Dusty Martin’s Richmond future clouded as fitness issues linger

When — or if — Dustin Martin will run out in Tigers colours remains up in the air. JON RALPH has the latest on the Richmond star’s clouded future.

Dustin Martin has battled soft-tissue concerns this year. Picture: Michael Klein

Dustin Martin’s hopes of playing another game at Richmond this year remain clouded given he will need multiple weeks building fitness when he recovers from his lingering back issue.

Martin returned to Richmond from a trip meeting family in New Zealand this week and is hopeful of training with the Tigers next Tuesday.

But having missed three weeks of training after limping off injured against Carlton with that back ailment in round 16, he will now have to build up his fitness base.

Martin has battled soft-tissue concerns including a calf concern this year so the Tigers will be determined not to put him on an AFL field anywhere less than AFL-ready.

Dustin Martin’s hopes of playing another game at Richmond this year remain clouded. Picture: Getty Images

It means he might only have a handful of games left in Richmond colours given the club has only five games left after their clash against Port Adelaide this weekend.

The Tigers were able to fly to Adelaide for their clash against the Power on Friday without incident despite the cyber shutdown that affected some airlines and airports.

But while Richmond will be keen to play Martin when he is fit, there is no point bringing him back only for him to suffer a season-ending or even career-ending injury.

It means the club is hopeful rather than certain the 33-year-old will return again later in the year.

Martin travelled to New Zealand to see family over the weekend when it became apparent he was not going to be able to train again.

Richmond had no issue with his trip given players often travel interstate to see family.

Richmond coach Adem Yze and football boss Tim Livingstone were well aware of his plans, but given they did not publicise them the club drew criticism for the secretive nature of the trip.

is hopeful rather than certain Dustin Martin will return again later in the year. Picture: Getty Images

Gold Coast is interested in Martin’s future but they might be keen to at least see whether he still has the fire in the belly before offering him a new contract.

But given his continuing issues, hopes that he might play on at Richmond next year continue to drift.

The club is likely to again battle onfield next year with a developing list and Martin has been subjected to heavy criticism of his form playing in a side without much flow inside 50.

It is another reason why retirement or a single-season contract at the Suns see much likelier prospects than Martin signing a new deal at Richmond.