Dustin Martin has taken a major step towards his AFL return, training with his Richmond teammates for the first time in over a month since taking personal leave.
Martin was allowed to leave the club after playing in the season-opener against Carlton on March 17, and had not been seen at Punt Road since.
The 30-year-old’s absence fuelled speculation that he could prematurely retire from the game despite being in the prime of his stellar AFL career.
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Martin has struggled to cope with the sudden loss of his father Shane late last year and was granted personal leave for an indefinite period, with Richmond refusing to set a date on his eventual return.
The 2017 Brownlow Medallist completed a light gym session and had a brief chat with his teammates who were pleasantly surprised to see him back at the club.
“It was really good to see him. He looks healthy and we’re excited that he’s back here,” Martin’s long-time Tigers teammate Jack Riewoldt told Channel 7.
Despite his return to the training track, it remains unclear when Martin will next play at the AFL level.
Martin’s return, if it is to eventuate, would be a massive shot in the arm for the Tigers, who have blown hot and cold through the first five weeks of the season.
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