Dustin Martin mourning the death of his father Shane Martin who passed away in New Zealand

Dustin Martin is mourning the death of his father Shane Martin, who passed away in New Zealand where he has been living since 2016.

Dustin Martin with his father Shane Martin in Auckland New Zealand.

Richmond superstar Dustin Martin is mourning the death of his father.

Shane Martin passed away in New Zealand where he has been living since 2016.

The circumstances of his death are not yet known.

Richmond was made aware of Shane Martin’s death on Friday and has thrown its full support behind its champion midfielder and triple Norm Smith Medallist.

“The Richmond Football Club is mourning the passing of Shane Martin,” the club said in a statement.

“The club extends its heartfelt sympathy to Dustin, his brothers Bronson and Tyson, and the entire Martin family in this extremely difficult time.”

Dustin Martin, 30, shared a close relationship with his father and made frequent trips to New Zealand to visit him before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Shane Martin was deported on grounds of character in 2016 and had failed in his recent attempts to re-enter the country.

Dustin Martin with his dad at the AFL draft before being picked by the Tigers.

Dustin Martin told Fox Footy earlier this year the time apart had been difficult, and said he played for his dad.

“It’s been a massive challenge, but it is what it is,” Martin told Fox Footy.

“I love my dad and he’s made me the man I am today. I’ve got full belief he’ll (be) back here to watch us win another flag.

“That’s my dream to be able to have the old man up there (in the grandstand) with the rest of my family and watch the Tiges win another flag.”

After 12 months apart, the Tigers permitted Martin to see his father in April this year when there was a travel bubble between New Zealand and Australia.

Shane Martin watching on during Richmond’s grand final win over GWS. Picture: AAP Images

Martin, who is one of the AFL’s best players and biggest names, was sidelined at the time with concussion.

The Brownlow Medallist’s 2017 campaign was described as one of the most brilliant individual seasons in the game’s history.

He has also powered Richmond to three premierships and is the only player in the game to win three Norm Smith Medals for his scintillating performances in the 2017, 2019 and 2020 Grand Finals.

Martin’s season ended early this year when he suffered a lacerated kidney in a heavy collision with Brisbane’s Mitch Robinson.

The brilliant Tiger lost 10 kilograms in the aftermath but was on track to make a full recovery in time for the new season next year.