Looks like the media have jumped on Dimma's comments about Martin returning to training in October "unfit"
Unfit Martin given a Richmond rocketBy Tim Clarke
sportsnewsfirst.com.au
12 January 2011 08:01PM ESTRichmond have been forced to reprimand rising superstar Dustin Martin after he returned from his summer break unfit, in the words of senior coach Damien Hardwick.
Martin was one of the stand-out performers in the Tigers’ improved 2010, finishing fourth in the club’s best and fairest voting.
Then being handed Royce Hart’s famed number four guernsey was a massive vote of confidence from the yellow and black hierarchy, who see Martin as the potential leader of their next midfield generation.
But that potential did not save Martin when he returned from his summer holidays out of shape.
“He probably came back - not so much overweight - but a little bit unfit,” Hardwick said.
“He did not do the required intensity training that we were after. He probably let himself down over the course of the summer.
“We know there is going to be one of those around the corner for every player at some stage, so I am glad he got his out of the way nice and early.
“But he got a slight touch-up from the coaching staff and he has been outstanding ever since.
”He worked really hard over Christmas, and he is back training very well.”
Hardwick’s first year in charge of the success-starved Richmond club brought some plaudits – but still only a 15th place finish on the AFL ladder – a position he said simply had to be improved upon.
“The first year you really do you get a free hit with the way you go about your footy,” Hardwick said.
“This year the screws will tighten no doubt, and we expect improved performance not only from myself and the coaching staff, but from the players as well.
“We will try and improve in a certain number of areas and go from there.”
And it appears Hardwick might be helped in that aim by the return of Nathan Foley – who the coach said will be like an extra first round draft pick.
“He has only played four games in our last 30, we are looking forward to him coming back this year – he is effectively a first round draft pick and a quality one at that,” Hardwick said.
“He is on track to play round one we have just got to take it easy.
“He brings a lot of experience ... he is an elite player in the competition and one we can’t wait to get back.”
http://www.sportsnewsfirst.com.au/articles/2011/01/12/unfit-martin-given-a-richmond-rocket/