The Big Richo said:
That's just not true.
Dustin's behaviour and personality is probably the most overblown myth in football.
Yes he has been a scallywag and had the occasional ordinary moment on the drink but for the most part he is a quiet, shy, polite young man who does harm to no-one.
It has always amazed me to see just how much negative press Dustin has received, seemingly from when he was first drafted. I understand many people are fearful of anyone who doesn't appear to fit into the prescribed box of regular and these same people just love to both judge and label anyone sitting outside that box. Unfortunately for Dustin, when enough mud is thrown some of it will always stick, although, I must say it has been interesting to watch the apparent backflip from the media over the past few years.
From what I've seen of Dustin, especially as he has mutured and grown into his potential, he still has an aura of gentleness around him. To me, that gentleness shone through on the night of the Brownlow in 2017. If you watch Dustin closely you can see that despite being clearly uncomfortable in the spotlight and despite many people slamming Bruce M. for his interviewing techniques, Dustin is relying on Bruce to help draw the information and the words the audience were waiting to hear from him. Watch Dustin as he carefully watches Bruce between questions and the kindness and gentleness in his gaze clearly show the the real Dustin.
For those who may often wonder why "Dusty" is so popular with the kids and the not so die-hard fans who perhaps don't fully understand or appreciate the incredible talent he brings to the game, this gentleness in his energy is why - people, and children especially, are drawn to his energy. As an introverted personality I suspect this would have made his younger years quite difficult even without the level of fame he has garnered along the way.