Tigers gun 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 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 downfield free kick was paid to the Eagles.

Richmond interim 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.”

Richmond are already without co-captain Toby Nankervis, who is serving a three-match ban for his high bump on Sydney playmaker Jake Lloyd.

Martin’s actions 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 face the tribunal on Tuesday night.

Sydney co-captain Dane Rampe will also appear after challenging his two-match ban for rough conduct.

Rampe was charged over an off-the-ball bump on Western Bulldogs player Lachlan McNeil.

The incident was graded as careless conduct, high impact and high contact.

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