Dustin Martin facing AFL scrutiny for elbow

Shayne Hope | July 17, 2023

Richmond superstar Dustin Martin faces a nervous wait for the AFL match review findings after his off-the-ball elbow to West Coast’s Alex Witherden.

Martin threw an elbow back into Witherden’s midriff behind the play during the Tigers’ 38-point win at Optus Stadium on Sunday.

Witherden dropped to his knees and a free kick was paid to the Eagles further up the ground.

Richmond coach Andrew McQualter remains hopeful Martin will be free to play in Saturday’s clash with Hawthorn at the MCG.

“We don’t want any of those actions to cost us off the ball, because ultimately it hurts the team,” McQualter said.

“I’m not sure there’s anything too much further in it, is there? Hopefully it doesn’t happen again.”

The incident could be deemed low impact and body contact, potentially attracting a financial sanction rather than a suspension.

However, Brisbane Lions great Jonathan Brown felt the match review officer (MRO) might judge Martin’s actions more harshly.

“I’m not sure the MRO is going to be very happy about that one,” Brown said on Fox Footy’s broadcast.

“It depends on where he’s hit him. From the reaction from Witherden, I wouldn’t be surprised if he got a week for that.”

Carlton’s Jordan Boyd was referred directly to the tribunal for a dangerous tackle on Darcy Byrne-Jones, which left the Port Adelaide player concussed.

Boyd was charged with rough conduct and will front the tribunal on Tuesday night.

Adelaide forward Josh Rachele is facing a two-match ban for striking GWS player Jack Buckley.