Dusty out indefinitely, could walk away from the game.
Dustin Martin on indefinite leave from Richmond as he mourns father Shane
Richmond has strongly denied speculation Dustin Martin could quit football as he takes an indefinite break from the game to mourn his father Shane.
Sam Landsberger and Mark Robinson
4 min read
March 25, 2022 - 6:04PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
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Richmond champion Dustin Martin is on indefinite leave as he continues to deal with the loss of his father.
The triple Norm Smith medallist is understood to be besieged by grief since Shane Martin – also his best friend – died in his native New Zealand in December of a suspected heart attack.
Martin was unable to join family and friends in New Zealand at the time because borders were closed due to Covid-19.
People close to the 2017 Brownlow medallist have spoken about how the realisation of his father’s death has severely affected Martin in the past three weeks.
They have also said that Martin has struggled for motivation to train or play and has started to isolate himself in that difficult time.
News of Martin’s shock break from the game emerged at Richmond training on Thursday.
There was speculation on Friday that he could walk away permanently, but the Tigers have strongly denied this.
Dustin Martin is on personal leave from Richmond. Picture: Getty Images
Martin missed the final five matches last season with a lacerated kidney.
He was admitted to intensive care, lost 10kg and was unable to complete contact drills for three months.