Dustin Martin admitted he didn’t like public speaking and asked host Bruce McAvaney to keep he presentation brief.

That didn’t save him from some tough questions, but the Richmond star handled himself as well on stage as he does on the field after winning the 2017 Brownlow Medal.

And even though he said a friend wrote his speech, it sounded straight from the heart.

Read edited highlights of his winning interview and the full text of his short speech below.

Camera Icon Dusty and Bruce - an unlikely pairing.

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BRUCE McAVANEY: One of the biggest talking points this year has been your contract, and, you know, you and Ralph (Carr) have done an incredible job and everything turned out how you wanted it to turn out, but how did you personally handle that?

DUSTIN MARTIN: It was certainly stressful. By the end of it, I was sick of everyone talking about it, sick of my ugly face being in the paper every day. Ralph was great to me. I pretty much lived at his house towards the end, I’m just glad it got done.

BM: It obviously didn’t impact on the way you were playing. How did you manage that?

DM: Once you step on the footy field all you think about is footy. It is the best two hours of the week. As soon as I got to the ’G, it was game on.

BM: Take us back a bit, mate. You said you were born to be an AFL footballer. I know you did Auskick as a young kid. What did mum and dad do for you when you were a youngster growing up for your footy career.

DM: I was like any young kid, loved his footy. Mum and dad introduced me to Auskick when I was five or six and I loved footy ever since then. I’m really happy to be living my dream now.

Camera Icon Dustin Martin and his beloved Brownlow Medal. Credit: Getty Images

BM: I read mum’s story how you had the St Kilda hat on ...

DM: I was pretty filthy at her because I told her not to talk to any media.

BM: She did. Have you forgiven her?

DM: Yeah, it took me a couple of days.

BM: She makes a big effort. Is it true that Kath comes down on the train with the Martin army?

DM: Yeah.

BM: Tell us about that. Tell us about that on game day for you?

Camera Icon Dustin Martin and his manager Ralph Carr. Credit: Getty Images

DM: It’s awesome. Mum, my mum, my Nan, aunty and uncle and three or four little cousins come along. My brothers. My brother is flying back from Spain this week to watch the granny, so I appreciate their support.

BM: How old were you when you left school, mate?

DM: I think I was about 14, 14-and-a-half. I just wasn’t a fan of school. Probably should have stayed in school because I worked a heap of shy jobs after that. But, yeah, here I am today.

BM: You did help dad out in Sydney. That was tough.

DM: He said if I wasn’t at school he was going to work me hard so I was getting to work six in the morning and leaving at six at night and absolutely hated it.

BM: Richmond took you and your mum to lunch, I know that. And you went to the Tigers. Who have been the people who are important to you at the Richmond footy club.

DM: Obviously the coach and Trent, they have been great for me, great support. Always stood up for me. But everyone involved at the club, it is a great club and I really love it there. I love all my teammates as well.

BM: Is it true that you and your dad -- you were with Ralph and there was a critical meeting a couple of years back where things changed for you. Can you tell us a little bit about that?

DM: Yeah, I was just a young bloke who liked to play up every now and then and I’m sure Ralph and my old man were sick of it and the club too, probably, so they sat me down and told me to pull my head in or they won’t help me any more. Ever since then I think I’ve pulled my head in a little bit.

BM: You went away with Swanny last year, didn’t you?

DM: Yeah ... Luckily we are in the Grand Final this week because I don’t think I would be able to handle the celebrations with him tonight. I’m sure he is going mad somewhere. But we are going away in a couple of weeks, so it should be a bit of fun.

BM: I’m sure it will be. Now, the biggest week of your life has probably got a little bit more complicated because of tonight. Have you got a game plan for the next few days?

DM: Not really, just go to training tomorrow. Get ready for the Grand Final. But, no, it is a very awesome position to be in. I wouldn’t have thought in a million years I would be up here getting a Brownlow and playing in an AFL Grand Final so I’m soaking it up and enjoying it.

Camera Icon To the victor go the spoils. Credit: Getty Images

BM: Mate, you had a speech, you told me.

DM: A friend wrote it for me, but hopefully I can read the writing. I was going to try and say a gag but I’m not very funny, so I’ll just leave that. Here we go.

Obviously, to get where I am today has taken a heap of support from some great people I really trust in my life.

Obviously Mum and Dad, you have always supported me with my footy and I couldn’t have got here without you both. I’m so grateful for everything you have done for me.

To Dad, I know it is tough for you not being here this week, but I know how much you love me and I love you very much. I look forward to coming over in a couple of weeks and celebrating.

To my manager and good friend, Ralph Carr, you are like family to me and always looked after my best interests. I appreciate everything you have done for me.

Nearly there.

To everyone at the Richmond Football Club, the coaches, the staff, the sponsors, Jeep and Shaun from Puma -- he wanted me to get his name in there -- what have I got here ... what a week we have got in front of us. I can’t thank you enough and I can’t wait to finish it off with success this week, hopefully.

And to my teammates, I’m so proud of you all and I’m so proud of what we have been able to achieve together. This medal is because of each of you and the connection we have and the support we give each other. I couldn’t think of a better group of guys to go into a Grand Final with.

We have worked hard all year for this moment, and I’m excited for what we are about to do. Thank you.

(APPLAUSE)

BM: Ladies and gentlemen, I want that speech writer, Dusty. The Brownlow medallist of 2017, the Richmond Grand Finalist, Dustin Martin.

- The Herald Sun