Richmond are bracing to be without superstar Dustin Martin for the rest of the AFL home-and-away season after his latest injury setback.
Tigers coach Damien Hardwick said on Wednesday he was hopeful Martin, who has been sidelined since July 3, would be fit to face the Brisbane Lions next week.
However, the club confirmed on Friday the triple Norm Smith medallist had suffered another hamstring strain and would be sidelined for the "medium term".
Martin's setback is another hurdle for eighth-placed Richmond in their pursuit of a finals berth.
The Tigers could drop to as low as 10th by the end of this weekend after playing out a bizarre draw with Fremantle at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.
Hardwick said he was unsure how long Martin would be sidelined but, with just four games remaining, the Brownlow medallist will be racing the clock.
"We had the scan results so we'll get a better indication of that (on Saturday)," Hardwick said on Friday night.
"It's obviously a disappointing loss. He's a wonderful Richmond person that our club thrives off, as do our players.
"It's a significant loss and it's upsetting when a guy who's had some challenges this year, but we want him to get back and get back quick."
Talisman Martin has played just eight games this season.
The 31-year-old took personal leave after round one and missed six matches, returning with a bang in round eight when he kicked two goals in a win over Collingwood.
Martin suffered the initial hamstring injury during the win over West Coast in round 16 and has not played since being substituted out of that match.
In better news for Richmond, leading goal-kicker Tom Lynch is expected to return from his hamstring injury against the Lions.
