Dustin Martin admits he allowed the pressures of his remarkable 2017 season to creep in to his mindset earlier this year.
In a wide ranging interview with complex.com, the Richmond superstar spoke about the burden he felt in the early stages of 2018 as he attempted to replicate what he exceptionally achieved the season prior.
Martin became the first player in VFL/AFL history to win the Brownlow Medal, Norm Smith Medal and a flag in the one year as he played a pivotal role in helping the Tigers break a 37-year premiership drought.
While the 27-year-old’s form was solid in the opening month of this season, Martin’s output seemingly dropped below what is expected of him, which he attributes to a yearning for reproduction of his unprecedented 2017.
“It was a really different feeling I had at the start of this year, off the back of last year,” said the humble champion in his interview on complex.com.
“You spend your whole life trying to achieve your dreams, and then when it all kind of happens … it’s a strange feeling. It’s like, ‘Sh!t – what’s next?’
“I certainly struggled a bit early on in the year with that kind of thing and where I was in my life.”
Martin admits that after worrying about his own individual showing, he quickly discovered that simply contributing to his teammates around him would suffice for the greater cause.
“I probably put a bit of pressure on myself to live up to last year and in reality I didn’t need to; I just need to keep doing my bit for the side,” he added.
“Once I figured that out, my footy’s probably got a bit better in the last month. I’m appreciating the journey (and) I’m in a really good place.
“I’ve just got to keep doing my bit for the team. When I walk off the field I just like to know that I’ve given my best effort to my teammates, my coaches and the fans.
“I think that’s all I’ve got to do.”
Martin and the Tigers, who sit on top of the ladder after 21 matches, look ahead to Friday night when they take on Essendon at the MCG.