Fans mock Dustin Martin’s Origin best on ground award ‘joke’

The West Australian
VideoDustin Martin appeared shocked when named best on ground in the AFL's blockbuster State of Origin clash.

Dustin Martin, best on ground.

The two concepts go together like an old pair of socks.

It’s yin and yang, beer and schnitty, Rick and Morty; you simply can’t have one without the other.

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED IN AFL’S CHARITY STATE OF ORIGIN

But after winning two Norm Smiths in three years when arguably he wasn’t the best player in either grand final, fans weren’t too stoked to see Dustin Martin again nominated best on ground on Friday night.

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Camera IconDustin Martin kicks the ball during the Charity State of Origin for Bushfire Relief match. Credit: AAPIMAGE

Martin was voted as the player of the match in Friday night’s AFL State of Origin blockbuster.

The AFL released to the public how the medal was awarded on the back of a five-member judging panel where each voting member handed out voted on a 3, 2, 1 basis.

Martin tallied 10 votes from the judging panel, finishing ahead of Josh Kelly (six votes) and Scott Pendlebury (five votes). Stephen Coniglio (three votes) was the only other player to receive votes from more than one judge.

Martin received two votes from Nick Riewoldt, one vote from Luke Hodge, three votes from Ray Gallagher (president of the Omeo District Football Netball League), one vote from Stephen Griffin (CEO SES), and three votes from the official fan’s poll.

Fox Footy’s Kath Loughnan joked with Nick Riewoldt in the Victorian rooms after full-time: “Dusty, best on ground... very original,” she said.

Her cheeky sentiments were shared by fans, who thought while he flashed as he always does, there were others more worthy of the honour.

Even Dusty looked surprised when called.

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