Caro takes aim at the 'staggering' negative commentary about Dusty ahead of 300th - Footy Classified

Caroline Wilson arrows the media's heavy-handed negativity on Dustin Martin, when the game should be celebrating the Tiger champion ahead of his 300th match.
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[@tomstephens2648]

This is why he doesnt talk to media.

[@DesyncGaming.]

Caro has no issue as long as it's not pointed at Richmond lmao....

[@cozzy97]

Yep, she is so damn bias

[@Jaezon]

The entire football world knows Dusty is a champion of the game. So what if pundits are questioning his performance this year, or asking questions about his future. Big deal, Caro.

[@lukeslayer]

Because it's rotten that instead of celebrating a champion of the game of his caliber that people continue to push forward their opinions at a time that doesn't call for it. Imagine if Buddy had all this negativity directed towards him leading into his 300th there would have been outrage. They're just souring what is a brilliant milestone for a bloke who's brought millions through the gates during his time on the field.

[@imalwaysright]

that's not what she's saying. She's referring to the media getting into a twist about Dusty not doing media or press conferences for his 300. Leave the bloke alone. He doesn't own the media anything.

[@tubester4567]

@@imalwaysright Right. Dusty has always hated going on the media and being interviewed. He just doesnt like it, Buddy was the same but Buddy was more brave and did a few interviews. Personally, I think Dusty has always been over-rated. He cant run, he cant mark overhead,, He started in 2010, didnt do anything for the first 3 or 4 years, then when he was around 26 he peaked when the team was full of stars and ready for a grand final;. Then when Richmond went downhill his performance has been poor. The media often over-rates many indigenous/minority players. They made Dusty the "model minority" that defied the odds, got out of poverty and gangs to be a successful footballer. To be on the list for greatest player, you need to perform consistently for your whole career like for example Gary Ablett Jnr. Im not saying he wasnt good he was but I think he got way too many votes and a few Norm Smiths because of his image and narrative. He was/is slow he only really performed for 5 years out of his 13 year career. Just leave Dusty be, anyway I heard he is doing an interview with Trent Cotchin on Channel 7.

[@jednoar7598]

@@tubester4567 Caro's argument was that Dusty is better than Dangerfield, so if youre going to criticse dusty on his first 4 years, just look at Danger's first 4. Dusty averaged 20+ in his first season, Danger didnt manage that until his 5th.

[@tubester4567]

@@jednoar7598 Ok but I wouldnt have Dangerfield up there either. I just think there are better candidates like Gary Ablett Jnr, and Buddy was performing first year and most of his career until the last couple of years, Anyway I know my opinion is not shared by most people.

[@greggazz4935]

Leigh Matthews going from saying "Dustin Martin is the only player I don't get offended being compared to" after Richmond won their last flag and Dusty his last Norm, to saying that he is not a top 3 player this century but someone like Patrick Dangerfield who didn’t get a Norm in his only premiership victory; is

[@binpls69]

Dangerfield doesn't have a Norm Smith

[@greggazz4935]

@@binpls69 my mistake I meant to say “who hasn’t got one Norm” just too caught up in how annoying half the panellists are

[@pirocan1]

Lethal had Danger top 3 this century??

[@davidnewman8470]

Not Leigh's best moment. He might want to revisit the 3 finals Richmond played against Geelong 2017-2020. Dusty busted the games open with brilliance and flair in key moments while Dangerfield either butchered the ball or went missing. in key moments. Dangerfield is a terrific home and away player but its the great finals players like Dusty who are rightly celebrated and elevated above all others.

[@mightyblues7]

The Caro bias is easy to deal with. You know she is wrong.

[@samysull333]

idiot.

[@jazzdog1615]

Caro should start a podcast with skip bayless

[@roughhabit9085]

Hawthorn missed Franklin so much, they got two more premierships.

[@Nathan-gd7xq]

Geelong won the flag the year after Ablett left as well

[@user-cr2ku9eq1s]

As a tigers supporter I agree with Caro for the first time lol no wonder dusty hates the media.

[@jimmyriddle5246]

Nobody ever butchers the ball as badly as Dangerfield but all the "experts" continually ignore it.

[@brodhigreen1580]

The fact Dangerfield is over the likes of Selwood, Martin, Pendlebury; to name a few is honestly ridiculous

[@franki2085]

I've been saying for the last 5 yrs, Mark Riccuito needs to be sacked. Simple as that.

[@tpm5924]

I'm a Pies! supporter. Dusty is a champion! 3 Norm smiths, 3 premierships! Respect.👍👊

[@Rowsy91]

As a new fan Dusty Martin a few years ago is the best player I’ve personally watched Again, a very novice opinion, admittedly so, but he was special to watch while just getting into the game I get the same feeling from the patty cripps kid too on Carleton.

[@benrussian9206]

3 norms a brownlow 3 premierships God knows how many aa and clubs bfs I'd have dusty ahead of ablett jnr and dangerfield

[@greenbane2105]

Damn making Dusty fans look bad, what a waste of an arrow

[@greenbane2105]

No I mean just the segment was a whole lot of nothing

[@nathand4500]

What a non-story.

[@devilwarr1or]

Dusty was at the top of the league for 5 years from 2017-2020. Ablett junior was the best player in the league from 2007-2016 and the shoulder injury in 2016 began his slow Descent from absolute best to simply great.

[@84bravado]

Dusty is a champion, but Leigh was just giving his opinion, lol. Top 5 greatest player is a phenomenal achievement.

[@greggreen1025]

The same L Mathews that said Martin in 2017 had "the greatest season, by any player, in the history of the game..." Martin has not only 3 Norm Smith medals, he also has 3 Gary Ayres Medals. Best player in 3 finals series and in 3 Grand Finals. Best player when it really counts. No other player comes close to that record. I doubt it will ever be broken.

[@iankearns774]

Still think Bachar Houli had more impact in the 2017 GF than Dusty, when I saw Martin had more possessions I was shocked. Houli did a lot more with the ball on the day but all the hype from the Brownlow played in his favour.

[@greggazz4935]

@@iankearns774 Bachar definitely deserves credit but I think that whole season Dusty was just so dominant it definitely impacted the votes a little

[@iankearns774]

@@greggazz4935 The Norm Smith is awarded to best on the day and Dusty wasn't. The other two Norm Smiths I agree with.

[@bellator6557]

A special player

[@jazzdog1615]

having a go at the crows list... Hutchy looks like hes eat'n the list

[@KeepCalmEden]

What if he has social anxiety and doesn’t want to give speeches? I’d be the same if I was a player

[@flippineck6121]

There is no way thay Gary Ablett isn't ahead of Martin, but agree that Dangerfield is a stretch. Nobody here mentioning Goodes or Judd. Seems like a lot of short memories retired over 2 years no mention?

[@lukemate2783]

Garry Ablett Lance Franklin Raffle pick 3rd out of Hodge, Selwood and Martin. Possibly bontempeli when all things are said and done

[@pirocan1]

replace selwood with pendlebury and you have it about right

[@jackogamer340]

Hodge and selwood couldn’t lace Martin’s boots

[@lukemate2783]

@@jackogamer340 surprised you can type with his 🐓 in your hands

[@izaakrosier436]

How anyone thinks Danger has had a better career than Dusty ill never know. The grandfinal and finals is what counts. Norms and premiership medals mean so much more than AA's 😂

[@darylcumming7119]

It's very clear the player just shuns the AFL media , just move on please .

[@williamporter2867]

Dusty is Dusty get over it he is an out and out champion who brings bums to seats. He does it his way and so what leave him alone.

[@AznTugsAdventures]

Well this isnt totally biased at all.

[@MarkSmith-ym5td]

Leigh Mathews was a great player no doubt about it but absolute thug on the field.

[@anthonyd4771]

Dangerfield couldn't hold a candle to Dustin Martin

[@iboibo3908]

His a star and it should of been played 7:20 Saturday night

[@Richoman24]

Y’all hating , Caro is spot on again

[@user-zh1cy4bs6s]

Caroline Wilson always comes out with the claws when it comes to her beloved team. She will question other teams, but when it comes to someone's questioning her Richmond, she takes aim. The most biased journalist, as far as I can remember.

[@TheSmallz1990]

Caro is biased to everything she says, always has her own reporters, players to protect and players to throw under the bus, she can have a go at any coach where she sees fit, but when we ask for proof on her strong reporting it’s just I have my own sources and I talk to the whole supporter base for the team she’s protecting it’s deflecting at it’s best!! Does anyone know where she gets her clothing from too? cos I was sure that shirt went down with the titanic 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@ethan76708]

Anyone who follows the NBA or NFL knows how much the media and fans value a finals mvp or superbowl mvp it’s basically mandatory for any Great player and players who don’t perform in the playoffs aren’t respected the fact is dusty played Dangerfield 3 times and outplayed him every time and when it mattered most he was always the best that’s the definition of greatness Ablett and buddy can’t say that

[@Stannas95]

Two of those Norm smith's could have easily gone to someone else on the the day. Hardwick build a whole game plan around maximising Dustys strengths and protecting his equally big weakness. Dusty got to contribute the eye catching stuff in the forward half and he's never done anything defensively. He also performs when the team wins and he's not a player that's ever lifted a loosing team to a winning one. Garry Ablett was streets ahead in all areas of the game. Dusty isn't even close. Dustys off field life is a mess as well, good people don't hang out win the people he does. He's very futunate to have been protected be a big club like Richmond.

[@ethan76708]

@@Stannas95 buddy in 2016 Richmond were terrible he polled 25 Brownlow votes and made all Australian and won b&f he deserved all 3 of his norms based on the numbers and eye test if ablett is as good as you say how come he was never the best player in a grand final he had multiple chances aswell dusty is a match winner Ablett isn’t on his level and Ablett left Geelong and they immediately win a flag without him he wasn’t that valuable

[@Stannas95]

Ablett isn't "as good" He's on another level, don't compare Dusty to him. Ablett did everything at least as well as Dusty but could do a lot of things Dusty can't or won't. Added to that he did it far longer. You're either a complete Richmond nut or blinded by recency if you're even trying to compare Dusty to Ablett. Luke Hodge is more deserving of that third spot than Dusty.

[@parkerstevenson9399]

true but still dusty was only good for 5 years, ben simmons is a good example, he made multiple all star teams, won ROTY at a young age but since he couldn’t sustain it, people in the same draft class who don’t have his accolades are viewed as better

[@nathand4500]

Learn to write sentences.

[@IDontTalkToCops]

He’s not even close to being in the top 3 players. He’s not even in the top 20. Statistically his player ratings put him at 40. Great big game player. He’s had a great career. But to say he’s among the top 3 greats is absolutely laughable.

[@arthurdavis7673]

Matthews is right. Dusty is without a doubt in the top 5 but doesn't quite have the sustained dominance of people like Dangerfield (8 All Australians to dusty's 4). Norms smiths are great, but anyone can take it out on the day, its about who's getting you there and toughing it out throughout the season.

[@Bloodynine606]

Are we still acting like All Australians mean anything. Maybe when we have to verse the Monstars.

[@kezp8114]

Gary Ablett Jr is better than all of them

[@ScottCovers]

In the bunsen burner and thrown under the bridge? Not sure that's how those sayings go...

[@mattr9003]

Have a look at his first 100 games. They were average. Leigh’s list and rationale is right.

[@ethan76708]

Look at Ablett jrs first 5 years aswell while your at it he wasn’t special either

[@patkelly6349]

Exactly. You clowns. Martin is the best by a mile.

[@tb7667]

@@ethan76708 And then he was close to the best player in the comp for over 10 years. Martin doesn't have anywhere near the longevity of Ablett and Franklin.

[@Bloodynine606]

Dangerfield over dusty is hilarious. Leigh is becoming a crazy old man

[@patkelly6349]

I agree. Martin is the best by far

[@nathand4500]

Dangerfield's resume as a player stands strong.

[@patkelly6349]

@@nathand4500 he’s not in the same league as dusty. Not even a patch. Gary Ablett Jnr just behind dusty. Also dusty is humble unlike big mouth Dangerfield.

[@nathand4500]

@@patkelly6349 ridiculous. The Dustin Martin meat riding is laughable. He's amazing, but he's only been producing such a high level between 2016 and 2020. Ablett did it from 2007 to 2014. 2 Brownlows also. His output doesn't compare to Ablett's.

[@nathand4500]

@@ethan76708 read my comment again before commenting.

[@williamporter2867]

Problem with crows they dont know their shortfall.

[@waynemurphy2825]

Just to put this out their Dusty has more Norm Smiths than Ablett, Dangerfield, Buddy and Judd combined, yes he only got one Brownlow compared to Judd and Ablett two, but as a player you want those norm smiths more as it’s against the best of the best , great players these guys but not big game players like Dusty he was bored of the normal games and lived for big finals, oh and by the way Leigh was never the best player in any season or any Grand Final and that’s a fact no Brownlows or Norm Smiths and was a coward to boot hitting people behind the play who were better another fact

[@aCourtJester]

Mathews is mad. Top 3 are P. Daicos, N. Daicos and J. Daicos.

[@imalwaysright]

lmao 😄😄😄😄

[@orion5813]

Collingwood has the worst legends of any club

[@aCourtJester]

@@orion5813 get back on the special bus.

[@orion5813]

@@aCourtJester Your mum will give me blowie in the back seat

[@freespeechisdead202]

@@orion5813 Gordan Coventry if you didnt know, is an AFL hall of famer legend and australian sports hall of famer, 16x leading goalkicker, 5 premierships, a playing career of 17 seasons, first player to reach 300 games. Jock Mchale would have to be one of the biggest figures of the game spanning just shy of half a century with 9 premierships as coach/player and thats just 2 where there are many more. Its easier to hate than love so I feel for ya. It must be sad being you as I guess your team hasnt got anyone to hug.

[@tb7667]

Ablett and Franklin are a clear top 2. Three is a raffle between a bunch of players.

[@waynemurphy2825]

Never got it done in the biggest games sorry, you want to be the best against the best which is GFs, Dusty dominated the other two went missing

[@tb7667]

@@waynemurphy2825 Ablett and Franklin both won two premierships. Both played a number of good finals, including Grand Finals. Martin's team sucked for all but 4 years of his career.

[@Bloodynine606]

@@tb7667 Ablett was in a Geelong side that was good for 5 years and then went to the Gold Coast which still sucks

[@tb7667]

@@Bloodynine606 Yet he still won a brownlow and was completely dominant in a terrible team.

[@Bloodynine606]

@@tb7667 and did absolutely nothing but enjoy the sun

[@michaeldewson8708]

Lee is on the money

[@Jazzy-xr1jg]

Dustin Martin is a great player but Jesus Christ is he overrated.

[@Dunbie_]

You’ve got no idea

[@wwetitantronman]

@@Jazzy-xr1jg Overrated? Hes the greatest finals player of all time lol

[@meecrob1261]

How could you pick danger over dusty. Seriously.

[@jlg5967]

Dustin Martin has a better Grand Final record than Franklin,Ablett,Dangerfield and Leigh Matthews.

[@Dude-etiquette]

Dusty is definitely not in the top 3, top 10 for sure but not top 3. Although I don’t agree with Leigh’s list as well

[@M-lt6kx]

Did Caro say Dusty is better than Jnr? Time to hang up the boots Caro, you're cooked.

[@content7671]

On raw footballing ability, IMO 1.Ablett 2.Buddy 3.Martin

[@servercannell5853]

Lethal was pretty spot on. And with his pedigree, I'm in no position to argue.

[@iankearns774]

Selwood at Geelong would be ahead of Martin as well, 4 Premierships, 6 times all Australian. Luke Hodge up there as well. 4 Premierships 2 Norm Smiths, 3 times all Australian, no way known was Dusty Martin, Norm Smith in all 3 Grand Finals, maybe 2 of them but not 3.

[@jackogamer340]

💀💀💀💀💀

[@freespeechisdead202]

Before I press play, let me guess. Caro is gonna be kissing Dusty butt cheeks. Her claiming that Dusty alone dragged Richmond out of the dust closet is laughable. Richmond had a good balanced team. Thats why they won. It wasnt a single individual. It is a team sport afterall or hasnt Caro realized this yet. Just wondering if she spent the whole night writing up her little speech and yes Caro you are biased as always. I guess thats what feeds your narcissistic nature.

[@S10xxxx]

Don't find it staggering - Dustin Martin technically and by any measure is a far less talent than buddy Franklin, you can find a Dusty again someone who kicks 3 and gets 20 touches is easier to find than a Key forward like lance Franklin who can literally decide games every week by kicking 10.

[@41d41dd]

2016 was the year Dustin pulled his finger out and started playing with purpose, in his first 6 years he was inconsistent, unreliable and was almost shown the door to go to GWS. With Leigh's top 3 picks Ablett and Franklin are 1 & 2 either way, Danger at 3 50/50 call there but I would have Judd and Pendlebury above Dustin every time

[@bossleonie7658]

Biased. Incredibly biased

[@Dude-etiquette]

Dusty even in bad form is better than 90%!of players at the moment. The media critics need a story otherwise they get fired

[@steve8510]

waaa waaaa

[@BlakeyPlays2024]

Dangerfield 💀💀💀, Dusty is Cleary better by a ABSOLUTE mile.

[@waynemurphy2825]

Hahahaha Dangerfield and Ablett had their chance in 2020 but got owned by Dusty, judge greats in the biggest games, oh Franklin never turned up either when it mattered, if you had a game for your life with everything on the line ya picking Dusty all day everyday it’s not even close

[@markuswilmes3694]

Exactly danger looked like a first year player that night

[@frankie4fingers552]

Let's not forget that Houli was ROBBED OF TWO NORM SMITHS....Dusty overrated...

[@HorizonOfHope]

Leigh Matthews having Dangerfield ahead of Dusty and pretending his GF performances were the *only* good games he played is outrageous. Utterly ridiculous.

[@brendonwatt6098]

He forgets everyone heard him say he played the best individual season ever in the history of the game…. He’s let the people who’ve ruined this game take control of him. He’s ruining his legacy doing this crap.

[@sleepylizard4781]

Dusty is the GOAT. Every single player would choose his resume over any others. Standing up in big games is what we all dream about as kids in the backyard and he’s done it to the extreme. This is also coming from a crows supporter who had their heart ripped out by the man.

[@frankie4fingers552]

Princess Dusty....he's so overrated

[@RexAlfieLee]

Sorry Caroline but Dustin Martin was never the player that Patrick Dangers was. In fact, Carey was better than both. Btw I never liked Carey, never a North's fan. Dustin has been great but he's not the on-field player that Danger is.

[@jackogamer340]

Dustin ended that debate in the 2020 GF relax.

[@RexAlfieLee]

@jackogamer340 don't care! Over the course of his career Danger was brilliant most of the time. I'm also not a Geelong fan. I mostly like specific players in each team. I'm not trying to diminish Dusty's career, he's amazing.

[@fellowship8083]

Leave Dusty alone, poor Dusty.

[@jackdaddo5735]

Caro is so biased on Richmond. I cringe every time they're mentioned and she talks about them.

[@peterbrix1155]

Chris Judd is better then both danger and dusty

[@grausit2196]

caro is so annoying

[@devilwarr1or]

Lol you're ignoring that he TWICE held up the tigers for more money the first time he went back with his tail between his legs when noone wanted him and the second time he forced them to add an extra half million a year to his contract to keep him.

[@chrisduff5619]

So biased.

[@paulweston285]

Dusty will retire immediately after his 300th and his manager is currently looking for a home on the Gold Coast for him.

[@brettread1347]

Who really cares

[@twentyfourseven7988]

Buddy 2gfs, no brownlow, no norm Smith medals,,,,,, no gary ayres medals. Dusty, 3gfs, brownlow medal, norm Smith medals x3 Gary Ayres medal x3, Yep Buddy was way better, BAHAHAHAHA

[@carletonclements4931]

Dusty is not top 250 players of this century.

[@jackogamer340]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@Klistern2]

Look Caro, not everyone is a Richmond fan and I think Leigh Mathews has earned the right to his own opinion, but thats all it is, one dudes opinion. Is Dusty a top 3 player of the century? Def top 5, but top 3 is pushing it. Mathews, Ablets, Silvagni, Judd, all these guys are better players and that is difficult to argue. Dustin was by far the best player in that team hence all the accolades, but Leigh is correct.