- Dustin Martin has been away in New Zealand
- He cannot play for Richmond this weekend
- Doubts about Martin’s future have increased
Richmond legend Dustin Martin was unable to prove his fitness for this weekend’s match against Port Adelaide as he was in New Zealand.
According to 7News reporter Mitch Cleary, Martin spent the beginning of the week overseas and did not return to Melbourne until Tuesday evening.
“He traveled there last week to visit family but missed the Tigers’ loss to the Giants,” Cleary said.
‘He returned late on Tuesday evening, so he never had the chance to prove he was fit due to his ongoing back problems.’
The 33-year-old was unable to play in this weekend’s match against the Power due to a persistent back injury, which has seen him miss the Tigers’ last two games.
He was absent from Punt Road on Thursday and there are growing doubts whether he will ever appear on the field in yellow and black again.
The three-time Norm Smith Medallist has been heavily linked with a reunion with Damien Hardwick on the Gold Coast next year, with other reports suggesting he could retire from football altogether.
Dustin Martin took an overseas trip to New Zealand, it has been revealed
The 33-year-old has been ruled out of this weekend’s match against Port Adelaide
“It’s a little frustrating for us,” Richmond coach Adam Yze said of Martin’s back injury.
“We were hoping he would get up for training today. His back is still a little bit sore. So if we send him out today, he’ll probably aggravate it again.
‘So it’s easier for us to rule him out this week and offer him a bit more training intensity the week after.
‘He’s got a curved back right now – the spasms. So if we try to push him through that now, it could get worse.
“We’re giving him that extra time so hopefully he can get back on his feet next week.”