Tiger trouble: Dustin Martin out of Richmond side to face HawksGlenn Valencich
7 News
17 June 2020 6:30 pmRichmond have produced a shock on teams night, with superstar midfielder Dustin Martin injured and out of the side to face Hawthorn on Thursday night.
The 28-year-old Brownlow medallist is one of two changes for the premiers, with Liam Baker omitted for personal reasons.
Jack Ross has been selected for his first game since round 22 last year while Josh Caddy returns after missing last Thursday’s draw with Collingwood due to a minor calf problem.
The Hawks have recalled Jaeger O’Meara after he recovered from a facial fracture, with Harry Morrison omitted.
Martin’s omission from the Richmond side comes as a shock after he trained in the team’s light session on Wednesday.
But the Tigers have opted against risking his ‘reasonably minor’ rib bruising after he pulled up sore last weekend.
However, it’s understood Martin has been carrying the issue since at least the start of the month and underwent scans last week.
He played 84 per cent against the Pies in the first AFL game since March, picking up 20 disposals and laying four tackles.
His absence - combined with O’Meara’s return - will be welcomed by Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson after he branded his midfield “fourth rate” after a heavy defeat to Geelong.
https://7news.com.au/sport/afl/dustin-martin-out-of-richmond-side-to-face-hawthorn-c-1107717