COACH Adem Yze insists there was no internal frustration at Richmond over how Dustin Martin spent his time on the sidelines as the superstar Tiger pushes to return against Collingwood.
Martin could return from the back injury that has sidelined him for three weeks at the MCG on Sunday after training well on Thursday.
He spent a short time in New Zealand with family and friends while recovering from injury amid ongoing speculation as to whether the triple-premiership star will stay, move to Gold Coast or retire.
When asked if there was any internal frustration, Yze said: “Not at all.
“If you look at him and you watch when he bounced back in (to training), he wanted to get home which was great.
“He needed to go and see some family while his back was a bit grumbly but the minute he’s walked back in he’s got a smile on his face and really enjoying his training and that’s all we can ask.
Dustin Martin looks on after the R16 match between Richmond and Carlton at the MCG on June 30, 2024. Picture: AFL Photos
“When he’s at the footy club we want him to enjoy himself and all the other stuff and the external noise, I don’t really care about.”
Martin was in full training on Thursday, which the Tigers held at Bundoora due to Punt Road Oval being too wet and heavy.
“He’s in a good spot. He turned the corner late last week,” Yze said.
“Friday, he did a little session then he ran on Saturday. He trained Tuesday with the group but then today’s gonna be the main opportunity to train and get some volume in.
“We’ll have to make a decision on whether that’s enough training volume to go and perform at AFL level.
“… We won’t put him at any risk to hurt himself this weekend. The decision making will be around whether one or two sessions is enough or whether he’ll need another full week of training.”
