Richmond superstar Dustin Martin is expected to return to training with the rest of his teammates and has no plans to take an indefinite break from football after the death of his father.
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The Tigers have thrown their support behind the star after his father died last week in New Zealand, where he has been living since 2016. The cause of death is not suspicious.
Plans are underway for a funeral.
Richmond would undoubtedly support Martin if he wanted to take an extended break from the game, but the star has not suggested he wants to step away and the club expects him to return with teammates for training on January 10 after the Christmas break.
Martin has made a full recovery from a lacerated kidney which he suffered late in the regular season in a clash against Brisbane Lions, and will look to increase contact drills in the new year.
The triple Norm Smith medallist lost more than 10kg after suffering the injury.
Richmond will open its season against Carlton in Round 1 on Thursday, March 17 at the MCG.
Martin has three more remaining on his seven-year deal, which expires at the end of 2024.
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