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Richmond will be without Dustin Martin for the crunch game against the AFL ladder-leading Western Bulldogs, with the superstar struck down by concussion.
Martin copped a stray arm to the head during the third quarter of the Tigers’ 34-point defeat to Melbourne on Saturday night and sat out the final term on the bench.
He will miss the Bulldogs match under new AFL concussion protocols, which mandate an automatic 12-day stint on the sidelines.
“He’ll obviously miss next week, which is disappointing,” Tigers coach Damien Hardwick said.
“But that’s the lie of the land at the moment and player health and wellbeing is paramount for the AFL and our medical staff, so we’ll abide by that and he’ll take his 12 days.”
Martin had been quiet against Melbourne before he was hurt, gathering just eight disposals under the watchful eye of Demons stopper Michael Hibberd.
Hardwick revealed the dynamic star has been battling a foot complaint that has taken away some of his speed and power this season.
“He has had some foot issues that have not been significant, but it has impacted him, and last week it was a little bit the same,” Hardwick said.
“In fairness, although he’s going to miss a little bit of time (because of concussion), it might be the best thing for him.
“He’s a proud man; he’ll never put up his hand and complain, but the fact of the matter is he hasn’t been his explosive self because of that. He’ll get better.”
The loss to Melbourne left Richmond struggling at 3-3, and the injury woes extend beyond Martin.
Kane Lambert (calf) and Dylan Grimes (ankle) were also hurt during the physical contest and are in doubt for Friday night’s blockbuster against the Bulldogs.
Hardwick said Lambert is “incredibly doubtful”, but is hopeful Grimes will be cleared to play.
Fellow premiership players Dion Prestia (calf) and Nick Vlastuin (knee) are already on the sidelines as the Tigers’ depth continues to be tested.
© AAP
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