Dustin Martin has retired from the AFL, effective immediately, after an injury-affected end to his career at Richmond. The 33-year-old played 302 games for the Tigers.

What happened?

Martin reached his 300th game in June and played two more matches before a back complaint forced him to retire. He kicked the first goal in his 300th game and was left feeling "a little bit numb" by the crowd's celebration.

Why it matters for Dustin Martin

The retirement marks the end of an era for Richmond, with Martin being one of the last players from their dominant teams of 2017-20. He won three premierships and the Norm Smith Medal in each of those years.

Martin was the No.3 pick in the 2009 draft and quickly established himself as a star player despite battling concerns around his professionalism and off-field behaviour. In 2014, he considered leaving Richmond but opted to stay.

What comes next?

Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale praised Martin's impact on the club, saying he gave the Tiger Army "joy" and was a "footballing genius". Martin thanked his teammates, staff, coaches, family, and friends for their support throughout his career.

He also thanked the Tiger Army, saying he felt "loved and supported" throughout his career. Martin's retirement marks a new era for Richmond, with the club undergoing a rebuild after a injury-ravaged start to the season.

The Tiger Army will remember Martin's impressive career, which included 302 games and three premierships. His legacy will live on at Richmond, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest players in the club's history.

Martin's statement announcing his retirement was emotional, with him saying it was "hard to put into words" what the Richmond Football Club meant to him. He will always be grateful for the love and support he received from the people at the club.

The AFL community will miss Martin's impressive skills on the field, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players. His retirement marks the end of an era, but it also marks a new beginning for Richmond and the AFL.