'Get Martin in your fantasy side' - Damien Hardwick

Kodboys · March 12, 2013, 10:57:35 PM

LEAVE Dustin Martin out of your AFL Fantasy side at your peril, warns Richmond coach Damien Hardwick.

Article:http: http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-03-12/get-martin-in-your-fantasy-side

The powerful 21-year-old midfielder had his struggles on and off-field last year, earning a club suspension and failing to live up to the promise of his first two seasons.

But as Martin enters his fourth year, Hardwick says he's fitter, more settled and ready to play the sort of football he's always looked capable of.

"The fact is he's working incredibly hard on the field and off the field, he's started a part-time job, which we're really excited about," Hardwick said.

"He's getting some stability in his life and he's formed a really close relationship with (new Tigers development coach Mark) Williams.

"We think this will be the making of him as a player.

"He's had a fantastic pre-season, we certainly look forward to him having a good season in 2013.

"I'd be getting him in your (fantasy) side, put it that way."

Hardwick rated Martin as the Tigers' best in several of their early pre-season games.

He said even in their nail-biting recent win over Essendon, when Martin played only a half, he was best afield.

It hasn't surprised him, given Martin's training performance.

"He's had an enormous pre-season. He's been very, very good," Hardwick said.

"His fitness work has improved."

The flow-on effect of Martin's increased fitness could be new Richmond captain Trent Cotchin becoming even more damaging.

The 22-year-old, admired for his courageous ball-winning in tight and smart distribution, was already joint runner-up in last year's Brownlow Medal count.

But Hardwick said Martin's readiness for more midfield time, the drafting of promising young midfielder Nick Vlastuin and the development of other youngsters would free up Cotchin.

The coach wants him to get more touches in space and kick more goals.

"We think he's capable of kicking two goals a game on a regular basis so we'll look to exploit that," Hardwick said.

He said while Vlastuin needed to learn where to run to gain more possessions, his toughness and good ball use were great starting ingredients.

"He's got some things that you look at him and go 'Wow, this kid could be a very good player for us'," Hardwick said.

Dustin Martin is a midfielder in NAB AFL Fantasy. He averaged 84.85 point in 2012. Register your team at our AFL Fantasy Hub.

... Thoughts?

Toga · March 12, 2013, 11:11:19 PM

He's preaching to the converted :P

Chelskiman · March 12, 2013, 11:46:41 PM

Great. I recenty took him out because I don't trust his consistency, now Dimma goes and says this. :(

Toga · March 12, 2013, 11:58:02 PM

I reckon the more interesting part is he hints that Dusty's increased mid time playing INSIDE will allow Cotch to run riot OUTSIDE... Basically hinting Cotchin should be able to hit up more DT-slutty numbers this year! 8)

Mr.Craig · March 12, 2013, 11:59:32 PM

Might be an upgrade if he proves himself. Agree that it sounds good for Cotchin.

owenbond007 · March 13, 2013, 12:08:31 AM

Not sure how well hardwick goes on dt. With tigers run and better options out there martin will struggle to crack into my side

Capper · March 13, 2013, 12:13:46 AM

Yeh for DT but never SC

Ricochet · March 13, 2013, 12:19:46 AM

Possibly an upgrade target if he can prove he is worth it. Tigers have a tough-ish start with Collingwood, Carlton, Freo and Geelong all in the first 6 rounds. Plus Saints who are pretty handy. So I will wait and see.

And tbh all coaches would have they're own favourite players they would say is killing preseason. Can't fit them all in at the start.

charliesheen · March 13, 2013, 02:48:42 AM

Why is the title in quotes. Did Hardwick actually say 'Get Martin in your fantasy side'? Maybe he has a DT account ;D

Mr.Craig · March 13, 2013, 03:36:00 AM

Quote from: charliesheen on March 13, 2013, 02:48:42 AM
Why is the title in quotes. Did Hardwick actually say 'Get Martin in your fantasy side'? Maybe he has a DT account ;D

Windigo · March 13, 2013, 10:12:19 AM

He is a beast, locked in for me.

Campbell's creek FTW. :P

Holz · March 13, 2013, 10:43:57 AM

was always locked, im trying to find that extra 30k to go murph to lids now though.

Ricochet · March 13, 2013, 11:13:48 AM

Quote from: Holzman on March 13, 2013, 10:43:57 AM
was always locked, im trying to find that extra 30k to go murph to lids now though.

Why Holz? Marc has a pretty good early fixture.

timmyparso · March 13, 2013, 11:22:12 AM

Quote from: Ricochet on March 13, 2013, 11:13:48 AM
Quote from: Holzman on March 13, 2013, 10:43:57 AM
was always locked, im trying to find that extra 30k to go murph to lids now though.
Why Holz? Marc has a pretty good early fixture.

Murph is getting tagged. I've got McLean instead as he looks to continue his end 2012 form and is currently not getting tagged.

Ricochet · March 13, 2013, 11:27:53 AM

Quote from: timmyparso on March 13, 2013, 11:22:12 AM
Quote from: Ricochet on March 13, 2013, 11:13:48 AM
Quote from: Holzman on March 13, 2013, 10:43:57 AM
was always locked, im trying to find that extra 30k to go murph to lids now though.
Why Holz? Marc has a pretty good early fixture.

Murph is getting tagged. I've got McLean instead as he looks to continue his end 2012 form and is currently not getting tagged.

He doesn't face a decent tagger until RD 7
His early fixture is Richmond (113, 116 last year), Collingwood (139), Geelong (Nil but 121 year before), WCE (Nil but 111, 120 year before), Adelaide (27 injured but 126 year before), Melbourne (Nil but 145 and 87 year before), then Saints