Richmond's Dustin Martin at pre-season training. Picture: Stuart Walmsley. Source: Herald Sun
RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick has rubbished a torrent of rumours concerning star midfielder Dustin Martin, denying his off-field behaviour had drawn the interest of police.
The Tigers coach used the vehicle of an intra-club match at Punt Road to finally scotch the speculation, which had reached fever pitch after circulating for months.
Social media speculation had Martin variously under surveillance from police, about to be sacked by Richmond, and being investigated by the Australian Crime Commission.None of those are true, with Richmond thrilled about Martin's training form after worries about his behaviour and circle of friends during the off-season.
"He's fine. He's a resilient individual but all we can deal in is the facts," Hardwick said.
"He's training very, very well. We're pleased with the way that he's going.
"It's disappointing - social media, it's un-Australian.
"It's just whingeing, whining. I can't stand it."
Martin's challenge is to build an elite tank given second-half fade-outs last season, but reports from within Richmond are that he has dedicated his pre-season to doing just that.
"You've only got to look at his form versus the All-Stars last week," Hardwick said.
"His disposals probably weren't to the level that we expect but he's one our better players.
"He's training very, very well and he's going to be a very, very good player for us this year."
Richmond tuned up for next week's NAB Cup opener with a 'probables' versus 'possibles' contest in which plenty of new faces and established stars shone.
Jack Riewoldt, Trent Cotchin, Ivan Maric and Reece Conca were all strong, while ex-Melbourne forward Ricky Petterd was excellent as a running defender.
Forward Ty Vickery marked strongly, while Richmond later cleared Matt White of any serious injury after he limped off with a minor ankle problem.
Richmond hopes ex-Port Adelaide defender Troy Chaplin will play in the second or third week of the NAB Cup, as will former Essendon defender Sam Lonergan.
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