Richmond superstar Dustin Martin has been given the green light to resume full training as the Tigers ramp up preparations for a return to finals action in 2022.
Martin suffered a lacerated kidney after a collision with Mitch Robinson in the Tigers' Round 18 clash with Brisbane, which saw the three-time Norm Smith medallist spend a week in hospital and subsequently lose 15kg.
READ: Dusty set for substantial sideline stint
The injury ruled 'Dusty' out of the final five rounds of the 2021 season - the first time in his illustrious career that he played less than 20 games.
Speaking on AFL Daily, Josh Gabelich reported that, on top of a mandatory three months without contact, Martin had to be 'meticulous' with his diet as he overcame the injury.
"It was a much more serious injury than first thought," Gabelich said.
"Martin suffered that serious kidney injury and he wasn't able to do contact training for three months.
"He had to watch everything he ate for his immune system and had to be really meticulous."
A steady build-up has seen Martin complete close to 70% of non-contact training in recent weeks as he regains his fitness and strength.
And, now he's been given the all-clear to return to contact, there's a belief among Richmond officials that the lay-off could ultimately extend Martin's career.
"Those inside Richmond believe that this time away, and the ability to rebuild and reset, will help his career," Gabelich said.
There was further good news for Tigers fans as Dion Prestia completes his most complete pre-season since moving to the club.
The gun onballer has been riddled with injuries since his move from the Gold Coast Suns at the end of 2016, but a solid block of training pre-Christmas has seen the 29-year-old a stand-out at training in recent weeks.
"Dion Prestia is the name I keep hearing from people inside Richmond, they're absolutely thrilled with the pre-season he's put together," Gabelich said.
Tom Lynch, Prestia's fellow Sun-turned-Tiger, is said to be recovering well from a hamstring strain and the club hopes he will be ready to return to full training ahead of pre-season practice matches.