Dustin Martin back in Melbourne after taking self-imposed break from footy
After weeks of speculation about his AFL career, Tigers superstar Dustin Martin has raised hopes he will soon make a comeback to Punt Rd.TONY SHEAHAN
April 19, 2022 - 7:54PM
AFL superstar Dustin Martin is back in Melbourne and training, with speculation he could soon return to the game.
Martin was spotted working out at a friend’s gym in Port Melbourne on Easter Monday, raising hopes he will soon make a comeback with the Tigers after a self-imposed break.
The triple premiership star’s last game was Richmond’s opening round clash with Carlton on March 17.
Days later coach Damian Hardwick revealed Martin needed time out to process personal issues, including the sudden death of his father Shane.
Friends of Martin said at the time, he even thought about retiring.
But it is understood the 261 game midfielder is considering joining teammates at Punt Rd as early as this week.
It is very unlikely Martin would be an option to play in Richmond’s Sunday night blockbuster against ladder leader and reigning premier Melbourne.
Dustin Martin may soon resume training with his teammates. Picture: Getty Images
However friends of the 2017 Brownlow Medallist confirmed to the Herald Sun he wanted to play again soon and could participate in the club’s main training session this Thursday morning.
Whenever he returns, it will be an enormous boost for the Tigers who sit 11th on the ladder after two wins from the first five matches of the season.
It is believed Martin spent much of the last month in Sydney as he grieved the death of his father in New Zealand in December.
Richmond agreed to his request for time away, deeming it best for player and club, with Hardwick declaring last month: “He’s just taking some personal time at the moment’’.
“We’ll give him his time,’’ Hardwick said.
“He’s so important to the fabric of our footy club, we just want to make sure he’s OK and he’s getting what he needs.”
Martin shared a close bond with his father, who had ties to the Rebels motorcycle gang and was deported from Australia in 2016 on the grounds of bad character.
Shane Martin, who was 54 when he died, watched his son win the 2017 flag and Brownlow from New Zealand in 2019 and told the Herald Sun he dreamt of returning to Australia to watch his star son play again.
Martin told Fox Footy earlier this year it was also his dream to win another grand final with his father watching from the stands.
“I love my dad and he’s made me the man I am today,” Dustin said
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