Fresh twist in Dustin Martin's ugly snorting sledge
The AFL is set to investigate an alleged drugs-related sledge from Richmond’s Dustin Martin on an AFL rival.
Martin sparked controversy in the loss to Greater Western Sydney on Saturday after being caught on camera making a rude gesture towards an opposition player.
Martin can be seen in the footage flipping GWS star Shane Mumford the rude finger, before sticking his finger up to his nose and pretending to take a giant sniff.
The Tigers’ antics are believed to be in reference to the white powder scandal Mumford found himself in during the off-season.
Channel 7 AFL reporter’s Tom Browne and Mark Stevens reported that the AFL will investigate the incident, despite earlier reports that the league wouldn’t take any action over Martin’s gesture.
The AFL have confirmed this morning they will review Dustin Martin gesture Monday as part of Match review. Their position will be intriguing. More @7NewsMelbourne @triplemfooty @mmmhotbreakfast
— Tom Browne (@TomBrowne7) April 6, 2019
Early reports that AFL didn’t have an issue with Dustin Martin “bird” and sledge are now off the mark. Can confirm it will be looked at by league, outcome today or tomorrow. @7NewsMelbourne
— Mark Stevens (@Stevo7AFL) April 6, 2019
Dustin Martin had a 'mare.
Had just 15 touches, kicked 0.2, will be in MRO trouble and had a strange interaction with Shane Mumford which will also attract scrutiny (pictured).
Fair play to Matt de Boer as well – he did a great job.#AFLGiantsTigers pic.twitter.com/KDcmDk0YAN
— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshMedia) April 6, 2019
Tigers boss plays down Martin’s early season woes
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick says the Tigers can’t rely on out-of-sorts star Dustin Martin to perform at an incredible level each week and the team has to lift.
Martin had little impact in Saturday’s 49-point loss to GWS in Sydney and was visibly frustrated by the attention he got from the Giants’ Matt de Boer.
The 2017 Brownlow and Norm Smith Medallist appeared to catch an opponent with a high shot which could also attract the attention of the Match Review Officer, to go with his offensive gesture.
After being criticised for not laying a tackle in the Tigers first two games, Martin tallied six against GWS, but in his tenth AFL season, Martin has for the first time failed to kick a goal after three rounds.
For the first season since 2016 Richmond have conceded over 100 points and lost by over 40 in successive games.
Asked if was concerned about Martin’s form Hardwick said: “No, I’m concerned about our team’s form.
“We can quite easily lump it on an individual or we can say there’s 22 blokes out there.
‘We can’t rely on Dustin to play to an incredible level week in week out.
“We expect as a team to respond and play better, end of story.”
The Tigers’ injury toll continues to mount, with the addition of captain Trent Cotchin (hamstring) and Jayden Short (dislocated elbow), with Hardwick unsure of the severity of each.
One to avoid if you don't like watching injuries.
Jayden Short dislocated his elbow in the first quarter against the Giants. #AFLGiantsTigers pic.twitter.com/RpjPCnyLYA
— AFL (@AFL) April 6, 2019
While the Tigers have slipped to 1-2, Hardwick extracted some positives from Saturday’s game.
He feels they’ve unearthed a legitimate AFL player in Sydney Slack.
The 18-year-old West Australian tallied 17 possessions, eight marks and a booming 50-metre plus set shot goal and put a big hit on lively Giants forward Brent Daniels.
“We probably picked him tonight on a little bit of a speculative vibe, but the reality was he was fantastic,” Hardwick said.
“He’s very clean with the ball in hand, he makes terrific decisions and he’s powerful and strong.”
Hardwick also praised 19-year-old Noah Balta’s effort in his second senior game and anticipated Richmond’s injury issues would lead to other youngsters emerging.
Star off-season recruit Tom Lynch kicked four goals, giving him ten from the first three rounds.
With AAP