The AFL are weighing up whether to further investigate a video of Richmond superstar Dustin Martin appearing to grope a topless woman.
The footage, which is believed to be up to five years old, shows Martin grabbing the woman’s breast from behind before walking away.
“We have become aware of a video posted on social media. We are seeking further information,” an AFL spokesperson said on Wednesday afternoon.
Surfacing on the eve of the Tigers’ do-or-die elimination final against Brisbane, the video of Martin, who has been recalled to the team for his first match since suffering a hamstring injury in Round 16, is far from ideal for the club.
Coach Damien Hardwick declined to comment when asked about the video in his Wednesday press conference.
“I’m not too sure,” he said.
The incident is the latest off-field controversy to cloud the three-time Norm Smith Medallist’s career, which include threatening a woman with a chopstick at a Japanese restaurant in 2015.
Martin comes into the Tigers’ elimination final 22 at the expense of veteran Shane Edwards, with the 302-gamer and triple premiership hero a surprise omission.
(Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Lions lock in rare finals debut for young gun
Brisbane will roll the dice on 2021 first-round draftee Darcy Wilmot in a bombshell selection call ahead of their elimination final clash with Richmond.
The 18-year old, who was the youngest player in last year’s draft pool, will become just the third player in nearly 30 years to play his first game in a final, and the first since Tiger Marlion Pickett famously made his debut in the 2019 grand final.
Wilmot has impressed throughout the season at half-back in the Lions’ VFL team, and a suspension to Noah Answerth has seen him win a spot in the 22 over regular Callum Ah Chee, who missed the last two matches of the home-and-away season due to a concussion suffered in a controversial collision with Carlton’s Patrick Cripps.
Lions captain Dayne Zorko has praised the young gun, telling 3AW Wilmot is the ‘perfect kid’ to be able to handle the heat of September action.
“You’re going to see some exciting things from him tonight, no doubt about that,” Zorko told Laurel, Gary & Mark on Thursday morning.
“It will be hot and frantic and mistakes will be made but he’s the perfect kid to come out and make his debut tonight.
“He’s a guy who won’t worry about what’s happened in the past, he just purely stays in the now.”
Wilmot had been expected to debut in the Lions’ Round 17 clash with Essendon before being caught in the club’s COVID-19 outbreak.
The youngster has already established himself as a colourful personality, lighting up last year’s draft night with a hilarious interview with Fox Footy.
1dawg
Roar Rookie
Adam Kingsley is coaching Collingwood. Öm has a great article on it. I’m still waiting for the follow up article. He had a crack at it anyway :stoked:
Davico
Roar Pro
You first. Or you just hang onto Dusty pokets? :laughing:
O M
Roar Rookie
Tell us all about your great contributiom to football, Davi? What a nothing man! :laughing:
Davico
Roar Pro
Oh well, always next year OM!!! Perhaps next time Dusty can actually make a contribution. See Ya!
.kraM
Roar Rookie
Holy projection Batman!
Shooter McGavin
Guest
How on earth is this news? If Dusty didn't have a public profile we wouldn't know about it. A stripper rubbing her breasts in another man's face gets touched by another person in the room? The woke brigade are still looking to win the internet's approval, but this is an all new level of dumb.
1dawg
Roar Rookie
Richmond have… :stoked:
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
A total surprise to me as well.
Mitcher
Guest
I think everyone understood your position on your 400th post. Just have a spell in general. I’m concerned about your mental and physical health.
AdamDilligafThompson
Roar Rookie
The situation plays out differently, depending on the situation your in.
AdamDilligafThompson
Roar Rookie
Lmao my bad. :laughing:
Macca
Roar Rookie
That situation plays out differently the older you get
Davico
Roar Pro
Its nice that you have somewhere to come and type rubbish you would NEVER have the bottle to say in front of your mother/wife/sister/gf/daughter or any other female face to face though. Good on you. Congrats on being such a strong man. haha
Davico
Roar Pro
Nah, just think women should be treated with respect. Seems that is the main point we disagree on.
PeteB
Roar Rookie
Wow have you two finished now ? :laughing:
Al
Guest
You must be a Sydney Swans supporter from Sydney's inner west who bloviates over "social justice" causes, amirite? Aussie Rules is not the game for effeminate socialists slumming it as inner suburban Melbourne hipsters who actually hate the game.
PeteB
Roar Rookie
Naked women with drunken men. How could anyone foresee something like this happening ? :shocked:
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
I am picturing you arguing against those old blokes up in the stalls on the Muppet Show Adam. "Statler: Every week this show looks better to me. Waldorf: Every week your eyesight gets worse." The Muppet Show'.!"
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
She could've been a dish?
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I don't know about you but if l see a topless woman at the beach I look. That's what they want you to do. Let's not beat around the bush