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Richmond coach Damien Hardwick says star Dustin Martin has “done everything we’ve asked”, with the match committee to make a final call on his availability on Wednesday.
Martin has been absent from AFL level since July and has played just eight games in 2022 as he deals with a hamstring injury.
Hardwick, speaking to AFL 360, indicated the three-time Norm Smith medallist was close to selection.
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“We’ll take in a squad of 26 and Dustin is in that squad of 26. We’ll finalise the squads tomorrow afternoon in our final team meeting,” he said.
“He had a really good session on Monday and it was really evident, he was hitting high speeds that he hasn’t hit for a period of time.
“He’s done everything we’ve asked, we’ve just got to pick him to play, which is on me and the match committee.”
When co-host Mark Robinson pressed Hardwick for an answer, the three-time premiership coach opted to have a bit of fun.
Hardwick feigned answering the question but was on mute, leaving Gerard Whateley and Robinson perplexed until he revealed he had switched off his audio purposefully.
“I’m only joking Robbo, it’s alright, I can’t answer!”
Robinson responded: “You smartarse!”
Straightening up, Hardwick suggested Martin would “play a different role” if he was to make the final side.
“He will play predominantly forward. We know he’s played that role before and he’s quite capable,” he said.
“Against Brisbane he’s had some really good games like that. What we do know is that players of Dustin’s ilk put themselves where they need to be.
“I’ve said this often as a coach, the very best players have got a great understanding of where to put themselves at the best of times.
“He’s got another session to get through tomorrow. It’s just a light session, but just to make sure he pulled up okay from the previous day.”
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