AFL legend Dustin Martin has created a “finals-like atmosphere” at Port Douglas as thousands flock to watch the triple-premiership star’s first game since retiring.
Three-time AFL Premiership player Dustin Martin (centre) poses with Port Douglas Crocs junior players ahead of their training session in Far North Queensland. The former Brownlow Medalist will compete for the Far North Queensland club's senior side in a one-off match in the local AFL Cairns competition on Saturday, May 2. Picture: Brendan Radke
Massive Home Game for Port Douglas
The Port Douglas Crocs are preparing for the biggest home game in the club’s history as AFL legend Dustin Martin pulls on the boots for his first game since retiring in 2024.
Martin, 34, played 302 games for Richmond and concluded his 15-season career as a triple-premiership player and the only triple-Norm Smith medallist in league history. His once-off appearance for the Port Douglas Crocs is expected to draw several thousand spectators to the Port Douglas Sports Complex for their game against South Cairns Cutters from 2pm.
Coach and Players React
Port Douglas Crocs coach Brad Cooper said Dusty had immersed himself in the club this week, spending time training with the junior players and mingling with club volunteers and supporters.
“This is a huge day for the club and for our community and we very much appreciate Dusty’s contributions,” he said.
“It’s created a real buzz around the town and for us as a club his presence has created a finals-like atmosphere for the game.
“He trained with our juniors on Thursday and gave them an experience they will never forget and it’s the same for our players who will run out with him today.
“You can’t put a price tag on the exposure he has brought, it’s a huge boost for the region and we get to showcase how and where we live to a national audience.”
Club legend Kye Chapple, who has kicked more than 900 goals for his beloved Crocs, said it will be a career highlight to play with Dusty in front of their parochial home crowd today.
“It’s been unreal, I rocked up to training early on Thursday and he was already out there training with the juniors and he stayed around after training and had dinner with us and was one of the last people to leave,” he said.
“He’s a very humble bloke, I had a couple of chats with him and he’s just someone who loves his footy.
“It’s huge for the town, I just got down here at the third quarter of the women’s game and there’s already 1000 people here when normally there’d only be a few dozen so by the time we run out the crowd will be massive.
“He’s one of the best players to have played the game and probably the best finals footy player so it’s going to be a real privilege to play with him.”
To watch a live stream of Dusty playing with the Crocs vs Cutters from 2pm today click here.
More Coverage: Watch live: Dustin Martin makes local footy debut
