Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has confirmed superstar Dustin Martin will fly to New Zealand to visit his father, with the three-time Norm Smith medallist ruled out of the Tigers' Round 7 clash with the Western Bulldogs due to concussion.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Hardwick said it was an easy decision to make in allowing their star player to head overseas.
"It's a no-brainer for us," Hardwick said.
"He'll head back to see his dad, he hasn't seem him for a long period of time. It's a little bit like everyone else, he just happens to be overseas.
"Its a little bit of a challenge with these COVID times but we'll always support our players who want to see their family."
The AFL have stated Martin would not receive any exemption from the league or state government should he be required to isolate.
Hardwick said the club had weighed up the matter but made an easy decision in the end.
"The probability is low, It's a young man that wants to go see his father, who he hasn't seen for well over 12 months," he said.
"At the end of the day you can live your life in fear or can choose to live, we choose to live."
Martin is currently sidelined through concussion, but is also understood to be battling a foot injury.
His coach said that while he will be missed, Martin will be welcomed back for next week's Grand Final rematch against Geelong and has been running laps to start his rehabilitation.
"He's keen to play, he'll be available for the Geelong game but won't be able to train until next week," Hardwick added.
"He's a star of the competition, its always good to have your best players available," Hardwick said.
"We've been through similar situations last year, it's a really good opportunity to see new guys in those roles."
Richmond are currently dealing with a long list of star casualties as they prepare to face the Bulldogs, with Kane Lambert, Dion Prestia, Nick Vlastuin all joining Martin on the sidelines due to injury.
Defender Dylan Grimes is also under an injury cloud and will be out to test his fitness as he battles an ankle injury.
Hardwick revealed the Tigers will unveil youngster Riley Collier-Dawkins for his first senior game, a project player the Tigers coach states is well-deserving of the call-up.
"He's taken his time to get that built we always knew when we drafted him it'd be a slow burn," Hardwick said.
"He's work incredibly hard and we've started to see some dividends this year and at the back end of last year.
"Its going to be a well-earned debut and we're excited to see what he can offer."
Hardwick also flagged that Patrick Naish is "well and truly in the mix" for selection after back-to-back impressive outings in the VFL.
Mabior Chol and Callum Coleman-Jones are also tipped to be in the frame for selection after knocking on the door.
The Tigers will face the undefeated Bulldogs on Friday night at the MCG.