Dustin Martin’s father Shane Martin dies in New Zealand, Richmond confirms
AFL: A familiar face got in on the action with Tigers star Dustin Martin as Richmond closed in on Port Adelaide on Saturday.
Shane Martin, the father of AFL superstar Dustin Martin, has passed away in New Zealand.
Richmond confirmed his death in a statement released on Saturday morning.
“The club extends its heartfelt sympathy to Dustin, his brothers Bronson and Tyson and the entire Martin family,” the statement read.
The circumstances of his death are not yet known.
Richmond Football Club has confirmed the passing of Shane Martin, the father of Dustin Martin. Credit: Richmond Football Club
Shane Martin was deported to New Zealand in 2016 under Australia’s controversial Immigration Act.
He had previously lived in Australia for more than 25 years and had made several attempts to return to be with his son in recent years.Shane was forced to watch on from afar as his son scorched the Gabba last October, powering the Tigers to a third premiership in four years.
‘I love my dad and he’s made me the man I am today.’
The Brownlow medallist has been vocal about his desire to reunite with his father and win another flag with Shane in the crowd.
Richmond player Dustin Martin. Credit: AAPIt’s been a massive challenge, but it is what it is,” Dustin told Fox Footy earlier this year.
“I love my dad and he’s made me the man I am today. I’ve got full belief he’ll back here to watch us win another flag.
“That’s my dream to be able to have the old man up there (in the grandstand) with the rest of my family and watch the Tiges win another flag.”
As Shane Martin watched on from New Zealand, he told reporters how much he would have loved to be there.
“We spoke to him (Dustin) after the game but as usual it’s all noisy, you can’t hear stuff, but you could hear how excited he was,” Shane Martin told the NZ Herald.
“It’s pretty hard to see it on TV when I should be there, really, but that’s another story.
“It’s still a proud moment but I would have loved to be there, but yeah, you know, it is what it is, don’t want to take the moment away from it.”
This is a developing story. More to come.
Dustin Martin’s father Shane Martin dies in New Zealand, Richmond confirms | 7NEWS