The Herald Sun has reported that Dustin Martin has been ignoring a former teammate.
A report from Mark Robinson suggests that the Richmond superstar had to block phone calls from Ben Cousins before the troubled ex-Tiger ended up in jail again.
Cousins’ well-publicised issues recently forced him to get in touch with old colleagues as he chased memorabilia in order to sell, presumably to feed his drug habit.
It is understood that West Coast Eagles great Cousins gave Martin his final playing jumper in 2010 but in his desperation, attempted to reclaim the memento, and incessantly called the reigning Brownlow Medallist.
Cousins also wanted other signed Martin memorabilia.
However, the 2017 Norm Smith Medallist was forced to block the calls as he continues to focus on what is ahead for last season’s premiers as they strive to go back-to-back.
Martin’s manager Ralph Carr admitted to the Herald Sun that he was unaware of the situation but is confident the 27-year-old would have no interest in getting involved.
“I didn’t know that, but knowing Dusty as well as I do, the moment someone would say that to him, he’d just walk away, he’s not interested in the slightest with that sort of rubbish,” Carr said.
“It’s a shame because like most kids at his age back then, he idolised Cousins.”
Martin and his Tigers teammates take on Hawthorn in the First Qualifying Final at the MCG on Thursday night.