Dustin Martin to play but Jayden Short ruled out of Bulldogs clash

Two Richmond players appear to have overcome their injury concerns, but one key Tiger will still be missing against the Bulldogs.

Richmond expects Dustin Martin and Jacob Hopper to return against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday. Picture: James Elsby / Getty Images

Dustin Martin and Jacob Hopper are set to return for Richmond against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday, but the Tigers will remain without Jayden Short.

A lingering calf issue will keep the long-kicking wingman sidelined for at least another week after he missed Richmond’s loss to Collingwood along with Martin and Hopper.

Richmond physical performance manager Luke Meehan said Martin and Hopper had impressed on the track over the weekend and were expected to be available for selection after battling general soreness and a knee complaint respectively.

Meanwhile, Short will undergo a mini pre-season and possibly miss more weeks as the Tigers take no chances with the 27-year-old’s conditioning.

Jayden Short will be carefully managed in his return from a calf injury and will not play in round 4 against the Western Bulldogs. Picture: Daniel Pockett / Getty Images

“Jayden will progress through a gradual running program and is unavailable in the short-term,” Meehan said.

“We’re putting in some strong rehab training to make sure that we get it right for the rest of the season.

“Dustin and Jacob trained strongly over the weekend and are available to play.”

The Tigers have also listed 2021 first round pick Tom Brown as a “medium-term” injury after it was decided he needed surgery on his wrist.

“Unfortunately, Tom had an appointment with a specialist on Monday and the decision has been made to have surgery on his wrist, ruling him out for the medium term,” Meehan said.

The 193cm defender recently signed a contract extension to keep him at Punt Road until the end of 2025.

Originally published as Dustin Martin to play but Jayden Short ruled out of Bulldogs clash