Dusty's demons: Footy superstar Dustin Martin opens up on his love for house parties, his struggles with fame and mental health - as he reveals what his tattoos REALLY mean
- Footy superstar Dustin Martin opened up about the meaning behind his tattoos
- 'They're cheeky, funny; they're who I am and I love the imagery,' Martin said
- The 27-year-old also lifted the lid on his struggles with fame and his inner turmoil
- He admitted the feeling of an unfulfilled life had crept up on him out of surprise
Dustin Martin has opened up on his struggles with fame and mental health and the therapy that comes from a good house party
Brownlow medalist Dustin Martin has opened up on his struggles with fame and mental health - and the therapeutic effects of a good house party.
Affectionately known by his fans as 'Dusty', the 27-year-old Richmond Tigers' superstar has historically stayed tight-lipped over his private life.
However, the All-Australian midfielder has broken that streak, revealing a darker episode with mental health issues.
'I woke with an empty feeling inside and it was really strange,' the inked-up Martin told Executive Style.
'I had everything I wanted and everything I dreamed of, but I didn't feel fulfilled or happy.'
Martin seems destined for the AFL Hall of Fame after he became the first player in history to complete the trifecta of a premiership, Brownlow Medal and Norm Smith medal in a single season in 2017.
Behind the publicity and glamour of his career, Martin openly admitted to a darker, lesser-known side of his life, saying 2018 was a difficult year for him due to the constant pressure of maintaining his peak performance.
Behind the publicity and glamour of his career, Martin openly admitted to a darker, lesser-known sider of his life, saying 2018 was a difficult year for him
While the 27-year-old Richmond star traditionally stayed tight-lipped about his private life, he has revealed a darker episode with mental health issues (pictured, 2013 snap, one of the AFL superstar's few social media posts, was captioned 'LA familia')
'I woke with an empty feeling inside and it was really strange,' Martin said (pictured, Dustin Martin with Bonnie Anderson and showbiz and sports agent Ralph Carr)
Add his publicised controversies with feeling of an unfulfilled life - despite being surrounded with everything he wanted - Martin knew he was in trouble.
He made headlines in 2012 after he was suspended from the AFL for missing a compulsory training session after taking sleeping pills.
Three years later he was accused of threatening to stab a woman in the face with chopsticks - but was later cleared.
On top of that, his father Shane was deported to New Zealand in 2016 because of a criminal record and alleged motorcycle gang connections.
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Not long ago news circulated he was dating singer and model Bonnie Anderson - though that rumour was quickly put to bed when she announced that she was in a relationship with a different man.
For Martin it has been a dangerous balancing act as he juggles his bad boy image with his playing prestige.
And while he remains closed-off about his private life, for the most part, his tattoos track his growth as a person from when he got his first ink at the age of 16.
'They're cheeky, funny; they're who I am and I love the imagery,' he said.
The phrase 'Live life' is inked across his knuckles as a constant reminder of life's fragility.
And rather than allow himself to spiral out of control with all of life's drama, Martin said he spoke out about his feelings - about the constant pressure to please his club and the crowds.
And he says the talking helped.
To keep himself in check, Martin took up daily meditation sessions and makes sure to sit in on yoga classes whenever he has free time.
Coming off the back of the winning streak in 2017, Martin said he felt the constant pressure to keep up his performance
Add the feeling of an unfulfilled life - despite being surrounded with everything he wanted - Martin says he knew he was in trouble
Rather than allowing himself to spiral out of control, Martin said he spoke about his feelings, about the constant pressure to please his club and the crowds (pictured, Martin was rumoured to be dating Elissa Burns in mid-2018)
Add his passion for reading - which he rediscovered during a spiritual hike through Bali during the previous summer - to his new routine and Martin has struck the perfect balance to keep himself and his mind in top shape (pictured is Ms Burns)
Add his passion for reading - which he rediscovered during a spiritual hike through Ubud in Bali during the previous summer - to his new routine and Martin has struck the perfect balance to keep himself and his mind in top shape.
Though that's not to say the AFL superstar has taken on a monkish life, as he admits he still loves to be DJ at a house party with close friends.
Martin's latest love interest is said to be brunette beauty and Vivien's bikini model Elissa Burns - the couple were in New Zealand around the same time mid last year, as Ms Burns went for model duties, and Martin went to visit his father.
He is also a Bonds and vitamin brand Voost ambassador and sealed deals with watch group Kennedy, Jeep and Puma.
The support from his mother Kathy and grandmother Lois, who watch his game every weekend - has also helped to build a solid foundation underneath the AFL player.
And surrounded with good people, Martin has learned to sidestep any attempts of self-sabotage.
'You've got people pumping your tyres up all the time and it could easily go to my head,' he said.
And now he has set his sights on taking his team to another premiership. And for him, it's not all about winning.
For him, it's a game where you win some and lose some. Instead of letting the nerves get to him, he realises he is playing the game he loves.
And as Martin says, that has set him free.
Martin's latest love interest is rumoured to be brunette beauty and Vivien's bikini model Elissa Burns - the couple were in New Zealand around the same time mid last year, as Ms Burns went for model duties, and Martin went to visit his father
For Martin, AFL is a game where you win some and lose some. Instead of letting the nerves get to him, he realises he is playing the game he loves
