WHAT else can Dustin Martin achieve? How else can he be used? And can teams find a way to stop the most devastating player in the game? They are the three questions set to be answered in what shapes as an intriguing 2018 season for the most exciting player in the game.

Martin completed what Leigh Matthews described as the greatest individual season in the game's history in 2017, winning Brownlow, Norm Smith and premiership medals all in one year – a feat never before achieved.

Ahead of the new season, he has been recognised by his peers as the game's best player, vaulting from No.12 in 2017 into top spot in the Players' Top 50 poll.

Players 5-1 are revealed below, and you can click here to see the full 2018 Players' Top 50.

Superstars Patrick Dangerfield and Nat Fyfe will be coming for Martin's crown as the game's best player, and we're in for a treat if that Brownlow winning pair can play at their best this year.

Many opponents are lucky to lay a glove on Dusty, let alone stop him. Picture: AFL Photos



So how does Martin hold them back?

The first factor is the freedom he will have without the constant speculation about his playing future, after signing a contract extension on the eve of last year's finals series.

"The two hours when you play footy is freedom … you don't have to worry about anything else. That's what I love doing," Martin said after last year's Grand Final.

Anything that gives the Tigers superstar more freedom can only help him and the focus in 2018 will be purely on his football, rather than a bidding war for his services.

Dustin Martin's 2017 25 games 29.8 avg disposals 37 goals Brownlow Medal All Australian Norm Smith Medal AFL Players' Association MVP AFL Coaches' Association Player of the Year Premiership winner Club best and fairest

How about his role?

Damien Hardwick showed a willingness to play Martin as an isolated forward last year, and the powerful midfielder has the authority to move where he thinks he is needed at any time.

As he gets better at using that authority in games, and harnesses his ability as an anchored forward at key points of matches, his influence could grow again.

Martin kicked a career-high 37 goals last year and, with his ability to kick multiple goals in 13 of those games, there's nothing to suggest that tally can't shoot past 50 in 2018 if he plays longer periods forward.

Martin plants a kiss on the 2018 Toyota AFL Premiership Cup after completing an unprecedented clean sweep of last season's major individual awards. Picture: AFL Photos



Having won everything there is to win, what else can Dusty achieve?

Leadership stands out.

Entering his ninth season, Martin has never looked like a natural fit for the Tigers' leadership group before now, and a three-man set-up worked a treat for the club last year.

But Martin's growth on and off the field could see him take on more responsibility in 2018, and that could impact both his and his team's performances if he relishes the opportunity.

• Fans' season previews: The No.1 threat to a Tiger repeat

The question of how teams stop Martin this year can't be answered right now. It will be fascinating to see what they try, but taggers don't work, and there is only one defender in the game that might feel comfortable manning him one-on-one inside 50.

Unfortunately for the rest of the competition, he wears the same jumper as the No.1 player in the game.

- Nathan Schmook

5. Josh Kelly

GWS

Midfielder

Last year's ranking: -

Official AFL Player Rating: 37

Debut: 2014

Games: 84

AFL Fantasy value: $795,000

Ignited a huge bidding war last year when he remained unsigned for much of the season, before he committed to a two-year extension with the Giants in September. The skillful ball-winner took advantage of a move from the wing to the midfield and posted a career-best season where he set a new club record for disposals and tackles. Was also a debuting All Australian and won his first club best and fairest award. Has been named GWS vice-captain this year.

4. Lance Franklin

Sydney

Forward

Last year's ranking: 3

Official AFL Player Rating: 7

Debut: 2005

Games: 271

AFL Fantasy value: $677,000

Didn't miss a game in 2017 as he powered towards 73 goals to win his fourth Coleman Medal, courtesy of a 10-major haul in round 23. Was named All Australian for the seventh time and finished equal second with Jake Lloyd in the Swans' best and fairest. Remains one of the AFL's best forwards and is poised to further cement his name in the game's history this season as he's on track to pass Matthew Lloyd, Leigh Matthews and Peter McKenna on the all-time goal-kickers list.

3. Nat Fyfe

Fremantle

Midfielder

Last year's ranking: 2

Official AFL Player Rating: 54

Debut: 2010

Games: 138

AFL Fantasy value: $686,000

The 2015 Brownlow Medal winner had a solid year last season but lacked his usual power and breakaway speed early on as he built form following his 2016 broken leg. Played 21 games and got better as the year wore on to finish with an average of 26 disposals, while proving a force at the contests and in scoring chains. The Dockers captain signed a huge six-year contract in July to shore up his future until at least the end of 2023.

2. Patrick Dangerfield

Geelong

Midfielder

Last year's ranking: 1

Official AFL Player Rating: 1

Debut: 2008

Games: 202

AFL Fantasy value: $849,000

Another explosive season from the midfield bull that could have very easily have ended with a second Brownlow Medal had he not been controversially deemed ineligible in round 19 for a tackle that left Matthew Kreuzer concussed. Blew midfields away with his consistent ability to win the ball and dominate at the clearances, and gave a preview of his future as a forward line weapon with an unstoppable display in the semi-final win over Sydney.

1. Dustin Martin

Richmond

Midfielder

Last year's ranking: 12

Official AFL Player Rating: 2

Debut: 2010

Games: 178

AFL Fantasy value: $800,000

Catch up on the 2018 Players' Top 50

• View the full rankings

• 50-41: The man who must carry the Suns

• 40-31: Why McGovern is a million-a-year defender

• 30-21: From carefree mid to Giant killer

• 20-16: Joe Daniher's secret weapon

• 15-11: Can the Bont regain his bite?

• 10-6: The unbreakable Rory Sloane

• Players tip 2018's top five breakout stars