Former Melbourne captain Garry Lyon believes Richmond superstar Dustin Martin has been a victim of his own lofty standards in 2018.
After a dominant 2017 which saw him win a Brownlow Medal, a Norm Smith Medal and a host of other awards, Martin hasn’t hit the same heights, averaging 5 fewer disposals per game and kicking only eight goals in his past 10 games.
But Lyon says accusations he has had a poor season are far-fetched.
“Had he not had that year, I think we’d still be looking at Dusty this year saying he’s playing pretty damn fine footy,” he said on SEN Breakfast.
“I think Dustin played at such a level last year that that is what we measure him by, and that is an almost impossible standard to maintain.”
However, Lyon also believes Martin’s effort around the ground isn’t stacking up with what he produced last season.
“I’ve got no doubt that he’s off, and I’m probably in my own mind thinking he maybe hasn’t worked as hard in game as he did last year, but he’s still a damn fine player,” he said.
“He still gives you the impression that he can turn that on almost at will.”
Essendon legend Tim Watson agreed, but said Martin could easily lift to replicate his 2017 feats at the business end of the season.
“You would not bet against him producing what he produced last year in the last month of football this year.”
The Tigers take on St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Friday night looking to bounce back from their 2-point loss to GWS.