Plenty of players were better than Ablett in his first 100 games. He was a B grader. He was a 35 goal small forward.That jst isn’t a sound way to compare Trav. Have a look at Ablett’s first 5 years, statistically he ranged between decent and gun small forward/high half forward. If Martin was better than Ablett in the early part of his career then to me it is just another thing to suggest Martin has been a better player overall.
I am rushed today, but you can present any comparison you think is fair by referring to the players’ respective careers at afltables.com
AFL Tables - Dustin Martin - Stats - Statistics
afltables.com
To be honest I think the 2007-10 Ablett 6th to 9th year v the Dusty 2017-20, 7th to 10th year comparison probably gives the best comparison as it is both players in their prime, 98 Brownlow votes Ablett v 97 Brownlow votes Dusty(adjusted for 2020 shortened season.) The finals in those seasons should be indicative.
It's no feather in Martin's cap, or any quality midfielder, to say they had Ablett covered prior to 2007.
Considering you've already done the work, and I haven't, all you have to do is deduct 77 disposals from his total finals tally and take off 5 finals games to adjust the numbers.
I'll do it if you pass on the tallies you've already compiled.
Last edited: