Richmond considers how to utilize Dustin Martin in the second half of the season

Richmond star Dustin Martin might be rested for several matches in the second half of the season due to a series of short breaks between games.

Coach Adem Yze noted the challenge of managing the club’s fit, older players with six-day breaks every two weeks until round 23. Yze suggested that if Martin plays against Carlton on Sunday, he might not travel to Perth for the round 17 game against Fremantle.

Yze expects forward Tom Lynch to return quickly after a two-week layoff for a minor hamstring strain and defended the club’s decision to bring him back before the mid-season bye.

A decision on defender Dylan Grimes’ future will be made later in the year following his recent back surgery.

Samson Ryan is likely to miss the game against the Blues, which could force the Tigers to get creative with their key position players.

Mid-season draft recruit Jacob Blight is in contention to face Carlton’s Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay. Yze praised Blight’s form and readiness to impact at AFL level.