But his University of NSW coach Barry Reid knew a year-and-a-half ago it was only a matter of time before he would become a regular in the green and gold.

Late last year, when chosen to train with the Australian squad in Perth, the 23-year-old Wagga product was happy to be along for the ride and simply impress the right people for the future.

But he has become a key cog in the Kookaburras' defence, an area of their game which was critical in a grinding 3-1 Olympic semi final win over Germany on Tuesday night.

Australia will vie for a second Olympic gold medal against Belgium, who will look to go one better than their silver at Rio, in the final on Thursday night.

"They'd drive from Wagga to Sydney, play one game of hockey and go home," Reid said.

"That's the sort of commitment needed, and he did that for two years. Mum and dad (Lesley and Ross) deserve a medal, because Dylan slept most of the way.

"It was a gradual process, he got better and better, but about 18 months ago he took off.

"All of a sudden we were standing around going 'wow, this guy is close to the top couple of players in Sydney'. We knew he was Australia-bound, we could see it."

Straight after finishing school at Wagga High, Martin moved to Sydney to further his hockey career.

He stayed with University of NSW first grade team manager Jessica Brown and her husband, Matt, for three years.

"They did a fabulous job. My involvement was only a few hours a week for hockey, but you've got to get the off-field stuff right to do well on field," Reid said.

"They basically provided a stable environment while he matured into living away from home.

"He got into NSWIS (NSW Institute of Sport) and his coach Brent Livermore, who played 300-odd games for Australia was bloody good for him.

"Like every kid he'd say 'I should be in that team" and I'd always say to him 'When you're good enough, they'll pick you. You just keep getting better.'

"I coached Australian Schoolboys for a long time and he still tells me he's cranky at me because I never picked him."

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After stalwart Matthew Swann retired in May due to his wife expecting a child, the Kookaburras were in need of a replacement.

They settled on Martin as that man.

"Matthew Swann was a rock in defence for Australia. They were looking for a replacement, Dylan was it and I don't think he's looked back," Reid said.

"I think he's had a pretty good Olympics."

The Olympic final will begin at 8pm on Thursday night.

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