Don’t really care’: Richmond coach Adem Yze hits back at Dustin Martin accusation

Richmond coach Adem Yze has defended the decision to allow superstar veteran Dustin Martin to travel to New Zealand while he struggles to shake a nagging back injury.

Martin missed games against Fremantle, GWS and Port Adelaide, all losses, with the persistent injury, and was allowed to leave the country to visit with family during his rehab.

Speaking to reporters after  it was put to Yze Speaking to reporters after the Tigers’ 41-point loss to the Power at Adelaide Oval, it was put to Yze that some migh that some mig question the wisdom of letting a 33-year-old with a bad back undertake two lengthy international flights while trying to regain full fitness.

“I don’t really care what other people say … he needed some time away,” Yze said.

“He wasn’t going to be available to play, so he got away and spent some time with family, and he’ll come back into our program and try to get fit for the next game.

“The week before he had some time away, his back was a bit crook, so he’s come back and he will hopefully train this week and hopefully be available for the Collingwood game.

“He was a bit sore the other day when he did get back and couldn’t finish training, so we need a full week of training for him to be available.”