Dustin Martin, a Richmond AFL star, is mourning the loss of his father, Shane.

The Tigers expressed their condolences to the Martin family in a brief club statement.

“The Richmond Football Club is mourning the passing of Shane Martin,” the club wrote in a statement.

“The club extends its heartfelt sympathy to Dustin, his brothers Bronson and Tyson, and the entire Martin family in this extremely difficult time.”

Shane Martin has been in New Zealand since 2016, after being deported from Australia on character grounds.

Martin had attempted to return to Australia and spent several years for it, but had been refused admission owing to his membership in the Rebels motorcycle club, of which he was president of the Camden chapter in Sydney.

Martin said he had left the Rebels prior to his deportation.

Dustin was given permission to meet his father in April of this year, after being separated for a year, during the Australia and New Zealand travel bubble.

In a March interview with Nick Riewoldt, the three-time Norm Smith medalist expressed optimism that his father will one day be able to witness him play in a grand final in person.

“It’s been a huge challenge, but it is what it is,” Martin said.

“I love my father, and he has made me the man I am today. I’m certain he’ll be back to watch us win another flag.

“It’s my dream to have the old man up there (in the grandstand) with the rest of my family, watching the Tigers win another flag.”