Liam Martin says it’s a dream come true to win the Clive Churchill Medal after his standout performance in last night’s Grand Final.
Martin scored a try, made 46 tackles and proved an annoyance to Melbourne all night in one of the great forward performances in a decider.
“It means everything. It’s what you dream of,” Martin said.
“It’s just so surreal at the moment. It hasn’t really sunk in.”
Martin said he found something extra in the tank in the second half as a fourth Premiership ring edged closer.
“I was gone, I was busted,” he said.
“I think everyone was out on their feet but we just kept turning up for each other.”
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said it was a terrific performance on the biggest stage.
“Marto is the epitome of big game player. The bigger the game the better he goes,” he said.
“Just some huge players tonight. He was out on his feet in that second half but he just kept finding something.
“He is just all effort and all action, and more than that, it’s skill too.”
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.