Richmond superstar Dustin Martin has been cleared by the AFL to visit his father overseas, but must do so at his own risk surrounding any COVID-19 issues.
Martin has been ruled out of Friday night's MCG blockbuster against the Western Bulldogs with concussion and wants to use his time off to visit New Zealand-based father Shane, who he hasn't seen for 18 months because of the global pandemic.
Shane Martin was deported from Australia to New Zealand in 2016 on the basis of 'bad character' after new laws were brought in to combat the prevalence of bikie gangs around the country.
With the Trans-Tasman travel bubble recently being opened between the two countries, Martin can now visit his father for the first time since international flights were severely restricted in March last year.
It's understood the AFL will allow Martin to head to New Zealand to reunite with members of his family, but if any border closures occur because of COVID-19 situations, the three-time Norm Smith medallist will have to rely on himself and Richmond, not the sport's governing body, to deal with any issues - plus any possible quarantine arrangements.
The Tigers are due to play their round eight match against Geelong on Friday May 7, meaning Martin's potential trip to New Zealand will only short-term.
Martin has played in every Richmond game so far this season but found himself subbed out of last week's match against Melbourne - his 250th AFL match - after suffering a knock to the head in the last quarter.
As part of the AFL's new concussion protocol, any player suffering a concussion cannot play for at least 12 days and must pass a cognitive test before returning to match action.
This rule means Martin was instantly ruled out of the Bulldogs match as the Tigers seek to avoid losing three matches in a row - which is a low they have only reached once since they won the first of their three premierships in 2017.
Martin has become one of the most celebrated players in the game in recent years after winning the Norm Smith medal in all three of Richmond's flags.
The 29-year-old also won the Brownlow Medal in 2017, is a four-time All Australian and has kicked 277 goals across his career.
