AFL 2024: Injuries & Suspensions

Tiger King “good as gold” after pre-season head knock

The three-time North Smith medallist is said to be shipshape after departing the track earlier in the week.

Published by
Zero Hanger

Richmond superstar Dustin Martin has been cleared of concussion after departing the Tigers' Wonthaggi training camp on Wednesday, with the three-time Norm Smith medallist returning to feature in Thursday's program.

Martin, 32, left the Tigers' community camp to receive stitches following a head clash in match simulation earlier in the week, however, was back on deck to take part in running and cycling drills ahead of the weekend.

Speaking on Thursday, new Richmond recruit Jacob Koschitzke said that while early reports may have raised a few heart rates, the Brownlow medallist was shipshape and ready to continue his 15th pre-season in yellow and black.

"He's been out and about," Koschitzke said of Martin.

"He received a couple of stitches but otherwise he's pretty good. He did a bit of cycling and seemed up and about. He's good as gold and we know the champion he is so he'll be back in no time."

No doubt seeking to fit in well with his new teammates at Tigerland, Koschitzke played a straight bat when asked about who the Tiger King had collided with.

"I won't name and shame who the culprit was," the former Hawk added. "But he has been good, he's been riding around on the bike, popping monos and wheelies. He's as good as gold."

Out of contract at the cessation of the 2024 season, Martin is set to remain in the headlines for the better part of the next calendar year, with the 32-year-old keenly linked a late-career link-up with his former mentor and current Gold Coast head coach Damien Hardwick.

Hardwick departed Punt Road following Richmond's Round 10 loss to Essendon, bringing to an end a golden dynasty in yellow and black, one that was capped with three flags between 2017 and 2020.

Published by
Zero Hanger