'Scuttlebutt becomes inevitable': Leigh Matthews raises alarm over 'unhealthy' Dustin Martin obsession
Leigh Matthews is concerned that the Dustin Martin attention at Richmond is becoming "unhealthy", as speculation continues around the star's future.
Martin's next steps are up in the air, despite the 33-year-old being heavily linked to former Tigers coach Damien Hardwick, who is now coaching the Suns.
The triple premiership hero could be playing for Gold Coast come 2025, with no indications from Richmond that contract discussions have begun, as his mega seven-year deal comes to a close.
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There has also been added fuel to the fire, with Martin being allowed to take leave to head to New Zealand last week.
The three-time Norm Smith Medallist is struggling to overcome a back injury that he sustained against Carlton in round 16.
Dustin Martin of the Tigers embraces his agent Ralph Carr following his 300th match. Getty
He hasn't played since, with the club allowing him to get away before their clash against Port Adelaide.
Coach Adem Yze defended Martin's movements after their 41-point loss to the Power on Saturday night.
"I don't really care what other people say … he needed some time away," Yze said.
"He wasn't going to be available to play, so he got away and spent some time with family, and he'll come back into our program and try to get fit for the next game."
But all this distraction is causing the Tigers a headache, according to Matthews, who wants to see the club clean up their act before the end of the season.
"We don't know what Dusty's thinking, because he doesn't tell us. If he doesn't tell us, scuttlebutt becomes inevitable," Matthews said on Nine's Footy Furnace on Sunday night.
"It's a very unhealthy situation at Richmond. That's the way I would observe it from the outside."
9News Melbourne's chief football reporter Tom Morris echoed Matthews' concerns.
Dustin Martin was in agony as he received treatment on his back against Carlton in round 16. Getty
"What sort of club are they running at the moment?" Morris asked.
"They continue to support him publicly, but I'd be intrigued to know what they're saying behind the scenes."
Yze remained coy about Martin's position in the side, saying they're taking it one week at a time.
"He's got a crook back at the moment - it spasms. So right now, if we go and try and push him through that, it could aggravate it," he said.
"We'll give him that extra time to hopefully get up next week."
