Dustin Martin builds case for AFL return

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick is sure Dustin Martin will put his hand up to play Collingwood next Saturday, but says the midfielder won’t be given the green light to play unless he is deemed ready.

Martin missed Friday night’s 109-point demolition of West Coast after only recently returning to the club following a stint of personal leave.

The three-time Norm Smith medallist has looked sharp at training, but Hardwick wants to make sure Martin is ready before throwing him back into the AFL fire.

As it stands, Martin is more likely than unlikely to face Collingwood at the MCG.

“I’m hopeful, from a coaching point of view and for the fans as well,” Hardwick said. 

“He trained well (on Friday); he had a good session – got through that well. 

“We have to get some more skill sessions into him. We have to do due diligence to make sure he is ready to go when he’s needed.

“He’ll put his hand up, we have to make an informed decision. 

“If it’s a game of cricket or a game of basketball, Dustin wants to play. He’ll probably put his hand up and we’ll work our way through it.”

The one concern to come out of Friday’s percentage-boosting win was an injury to veteran Dion Prestia, who was subbed out at three-quarter time.

“Prestia has some Achilles and soleus tightness as well,” Hardwick said. 

“He reported it at halftime. He’s so important, we nearly subbed him then and there, but he wanted to give it one more go. 

“It was just getting sorer, it is such a challenging one for us.”

Richmond improved their percentage by 19.1 against the hapless Eagles.

But Hardwick was quick to acknowledge West Coast’s struggles when analysing the win.

Nevertheless, there were plenty of positives to take out of the match for the Tigers.

Forward Tom Lynch booted 7.5 and took a whopping eight contested marks, Shai Bolton tallied 30 disposals, three goals, and six score assists, while defender Jayden Short thrived in the midfield to finish with 31 disposals and five clearances.

“It is something we’ll continue to explore,” Hardwick said of Short’s shift to the midfield. 

“He looked really good in there, comfortable. And like most young players he was probably drafted as a midfielder anyway, so he has a good understanding of what it is like in there. 

“He has been a fantastic contributor down back, but if we can find a midfielder out of it, that’s a big bonus.”

Veterans Trent Cotchin and Robbie Tarrant will return against the Magpies after being rested, while Marlion Pickett is also expected to be available for selection.