Has slim Dusty lost even more weight? AFL superstar Dustin Martin reveals his slender physique during outing in Melbourne after going on a strict fruit-only diet while recovering from kidney surgery
His recent dramatic weight loss has shocked AFL fans.
And Richmond Tigers superstar Dustin Martin appears to have shed even more from his frame, after going on a strict fruit=-only diet while recovering from surgery for a lacerated kidney back in July.
The 30-year-old midfielder revealed his very slender physique as he left Rebel Sport in the Melbourne suburb of Prahan on Monday.
Fading away: Richmond Tigers superstar Dustin Martin (pictured) appeared to have shed even more weight in recent days, based on new photos of the 30-year-old athlete
Martin’s frame was cloaked in a green Stussy brand T-shirt, which he wore with white tracksuit pants.
The Castlemaine-born player wore a disposable face mask pulled down over his chin and he climbed into his waiting car.
Dustin was recently placed on a strict fruit-only diet to help his recovery following the surgery.
Running errands: The slender midfielder, who went under the knife in July for a lacerated kidney, was seen leaving Rebel Sport in the Melbourne suburb of Prahan on Monday
The Brownlow medallist, who is understood to have lost a staggering 10kg since his surgery, seemed in good health despite his new slimmed-down look.
Fruit-only diets are regularly used to treat kidney trauma.
Richmond Physical Performance Manager Peter Burge conceded in August that Martin had ‘lost a little bit of weight’ due to the unusual nutrition program.
‘He has had to manage his diet (for his) health a little bit over the last couple of weeks and will do over the next three to four weeks as well,’ he said.
Pre-slimmed: The 2016 Jack Dyer medallist, who is understood to have lost a staggering 10kg since his surgery, seemed in good health despite his new slimmed-down look
‘He is working with specialists and once he has got the tick off from the specialists, he will be able to resume some form of light training over the off-season.’
Martin spent nine days in hospital after suffering a lacerated kidney in a brutal on-field clash with Brisbane player Mitch Robinson on July 16.
He missed the last month of the AFL season due to the injury.
Martin’s coach Damien Hardwick lauded the toughness of his big game performer at the time.
Man down: Martin spent nine days in hospital after suffering a lacerated kidney in a brutal on-field clash with Brisbane player Mitch Robinson on July 16. Pictured here in March
‘He’s a very strong lad, Dustin,’ Hardwick said.
‘The one thing that I will say about Dustin is mentally he handles these things very well… he’s in good spirits.’
Richmond’s premiership hopes went up in smoke as a result of Martin’s injury, but the three-time Norm Smith medallist is now poised to be front and centre as his team chase their fourth flag in six seasons next year.
The diet and the weight loss indicate Martin may be in for a changed role in 2022, with a lighter frame and greater endurance allowing him to spend more time in midfield rather than splitting his time there with his impact role up forward.
Pivot: The diet and the weight loss indicate Martin may be in for a changed role in 2022, with a lighter frame and greater endurance allowing him to spend more time in midfield. Pictured in 2017