Finals time is a true test of toughness. Tough men in Australian rules are deemed “hard”. Hard at the ball. Hard at the man. Hard of body. Hard of mind. In our current edition, you’ll find our “Capture The Flag” feature, a list of the toughest AFL players who are sure to make an impact in this year’s finals series. In that list you’ll find Richmond Tigers midfielder DUSTIN MARTIN.

The stringy and strong-bodied Martin is as tough as he looks. Well actually, he’s tougher, because facially, he resembles Marshall Mathers. Martin doesn’t talk smack – he just gives it, creating the impression of controlled madness. Powered by pride in his father’s Maori heritage, he has that cool, unflustered attitude toward trouble that marks the hardest of men in any walk of life, football or otherwise. Martin thrives on the heavy traffic and close contact, and emerges with the ball more often than not, leaving opponents floundering or suffering in his wake. He’s also a great finisher, like his team-mate Cotchin, but he’d only be half as effective without the physicality of his game. With his tatts, his wild Mohawk haircuts and his broad shoulders, Martin is reminiscent of Tiger tough-guy of yesteryear, Robbie McGhie.

Back in 2011, while only a teenager, Martin demonstrated that his prediction – “I was made for AFL football” – was not idle. He proved perfectly at home competing against big, fast, experienced opponents. In one game, he brushed off North Melbourne’s strong defender, Michael Firrito, acquiring 35 hard-won possessions and prompting his coach, renowned hard-case Damien Hardwick, to see his value in the modern game: “The contested-possession rate in games with the substitute rule has increased and it’s bringing guys like Dustin back into the game.” In short, this man’s the modern version of the footy tough-guy.