All eyes will be on Richmond’s team sheet at the MCG on Friday night, when the reigning AFL premiers insist superstar Dustin Martin will take part in their preliminary final against Collingwood.

Setbacks in September, even if minor, generate incredible fascination and Martin’s corked thigh has been no exception this week.

The reigning Brownlow Medallist completed a light training session on Thursday then was named in an unchanged team.

The Magpies also opted for an unchanged side.

The absence of Martin would be an immense blow to the Tigers’ hopes of going back to back.

Tigers football manager Neil Balme joked earlier this week that “the only way he won’t play is if someone kidnaps him and doesn’t let him go to the game”.

Richmond veteran Shane Edwards expressed similar confidence on Thursday, saying there was “no doubt” the 27-year-old would run through the banner.

“He’s alright. He had a corkie and he trained fine today,” Edwards said.

Brandon Ellis, who was dropped in week one of the finals, or Sam Lloyd loom as likely replacements should Martin be a last-minute scratching.

Ellis, Lloyd, Ryan Garthwaite and Ivan Soldo are Richmond’s listed emergencies.

Ben Reid, Jack Madgen, Jarryd Blair and Callum Brown are Collingwood’s four emergencies.