Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has refused to place any pressure on Dustin Martin to remain in footy-crazed Victoria and even said he had his blessing.
Speculation around whether Martin will stay at Richmond and in footy-obsessed Victoria intensified when he took personal leave after the opening round of the season.
Martin took a leave of absence as he continued to grieve the death of his father, who he lost last December, and the superstar Tiger has played two AFL games since returning from a six-week break.
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Hardwick was on Tuesday asked about the prospect of Martin finishing his tremendous 263-match career interstate.
“He’s a very important player to our footy club, on the field and off the field,” Hardwick said.
“What he gives us, he’s paid us in spades.
“Whatever Dustin’s decision is moving forward is up to Dustin and, to be honest, he has my blessing.
“What he’s given me, us, our fans, he has been incredible, and whatever we get from here on in is a bonus.
“I’m just lucky I get to see him on a weekly basis perform and train the way he does.”
Martin scored two goals from 23 touches in his comeback game against Collingwood, and three majors from 20 possessions against Hawthorn on Saturday.
The three-time Norm Smith medallist also lodged a goal-of-the-year contender in the win over the Hawks.
Richmond will shoot for three wins in succession in its Dreamtime at the ‘G clash with Essendon on Saturday.
“He was a bit sore last week. He’d never put up his hand and say he was a little bit underdone,” Hardwick said.
“He’s a required Richmond player and a very important Richmond player.”
Hardwick said he wasn’t surprised at the impressive fashion in which Martin had returned from his break.
“The way this guy prepares physically and mentally is first-class. It’s what the great ones do,” Hardwick said.
“There’s no coincidence the work he puts in gets rewarded with his on-field performances.
“Even after (Tuesday’s training) session, he’s doing extra running because that’s the sort of performer he is.
“We use him as an example for our young blokes. ‘Listen, you want to reach that level? First of all, good luck. But this is how you go about it’.”
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