- Martin has been on leave from the Tigers since round 16
- Has been suffering from back spasms after 300th game
- A telling act while on leave has Tigers top brass frustrated
Richmond officials are reportedly angry over the movements and future of Dustin Martin after the veteran star committed a very telling act while on leave from the club.
It’s been claimed that the club was unaware that Martin played golf last week while injury left him unavailable for their 16.20 (116) to 11.9 (75) loss to Port Adelaide.
The revelation has added to the growing tension within the club concerning Martin’s commitment and future.
The 33-year-old was granted personal leave between rounds 18 and 19 to visit friends and family in New Zealand.
Despite returning to training at Punt Road on Monday for a light session, management are privately irritated that their superstar was fit enough to play golf but not play for the battling club.
Martin has been struggling with a back injury since being subbed out during Richmond’s round 16 loss to Carlton.
As Martin’s nine-year mega-deal approaches its end this season, Richmond appears uncertain about his next steps.
Richmond management is reportedly growing frustrated at the continued unavailability of Dustin Martin (pictured)
The superstar played his 300th game at the MCG on June 15 (pictured) but was taken from the field with back spasms the week after and has not played since
Coach Adem Yze recently defended the decision to let Martin travel to New Zealand amidst his injury troubles.
‘I don’t really care what other people say … he needed some time away. He wasn’t going to be available to play, so he got away and spent some time with family, and he’ll come back into our program and try to get fit for the next game,’ he said.
However, speculation continues to swirl that Martin has already mentally checked out ahead of a potential move to the Gold Coast Suns in 2025.
Martin, who was the first player drafted by Richmond during former coach Damien Hardwick’s 14-year tenure, has long been linked with a move north since Hardwick took over from Stuart Dew.
Hardwick has also previously hinted at a potential AFL reunion with Martin on the Gold Coast.
‘He’s a really, really good player, there’s no doubt about that, and every single club would be crazy if they didn’t sit there and at some stage make an assessment,’ he said.
‘Like 17 other clubs, we’re always looking for good players.
‘Gold Coast is no different. Those list management calls will get made at the back-end of the year.’
Club officials are frustrated that Martin was unavailable against Port Adelaide but was fit enough to play golf in New Zealand
A Gold Coast reunion with former Richmond coach Damien Hardwick is on the cards
It comes with Richmond languishing at the bottom of the ladder with just two wins and 16 losses.
Sam McClure claimed there was frustration growing within the walls of Punt Road on Channel 9’s Footy Classified.
‘Richmond’s public position is there’s nothing to see here, we still hope and expect him to play this week and for the remainder of his contract,’ McClure said,
‘There is frustration building internally with how the last few weeks has played out with Dustin Martin.’
The Tigers are now contemplating how to conclude the season with Martin, potentially arranging a farewell game.
‘Richmond would like for him to play at least one more time, a farewell game. He won’t play at Punt Road beyond this season,’ McClure said.
‘Clearly, with his lack of training and lack of coming to the club in the last weeks, he has, to some degree, checked out of that part of his career.’
Essendon champion Matthew Lloyd echoed those sentiments, saying, ‘What a circus that has been.’
‘I don’t know if they need another game because he’s already had such an amazing farewell against Hawthorn.
‘What a time that would have been, when he waved to everyone [at the MCG].’