Richmond’s Dustin Martin establishes new training records for new coach Adem Yze.
The debut of a new coach, as well as an imminent 300-game milestone, has pushed Richmond great Dustin Martin to smash personal records in the gym, and he’s pressing himself and his teammates to improve as the Tigers prepare for a 2024 battle.
Martin is also on the verge of signing a new contract that will keep him a Tiger for life, ruling out a move to the Gold Coast to rejoin with premiership mentor Damien Hardwick, with teammate Jayden Short pronouncing the 32-year-old in “unbelievable” shape during his 15th pre-season.
After the retirements of premiership heroes Trent Cotchin and Jack Riewoldt, a lot would be on Martin’s shoulders for new coach Adem Yze, and Short said his superstar teammate was working hard to meet that responsibility.
“When you get a new coach, everyone has to impress again,” Short remarked at the club’s final training session before the holiday break.
“It’s been good for our young boys because they get to impress a new coach as well as us older boys.”
“The way Dustin showed up was incredible.
“He’s in his 15th year of AFL, and he’s setting PBs (personal records) in the gym and his running is always improving.”
“He’s a great role model for everyone at this football club, and I’m just grateful to be able to play alongside him and watch him go about his business every day.”
“Seeing one of the best players in the competition always trying to get better makes us all want to get better.”
“It’s difficult not to want to improve oneself. He’s a fantastic footballer but an even better person, so we’re quite fortunate.
“The boys are all eager to get better and get ourselves back into the finals.”
Tom Lynch, the team’s key forward, has been back jogging and participating in modified exercises during a session in front of a large throng of spectators at Punt Rd on Tuesday night.
Lynch missed the most of the 2023 season after hurting his foot against the Western Bulldogs in round 4, and his return in 2024 is uncertain.
“It’s been a long time for Tom and for anyone who has spent a long time in rehab it’s pretty painful,” Short told reporters.
“However, his attitude has been second to none throughout.”
“He’s been amazing just showing up every day with a smile.”
It’s fantastic to see him running again, and I’m looking forward to kicking it to him again.”
Short stated that the advent of new coach Yze had given the club a “refresh” and that he had brought a lot of vitality to the club.
