Dustin Martin’s father dies in New Zealand

Richmond star Dustin Martin is in mourning for his father, who died in New Zealand on Friday afternoon.

The AFL club confirmed Mr Martin’s death in a statement on Saturday morning.

Richmond footballer Dustin Martin (left) with his father Shane Martin.

Mr Martin, a former outlaw motorcycle gang member, had been residing in New Zealand since 2016, after being deported from Australia in 2016 on the grounds of bad character.

“The club extends its heartfelt sympathy to Dustin, his brothers, Bronson and Tyson, and the entire Martin family,” the club said in a statement.

“We ask the media to respect Dustin and the Martin family’s privacy in this extremely difficult time.”

NZ Police have confirmed that they attended a property on Friday afternoon on the street in which Shane Martin lived, where a man was located deceased.

There did not appear to be any suspicious circumstances, police told the NZ Herald.

A Richmond spokesperson said the club was giving Dustin Martin their full support, and as much time as he needed.

Martin visited his father in April, having not seen him for more than 12 months at that stage, due to the impact of COVID-19.

“It’s been a massive challenge, but it is what it is,” Martin said on Fox Footy during an interview with AFL great Nick Riewoldt earlier this year.

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

Shane Martin, a former Rebels bikie boss, attempted to return to Australia in early 2020 but was deported after flying into Sydney Airport and claiming he had Aboriginal heritage.

Since his deportation, he had launched a number of legal bids to return to Australia.

Shane Martin’s wife, Adriana, and three adult children all live in Australia.

Shane Martin moved to Australia at the age of 20 and lived here until the age of 49 when his visa was cancelled by then immigration minister Peter Dutton.

Dustin Martin has been recuperating from a serious injury which ended his season in round 18 when he suffered a lacerated kidney against the Brisbane Lions on the Gold Coast.

The Brownlow medallist was forced to spend nine days in hospital in Queensland and ended up losing about 15 kilograms.

The severity of the injury will end up precluding Martin from contact training for at least six months, with the club not planning on reintroducing the superstar to that part of the program until mid-January.

But given the tragedy he is now dealing with, it remains to be seen when Martin will be ready to return to Punt Road.

With Ronny Lerner