Tigers legend Dustin Martin may be sidelined due to a back injury

Richmond coach Adem Yze may need to manage Dustin Martin cautiously in the second half of the season after Martin suffered back spasms during the 61-point loss to Carlton.

Martin, who was involved in the Tigers’ second-quarter comeback, was substituted early in the third quarter due to the injury and finished with just seven disposals, the lowest in his 301-game career.

Yze mentioned that Martin’s back “just seized up,” making it difficult for him to continue playing effectively. Yze had previously considered resting Martin after the mid-season bye, given the upcoming short breaks and interstate matches against Fremantle and Port Adelaide. Martin will take a day off and be assessed further before the Dockers clash.

Yze noted that Martin’s latest issue might necessitate rest, though if Martin recovers well, he could still play against Fremantle. Martin had dealt with calf problems earlier in the season, and Yze described the back spasms as a “random” occurrence, likely due to an unnoticed knee hit during the game.