Australian Football

Tony Martyn made his TANFL debut with Sandy Bay in 1976 and immediately stamped himself as a performer of immense potential, and no small amount of skill. Named the TANFL's rookie of the year that season, he capped things off by helping his team to a 21.10 (136) to 9.9 (63) grand final annihilation of Glenorchy. After playing in further premiership teams in 1977 and 1978, and winning the club's best and fairest award in the latter year, he transferred to Melbourne where he gave solid service in 32 VFL games over the next two and a half seasons. Midway through the 1981 season he joined Port Adelaide, playing a total of 15 SANFL games including that year's winning Grand Final against Glenelg when he was one of the best players afield.

Martyn returned to Sandy Bay in 1982 a much more accomplished and assured player. Equally effective when playing across the centre, on a half forward flank, or on the ball, he was the dominant player in the league in 1982 and 1983, winning the William Leitch Medal both seasons. He also won consecutive best and fairest awards for the Seagulls, and the Lefroy Medal as Tasmania's best player in interstate matches in 1982. The last of his 129 senior games for Sandy Bay was the losing Grand Final of 1986 against Glenorchy. In 2001, Tony Martyn was named among Sandy Bay's official 'Best 25 Players'.

Author - John Devaney