Richmond drops Dustin Martin bombshell on eve of crunch AFL clash with the Western Bulldogs
Richmond drops Dustin Martin bombshell on eve of crunch AFL clash with the Western Bulldogs
- Richmond dropped a Dustin Martin bomb
- Footy superstar not playing Western Bulldogs
- It is a huge blow to interim coach Andrew McQualter
Richmond has dropped a roster bomb by letting superstar Dustin Martin out of Friday night’s crunch clash with the Western Bulldogs.
Toby Nankervis is back from suspension and Jayden Short returns from injury to strengthen the Tigers, who can replace the eighth-seeded Bulldogs in the top eight with a win at Marvel Stadium.
But Martin and former captain Trent Cotchin have been managed due to the brief hiatus following last Sunday’s defeat to Melbourne.
Martin’s absence in particular is a blow to Richmond’s chances after interim coach Andrew McQualter spoke highly of the 32-year-old’s form at his weekly press conference.
There was no hint from McQualter that the three-time Norm Smith medalist would be rested.
Richmond dropped a bomb on the eve of their clash with Western Bulldogs
Footy superstar Dustin Martin is rested for Friday night’s big game
Tigers co-captain Nankervis, who has missed the last three games due to suspension, will be important against Dogs ruckman Tim English in combination with Ivan Soldo.
“We are aware that Tim English is a damn good player,” said McQualter.
“He’s having a great season and we think we have plans to take care of him.
“As you can imagine, Toby, he can’t wait to get out again and we can’t wait to have him back on our team.”
Another big task will be the Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli, with the Tigers paying close attention to the excellent work GWS veteran Callan Ward did with him last week.
“He’s very hard to stop, Bontempelli … Ward did a very special job,” McQualter said.
“I’m sure Bont will try to bounce back.”
The Bulldogs welcome Liam Jones back from the broken arm he suffered in round 14, but Josh Bruce underwent his second knee reconstruction in two years on Thursday.
It’s a blow to interim Richmond coach Andrew McQualter
“It’s quite traumatic for him… it’s been a bit of a lonely rehabilitation period during a pandemic, last time with the other knee,” Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said.
“At least he has family nearby.
“He’s being operated on with some trepidation and then we’ll just support him on the other side.”
Ed Richards will also return after missing the Bulldogs’ loss to the Giants through illness, with James O’Donnell recalled to cover the injuries of Bruce, Alex Keath and Ryan Gardner.