Richmond champion Dustin Martin enjoyed another dominant outing in his side’s Round 2 victory over Hawthorn, racking up 28 disposals and a goal in a best on ground performance at the MCG.
While Martin was a key factor in the Tigers’ 78-49 win, Hawthorn and Alastair Clarkson can’t say they didn’t try to curtail the superstar’s influence.
Many predicted pre-game that midfielder Liam Shiels would match-up on Martin around the contest, but Clarkson instead opted to send 38-year-old Shaun Burgoyne to the AFL’s most damaging player.
Tigers coach Damien Hardwick said post-match that the tactic surprised him.
“It was interesting at the start,” Hardwick said post-match.
"They had him (on Martin) and Liam Shiels started at half-back as well, so it was an interesting tactic. We didn't see it coming, obviously. But I thought Dustin was terrific, once again.
"He had a number of score involvements and gave off a couple of goals where we'd probably prefer him to have a shot next time, so that's a coffee shout. But I thought he had a great game.
"Shaun is such a terrific competitor. You don't want to allow him to roam free, but it was a good match-up."
Martin’s Round 2 performance followed up a best afield outing against the Blues in the opening round.