Richmond superstar Dustin Martin will not play again this AFL season after suffering significant kidney damage.
The triple Norm Smith medallist was taken to hospital after coming off second best in a collision with Brisbane hard nut Mitch Robinson in the third quarter of the Tigers’ 20-point win over the Lions on Friday night.
Richmond doctor Greg Hickey said he expected Martin to make a full recovery, but the 30-year-old will remain in a Gold Coast hospital for a number of days.
Martin’s Richmond teammates flew back to Melbourne on Saturday.
“Dustin stayed the night in hospital for observation and has been seen by a urologist this morning. He is feeling good and remains stable,” Hickey said.
“Given the delicate nature of the injury and recovery timeline, he will not play football again this season.”
Tigers football performance manager Tim Livingstone said Martin’s health remained the club’s priority.
“We are incredibly disappointed that Dustin will spend some time on the sidelines but we are focused on his immediate well-being right now,” Livingstone said.
“Dustin is in great hands with the medical and support staff around him and we will support him however we can throughout his recovery.”
The Tigers of old returned on Friday, snapping a four-game losing streak in Jack Riewoldt’s 300th game.
But Martin’s injury takes the shine off one of Richmond’s best performances of the year, which takes them to 8-9 and back inside the top eight.
After looking like a shell of their former glory in defeats to St Kilda, Gold Coast and Collingwood, Richmond’s system and spark was back.
The Tigers will likely need to win at least four of their remaining six games to be certain of playing finals.
“I think we’ve always had the confidence, we just haven’t played to the level that we’d like,” Hardwick said.
“Players (have been) coming in and out of the side so our consistency wasn’t there.
“We’re going to get the vast majority back now, we think, so we’re really excited about that and what it does look for us moving forward.
“Hopefully we make the finals but I reckon if we get there we’re going to cause some grief so we’ll back ourselves in and see how we go.”
Utility Kamdyn McIntosh (hamstring) was another casualty against the Lions, but premiership ruckman Toby Nankervis made a powerful return from injury.
Veteran midfielder Shane Edwards could be a chance to return against the Cats next Saturday.
Johnno
Roar Rookie
A on man team
Curmudgeon1961
Roar Rookie
Tell you what tho. After the tackle esrlier this year and this the next time Martin sees Mitch Robinson in his field of view there is going to be ahhh.... the element of uncertainty?
DingoGray
Roar Guru
So innocuous but such a significant injury. Speedy recovery Dusty. Everything is definitely against the Tigers this season. If they were to pull off a Flag from here, they are the Greatest team of all time, bar none.
Kevin
Roar Rookie
And that is officially the end of the Richmond dynasty. Bit nasty on Dusty though, hopefully he recovers soon.
AdamDilligafThompson
Roar Rookie
Good Luck Dusty, Your a legend 17teams out there would love to have you in there team. Just lucky hocking isn't around still or somebody would be getting threatened with suspension or some sht.lol. :silly:
Goalsonly
Roar Rookie
I like to think of Dusty as a "Good Healer". I'll be sending him some positive vibes. Visions of him happy and healthy. There was a lousy TV spot with Trent Cotchen and Dusty playing a game together. It was terrible and I don't think Dusty likes the limelight. Take the time and get well. Watch out for the Tigers now and the "Do it for Dusty" like Robert Murphy and Bulldogs in 2016. He could be even more damaging off the field. Certainly a cherished individual.
Boo
Guest
Wishing Dusty a speedy recovery the doctors have said he should recover fully so all the best .Without him on a supporter level robs us all of a true champion in the finals .Would love to have seen the Cats deny a Dusty led Tigers in the big dance .
Floyd Calhoun
Guest
Good on you, Pete. Very sporting & kind comment. A damn rare thing these days.
sven
Roar Rookie
reckon your other hand is on your nether regions Liam, what footage were u watching to make that assessment ? gobsmacking !
DTM
Roar Rookie
It was an accident - nothing more, nothing less. Martin did not do anything untoward and your comments are out of line (clearly others think they don't even warranted a response). What evidence do you have that he attempted "to remove Robinson’s head from his shoulders"? I'm not a Richmond supporter but Dustin Martin is not a dirty player.
G Len N
Roar Rookie
“Worst possible news”? Never to play again woulda been worse…..and it can escalate up from there.
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
:thumbup:
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Everything conspiring against the Tigers this season. Hope Dusty makes a full recovery for 2022. Once in a generation players are hard to find.
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
Bad news for Dusty and our team, just a collision in the run of play, sometimes you're unlucky. Good luck to him his recovery, hopefully no complications for his future career and life after footy. It's a reminder that these blokes, and all sportspeople are on the edge when it comes to serious injury.
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
:laughing:
Hawks12
Guest
Terrible news for a champ. And I still had a slight inkling the tigers could of done some damage in finals with some players back. Imagine the camps of the dogs dees cats are sitting back tonight licking their lips. If u had asked them at beginning of year who was going to stop a flag this year the answer would of always been the tigers. Now it’s theirs to lose
nics
Roar Rookie
Noone likes to see an injury like that. Hope he recovers well.
djdart
Roar Rookie
Bloody shame, a huge loss to not only the Tigers but the comp
Dave
Roar Rookie
Sad news! Dusty’s health is the main priority and I’m sure everyone alike hopes he makes a full recovery!
Jack
Guest
Will somehow still be voted the norm smith