Geelong star Tom Hawkins hadn't planned to retire on the same day as Dustin Martin, but he'll join in on the chorus of applause to celebrate the Richmond great.
On the morning the triple-premiership player told his Cats teammates he would be bowing out at season's end, Martin stunned the AFL world on Tuesday after announcing his retirement effective immediately via a club statement.
And just as legendary forward Lance Franklin did last year, the famously media-shy Martin hung up his boots without a farewell press conference and a farewell game.
"I'd sort of had the wheels in motion (for retirement) on the day for a bit," Hawkins, fronting his farewell media conference, said.
"But it feels somewhat, not embarrassed, but maybe it's a pleasure to share it with him because you talk about champions of the game and he is absolutely one of those.
"He's had an incredible career.
"Congratulations to Dusty and his family for what he's been able to achieve ... I was gonna say it's been fun to watch but, phew, it hasn't been fun to watch at times."
Drafted at pick No.3 in the 2009 AFL draft, Martin debuted in round one, 2010 and went on to kick 338 goals across 302 games.
He won club best-and-fairests in 2016 and 2017 and was named All-Australian in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2020.
Heralded as the greatest finals player of all time, Martin is also the only player to be crowned best-on-ground in an AFL grand final three times (2017, 2019, 2020).
"It is hard to put into words what the Richmond Football Club means to me, I love this place so much," Martin said in a statement.
"I will be forever grateful for the love and the support I have received from the people here. "To my teammates, the brotherhood that we all share is what I value most, as well as the bond with the staff and coaches... thank you to all of you. "To my family and friends, thank you for your unconditional love and support.
"To the Tiger Army, I have always felt loved and supported throughout my career, and for that, I will be forever grateful. The memories that we have created together will live with me forever. Thank you."
Collingwood coach Craig McRae, a former Richmond assistant under then-coach Damien Hardwick, reflected fondly on his years with the powerful goalkicking midfielder.
"I worked with Dusty for a number of years. What a remarkable player. What a player, huh?" McRae said.
"The memories of grand finals wins and him single-handedly lifting Richmond over the line up at the Gabba (in 2020) - that game stands out for me - but what an incredible career he had.
"What an incredible young man too - very, very isolated, very quiet.
"My memories of Dusty is he'd probably have 100 words to use in the day and he probably wouldn't use them all up."
Sydney coach John Longmire also paid tribute to Martin - and his haircut.
"One of the all-time stars that people like to come along and watch. He set a new trend in hairstyles amongst a lot of kids out there," Longmire said.
"The amount of times you go to a game and see the Dusty Martin hairstyle is the outcome of the impact he's had on the game and its supporters.
"He's been a real key component to what Richmond we're able to do for a long time."
Fans will have a chance to say goodbye to Martin at their round-23 home fixture against Gold Coast, who are coached by his former mentor Hardwick.
Dustin Martin's Illustrious Career
Dustin Martin, one of the greatest Richmond players to pull on the yellow and black jumper, has played his last game.
He played just 13 games this season as a back complaint hampered his fitness in the second half of the season. Uncertainty had also grown about his future at Richmond beyond 2024, given his lucrative seven-year contract was coming to an end and his former coach and premiership mentor, Damien Hardwick, had taken the reins at Gold Coast.
The End of an Era
Martin's decision to retire marks the end of an era for the Richmond Football Club. The club's CEO Brendon Gale paid tribute to Martin's contribution to the club.
"So much has been said about Dustin's impact on our club and the competition, but more than anything, and put simply, I think it is the joy that he gave the Tiger Army and those around him that might mean the most," Gale said.
"Three premierships and best on ground in each of them will always be his legend, and rightly, it, along with his unique aura, will be what he is best remembered for. But I think Dustin would be most proud of what he was able to achieve playing for a team… for our team—and the magnificent role he was able to play within that system, which let him be every bit the footballing genius that he was always destined to be.
"That genius was most evident when the stakes were at their highest, when the crowd was at its loudest, when all eyes were on him, and when the moments needed a hero. Dustin did it his way, and we are all just so lucky to have been Richmond people during his era of dominance. So, all I can say on behalf of everyone associated with our great club is thank you to an icon. To our icon."
A Farewell to a Champion
Martin's retirement is a significant loss for the AFL. He is a true champion of the game, and his unique style of play will be missed by fans across the country. However, his legacy as one of the greatest Richmond players of all time is assured.
Martin's career is a testament to hard work, dedication, and talent. He has achieved incredible things on and off the field, and he will be remembered as a true icon of the game.
