David King wonders whether a lighter Dustin Martin could play more time in Richmond's midfield next year.
Martin is back in training after losing 10kg as a result of a nasty kidney injury sustained against Brisbane in Round 18.
King said that Martin’s game style relied on out-bodying opponents, especially in forward 50 where he’s able to isolate opposition defenders.
He feels that the type of role Martin plays remained a “fascinating asterisk” heading into the 2022 season.
“(Martin is) 187cm and was 93kg (before his kidney injury),” he said on SEN Breakfast.
“How many times have we seen him trap (an opponent) at the top of the goal square and use his torso to move his opponent off the footy and bang, he kicks a goal.
“Does he do that through timing or subtlety or does he do it through sheer size…maybe he can get away with it.
“When all players get to over 30 years of age, they try and shed kilos at some point. It just gets harder to do it…this (weight loss) is radical and different and we know that.
“I can’t wait to see (how he comes back), it’s another fascinating asterisk to the start of the season.
“We’ll have a look and see if Dusty will play more midfield minutes.”
The 30-year-old played 16 games for the Tigers in 2021 before the injury, kicking 19 goals and averaging 22 disposals.