.Getty Images
“To see Dustin do what he’s done over the last eight years has been unbelievable.
“I don’t like comparing them ... I just like celebrating how good both of them are and were. I’ve been lucky enough to play with two of the best players of all time.”
Prestia,who successfully requested a trade to the Tigers in 2016,admitted to feelings of apprehension about meeting the mysterious Martin for the first time. But from that initial anxiety a strong bond has blossomed,on and off the field.
“When I got to the club I was a bit nervous to meet him because I didn’t know what he was like,which is kind of similar to everyone,” said Prestia,who was confident of being available for the milestone match despite nursing a sore calf after the Crows clash.
“I’ve become really close with Dustin. Once you’re in his circle and close to him,he’s an absolute ripper. He’d do anything for all the guys in his close circle.”
Richmond coach Adem Yze joked that after Thursday’s victory – on Easter Sunday – he couldn’t guarantee Martin would slot straight back in.
“We did win,so he might have to come back through the VFL,” the relieved first-year coach said with a laugh.
“In all seriousness,it’s a massive week for our club and one that we want to celebrate. He’s one of our greatest players. We do that really well at our footy club – celebrate our people.
“We’ll have an amazing week leading up to it. We’re not going to shy away from the fact we want it to be a big spectacle,and we want to play well for him.”
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