Mark Williams set Richmond superstar Dustin Martin a task in this year’s Grand Final against Geelong.
Williams messaged Martin on the Thursday before the Grand Final challenging him to kick a second-straight four-goal haul in a premiership decider.
Martin didn’t disappoint.
The 29-year-old’s four-goal performance saw him become the first player in VFL/AFL history to win three Norm Smith Medals as the Tigers defeated the Cats by 31 points to clinch their third flag in four years.
“I sent Dustin a message on the Thursday before hand and Dustin’s always been a player that likes a little carrot in front of him, so I gave him a target,” Williams told SEN’s Dwayne’s World.
“I said to him, ‘I reckon four goals will do you, mate’ and I’m sitting there thinking, ‘he’s got three, that’s not bad’ but then he delivered on the last one.
“I was delighted because when you’ve done everything you need to keep looking at what’s the next thing and he continually surprises everyone … a three-time Norm Smith Medallist.”
Williams also singled out praise for best and fairest winner Jayden Short and wingman Kamdyn McIntosh.
“I spent some time with Jayden (Short) and there was a lot of doubts in the early days as to where he fitted in and his belief in himself,” the Port Adelaide premiership coach said.
“To a win a best and fairest in a premiership year and Kamdyn McIntosh came fifth – outstanding.
“The development of the players at Richmond has been one of the reasons why they’ve stayed where they have.”
Short finished second behind Martin in the voting for the Norm Smith Medal.