In his trademark number four, Dustin Martin returned to the footy field for the first time since his retirement in 2024 on Saturday afternoon.
Lining up for the Port Douglas Crocs in the AFL Cairns league, Martin helped the Crocs maintain their perfect start to 2026 with a 47-point win over South Cairns Cutters.
A joyous crowd wrapped itself around the ground to watch arguably the best finals player of all time, and Martin didn't disappoint as he kicked his first goal late in the opening quarter.
Playing in the forward line, a ball was bombed in by Port Douglas ruckman Thomas Cantwell from a centre clearance.
The ball landed on the deck 25m out from goal and in congestion, Martin kicked it off the canvas, and it dribbled through for his first major since that famous goal in his last game at the MCG against Hawthorn.
Martin then added a second goal to his tally with a right-footed check side sailing through the big sticks to the raptures of the crowd.
More than 5,000 fans rolled through the gates at Port Douglas Sporting Complex to see Martin take to the field again.
As reported by Code Sports, Martin's former coach Damien Hardwick shared that the Richmond legend was unusually nervous about lacing up the boots again.
"He texted me last night (saying) ‘local footy's the best'," Hardwick said.
"It's great for the crowd to see. This guy's a wonderful player, and he brings a lot of people in."
