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Roger Vaughan and Oliver Caffrey

Hardwick tight-lipped on Martin's return

Brownlow Medallist Dustin Martin has returned to Richmond training after taking personal leave. (AAP)

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick is being tight-lipped on superstar Dustin Martin's surprise first appearance at the AFL club in more than a month.

Richmond slumped to 2-4 on Sunday night after losing to rampant reigning premiers Melbourne by 22 points at the MCG.

After weeks of speculation, the three-time Norm Smith medallist was back at Punt Rd on Saturday morning.

It is the first time one of the AFL's best players has trained with Richmond since he played in the opening round defeat against Carlton on March 17.

It remains unclear when Martin might be ready to play again and Hardwick provided little insight when asked about his matchwinner after the game against the Demons.

The three-time premiership coach was asked four questions about Martin, offering a total of just 21 words in response.

"It was good, nice to see him," Hardwick said.

"Once we know, you'll know."

Martin stepped away from football for an indefinite period to deal with personal issues and spent time in Sydney.

The 30-year-old midfielder is grieving the loss of his father Shane, who died last December, and he has also returned from a lacerated kidney in round 18 last season that ended his season prematurely.

The 2017 Brownlow Medallist and three-time Norm Smith Medallist is one of Richmond's most important players and they have clearly have missed him this season.

The Tigers have not put any time frame on Martin's return, but top club official Neil Balme said earlier this month it was "just a matter of when".

Earlier this week, Hardwick was hopeful about his No.1 star player.

"We're reluctant to provide a running commentary but what we do know is he's in a better space," Hardwick said.

"When we know more we certainly will give you guys more information but at this stage it's the same as it has been."

The Tigers have just five days to respond before facing struggling West Coast at Optus Stadium on Friday night.

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