Tigers allowing Martin to take time for personal issues
RICHMOND superstar Dustin Martin remains on personal leave from the club with Tigers coach Damien Hardwick describing the situation as “personal in nature”.
Martin was again absent on Friday morning as his teammates went through their captain’s run before Sunday’s clash with St Kilda at Marvel Stadium.
The Tigers granted Martin personal leave last week as he grieves the death of his father, Shane, who passed away last December at the age of 54.
“It is personal in nature,” Hardwick said of the Martin situation on Friday morning.
“I do understand everyone has a job to do and the intrigue, but the fact of the matter is we’re just dealing with it internally at this stage.
“When we have information, you’ll be the first to know, trust me,
“We appreciate that everyone does want to know where we’re at, but we’ll keep our cards pretty close to our chest.”
Hardwick said the club had “no further update at this stage” on the triple Norm Smith Medallist’s return date.
“We give him time and wish him all the very best and now we can’t wait to welcome him back at some stage,” he said.
“When that is, I’m not too sure so when we get further information you’ll get further information.”
Forward Jack Riewoldt was on the track on Friday as he pushes to play on Sunday in Maddie’s Match, which is an annual match played in honour of his cousin, Maddie, who passed away in 2015.
Riewoldt underwent thumb surgery after an injury in round one.
“We just have to make sure he’s 100 per cent right,” Hardwick said.
“He’s such a warrior for us, we just have to make sure he gives himself the best opportunity to play his best footy.”
Star midfielder Dion Prestia (hamstring) remains a week away for a return.