Dustin Martin took personal leave from Richmond because he’s ‘heartbroken over the loss of his dad’

Richmond champion Dustin Martin took personal leave from the club on Wednesday because he’s heartbroken over the sudden death of his father Shane, it has been reported.

Martin needed to get away from his footballing duties because he’s still grieving over his dad’s shock passing in December last year, according to Fox Footy. 

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said the superstar’s mental health and wellbeing are the club’s No.1 priority, while leaving the door open for Martin to play against the GWS Giants on Sunday.

‘It’s a personal matter … when we’ve got more information to share, we’ll share it,’ Hardwick said.

‘He’s just taking some personal time at the moment. He’s dealing with a couple of personal issues and whether he’s available to play this week, we’re unsure at this stage.’

‘We won’t close the door, but we just want to make sure that Dustin’s OK.

‘Our number one priority is we are a football club, and it’s important to win games, but the health and well-being of our players is our number one priority.

‘At this stage we’ll give him his time. He’s so important to the fabric of this footy club, and we just want to make sure he’s OK. Hopefully he’s getting what he needs.’

Shane Martin (second from left) with his sons Dustin (left), Bronson and Tyson. He reportedly struggled when he was separated from them after being deported from Australia

Shane died aged 54 in New Zealand one week before Christmas last year, with the cause not immediately clear at the time. It is suspected he died of a heart attack in his New Zealand Home. 

He had previously lived in Australia for more than 25 years before being deported on character grounds in 2016.

Dr Jarrod Gilbert, who co-wrote Shane Martin’s biography A Rebel in Exile, said Shane was ‘worn down’ by living away from his sons Dustin, Bronson and Tyson.

‘People who met Shane for the first time were immediately disarmed by him,’ he wrote in the NZ Herald.

‘They liked him and were drawn to him. He was warm, friendly and generous. He kept a drawer full of lollies for kids who visited his house.

‘He also carried the burden of great bitterness; a bitterness that ate away at him.

‘A bitterness that stabbed at him from the moment he woke, chased him throughout the day and invaded his dreams at night.’

Shane Martin with his children Dustin, Bronson and Tyson when they were young kids 

Two Tigers premiership stars, Jack Riewoldt (thumb) and Dion Prestia (hamstring), will be unavailable for the Giants matchup.

Kamdyn McIntosh (calf) should be able to return. Matt Parker may be able to offer some forward line support, while Thomson Dow and Hugo Ralphsmith may come into the 22.

If you or someone you know needs assistance please contact:

Lifeline on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au

Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 or at www.beyondblue.org.au

Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 or at kidshelpline.com.au