Richmond great Trent Cotchin has opened up about Dustin Martin’s personal struggles, which might explain his recent dip in form.
As Richmond languishes second last on the AFL ladder, speculation about Martin’s future has intensified.
Despite being a usually dominant player, the 32-year-old’s performance has declined, mirroring his team’s troubles, with his statistics significantly below his career averages.
Cotchin revealed on Talking Footy that the loss of Martin’s father in 2022 could be a major factor behind his struggles.
“He’s definitely capable of it — I just don’t know if, given the place he is in right now, whether he’s got the energy to do so,” Cotchin said.
“It’s hard to comment too far on what he’s going through, but since his old man passed away, it’s been a challenge for Dusty. Getting himself right is the priority, and the club is helping him with that.”
Martin, a three-time Norm Smith Medalist, is nearing the end of his contract and his future beyond this season remains uncertain. His manager, Ralph Carr, emphasized Martin’s continued passion for the game despite rumors of retirement.
The ongoing debate about Martin’s future includes considerations of his potential contract extension and the financial implications for Richmond, as well as his approaching milestone of 300 games.
