Hawthorn champion Luke Hodge is backing Richmond star Dustin Martin to create history by winning a record third Norm Smith Medal.

Hodge and Martin are among just four players to have twice won the prestigious award for best afield honours in a grand final.

Martin has built a reputation as a peerless big-game performer, and he was the star of the show in Richmond’s two recent flags.

The 29-year-old booted four goals from 22 disposals in last year’s grand final demolition of Greater Western Sydney.

And in 2017 when Richmond broke their 37-year flag drought, Martin was again the main man with 29 disposals, six clearances and two goals in a 48-point win over Adelaide.

He has the chance to create history when he takes on Geelong in Saturday’s grand final at the Gabba, and Hodge feels Martin is a good chance to snare a third Norm Smith Medal.

“I wouldn’t be surprised,” Hodge said.

“With the way he’s going and how young he is still, if Richmond keep playing the way they’re playing, then he could finish with four or five.

“For a person who is that relaxed and that chilled, in a big occasion it’s water off a duck’s back.

“He just goes out and plays football and does what he’s good at.”

Hodge said Martin’s ability to do the team thing has been a crucial factor in Richmond’s success in big games.

“The thing about finals is it’s about doing the small things well and being aligned with your teammates,” Hodge said.

“I don’t think Dusty will go out thinking he’s got to be a hero. He does the right things for his teammates and he ends up in the right spots.

“Because he’s reliable to his teammates, they know where he’s going to be. That’s why Richmond have been so good, and that’s why Geelong have been so good this year.”

Meanwhile, AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan confirmed on Monday that a crowd of 30,000 will be permitted for the grand final at the Gabba.

McLachlan said the AFL had taken advice from the Queensland government about what the stadium could safely hold.

NORM SMITH MEDAL MULTIPLE WINNERS

Gary Ayres, Hawthorn (1986, 1988)

Andrew McLeod, Adelaide (1997, 1998)

Luke Hodge, Hawthorn (2008, 2014)

Dustin Martin, Richmond (2017, 2019)