It all goes to script for Richmond champion Dustin Martin who boots the opening goal in his 300th match for the Tigers

The stage was set and Richmond talisman Dustin Martin launched himself straight into the spotlight, kicking the opening goal in his 300th match at the MCG on Saturday.

It was destiny for the champion Tiger, who was held off by Richmond against Adelaide last week so he could celebrate the milestone at the MCG where he famously claimed three premierships.

Coach Adem Yze recalled Martin and key forward Tom Lynch ahead of the clash against Hawthorn, excluding Samson Ryan (Injured) and Dion Prestia (Injured). 

Fans arrived in their thousands sporting the same haircut as the Richmond icon, courtesy of a special Dustin Martin Barber at the Punt Road end of the G.

'I sent Nathan Buckley down there, so it will be interesting to see when he comes up on studio today whether he has got the Dusty haircut,' former teammate Jack Riewoldt joked in commentary. 

The party started early, with fans filling Punt Road Oval to catch the VFL action ahead of the main attraction. 

They streamed down the concourse early and filled the Punt Road end of the stadium, giving Martin a raucous cheer when he emerged early to catch up with former Richmond strength and conditioning coach Peter Burge. 

Friends and family formed a small guard of honour for the superstar who embraced them all individually before bursting through the banner in his honour. 

A private person, Martin declined all media requests in the lead up to the match.

'I don't think it's a silent lead-up,' coach Adem Yze said.

And in typical Dustin Martin fashion, he let his footy do the talking. 

'The Greatest Showman turned up didn't he!' Riewoldt said on Fox Footy.

'The roar came before he'd even kicked it!' fellow commentator Mark Howard replied.

Fans felt the kick was the perfect script for the enigmatic Tigers star.    

'Dustin Martin kicking the first goal at the Punt Road End, we've seen that a few times over his career,' one fan posted.

'I wonder how many punters had Dustin Martin to kick the opening goal,' mused another.

'Dustin Martin is forever the freak,' stated another.

'Dustin Martin has been the greatest player of this generation, and probably the most clutch players to ever play the game. Give the man a statue outside the G. Congrats on 300 games,' posted yet another Dusty fan.

While there's no premiership or Norm Smith Medal on offer this time, Richmond's modern-day superhero was relishing the chance to put on a show for his legion of fans to mark his latest milestone.

'We're looking forward to it. It's a massive game for him,' Yze said ahead of Martin's 300th AFL game against Hawthorn on Saturday.

'His whole focus will be around performance and trying to get a win for the Tiger Army, and we will be trying to do the same thing for him.'

Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell prepared his team to play the role of 'villains' and spoil Martin's party.

The Hawks were warm favourites, having won five of their past six matches, but were wary of an injury-hit Richmond outfit that still boasts plenty of big-game experience.

'Probably half their side are premiership teammates of Dusty so it's going to be a big challenge for us,' Mitchell said.

'There's the two hours of the actual game and there's the event that goes on around it, which we've got no control over.

'The only thing that we're focused on is making sure that we play the game in the manner that we need to to get the win.'

Martin won three AFL premierships (2017, 2019, 2020) and three Norm Smith Medals in those same years, highlighting his impact in grand finals. 

Martin also secured the prestigious Brownlow Medal in 2017 and was named in the All-Australian team four times (2016, 2017, 2018, 2020). 

His accolades include the Leigh Matthews Trophy, AFLCA champion player of the year, and the Gary Ayres Award, reflecting his consistency and excellence throughout his career.