Richmond’s General Manager of Football Neil Balme and assistant coach Blake Caracella both believe Dustin Martin will overcome a lingering groin strain and line-up for the Tigers in their game against Melbourne on Monday night.
The star midfielder has been a doubt for the MCG clash all week with the injury, which is likely to have hampered his game against Brisbane last Sunday where he collected only 16 disposals.
However Richmond’s GM of Footy personally believes that Martin will play for the side on ANZAC Day-eve.
“My opinion would be no (he won’t miss the game). I think he would play,” Balme said on SEN’s Hungry for Sport.
Earlier, Blake Caracella told SEN Breakfast that while he was not certain Martin would play, he considers it likely his name will appear on the team sheet when the Richmond side to take on Melbourne is announced on Saturday.
“I’m not too sure (but) I think he will,” the Tigers assistant coach said.
“Come Round 4 or Round 5, there are a lot of sore players around the competition and you really have to wait to Saturday or Sunday before we find out.
“Let’s just hope he is OK because he is a fantastic player.”
Martin has been in scintillating form this season, averaging 28 disposals and two goals a game this season, putting him in serious Brownlow Medal contention.