Footy great Trent Cotchin lauds former Richmond teammate Dustin Martin ahead of his 300th game - and offers an insight into what makes the AFL superstar tick

Retired Richmond premiership captain Trent Cotchin has given a heartfelt tribute to good friend and ex-Tigers teammate Dustin Martin, but wishes he would share more of himself.

Martin, 32, will celebrate his 300th game this weekend, with 80,000 adoring fans expected to descend on the MCG to toast the champion.

Martin has been eager to stay away from the spotlight for his entire footy career and and is unlikely to be interviewed pre or post-game.

Cotchin respects Martin's privacy, but would love for him to tell his story. 

'So many people want to hear from him, and there's a big reason why I would love for him to tell more of his story, (but) there's obviously no reason why we would put the pressure on him to do so,' Cotchin told Channel 7's Talking Footy.

'He's already inspired so many kids out there today, but more of the depth of his story will inspire an even wider demographic of people.'

Cotchin then went on to give an insight into the Martin that people don't get to see. 

'You know what? He's one of the most grateful humans that I know,' Cotchin said.

'And he's spent many a moments across his career where, whether it's a trying time or the highs of highs — which, we all know, there have been plenty of them for him — gratitude has been something that has lit him up. He's just an incredible human, to be honest.'

Tigers great Jack Riewoldt recent described Martin as 'an enigma', but Cotchin went into a bit more detail.

'What do you value more: the emotional intelligence or the intellectual intelligence?' he said.

'He is one of those guys that is just brilliant with reading — whether it's in a game scenario or in a room with a group of the boys — he just has this way of lighting up a room with story and engaging and making people feel really welcome.

'The love that my family have for his as well is a credit to the person that he is.

'He values loyalty and love. He is one of those people that, yes, he is the life of the party, whether that be in the changerooms or when he's out and about and having a couple of quiet beers, but he is just one of those special people that make you feel better about being around because he does bring people together.'

According to News Corp, Martin wants to go travelling after his career ends and has reportedly told friends that he has struggled for motivation to train and play this year.

The Tigers are willing to offer him a new deal and hope that Martin wants to end his career as a one-club player.