Richmond set for major Dustin Martin boost as coach Damien Hardwick confirms his return
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has confirmed superstar Tiger Dustin Martin will return to the side this weekend against Collingwood, on the condition the midfielder trains smoothly.
Martin hasn't played since round one after taking time away from the game due to personal reasons.
The 30-year-old made his return to training last week, and if all goes to plan during Thursday's main session, he will line up against the Magpies on Saturday.
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"We're looking forward to welcoming him back," Hardwick told reporters.
Round eight AFL squads will be confirmed later on Thursday evening.
Richmond superstar Dustin Martin Getty
Martin endured a tough off-season after it was revealed his Shane father had died in December last year.
The three-time Norm Smith medallist also missed the back end of last season with a lacerated kidney.
The Tigers currently sit in ninth spot after coming off a 109-point win over the Eagles.
The Martin news comes after the Tigers confirmed the immediate retirement of dual premiership-winning Tiger Josh Caddy after 12 seasons in the AFL.
Caddy, who was part of Richmond's premiership sides in 2017 and 2019, will exit the game after 174 games between the Suns, Cats and Tigers.
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