Richmond has confirmed Shane Martin, the father of three-time Norm Smith medallist Dustin, has died at the age of 54.

Dustin earlier this year was granted permission to travel overseas to visit his New Zealand-based father, who was deported from Australia in 2016.

New Zealand police confirmed on Saturday they attended a property on Friday on the street where Martin lived, where a man was found deceased - there appear to be no suspicious circumstances.

The cause of death is not yet known.

“The Richmond Football Club can confirm the passing of Shane Martin, the father of player Dustin Martin,” the Tigers said in a statement.

“The club extends its heartfelt sympathy to Dustin, his brothers Bronson and Tyson and the entire Martin family.

“We ask the media to respect Dustin and the Martin family‘s privacy in this extremely difficult time.”

“It’s been a massive challenge, but it is what it is,” Martin told Fox Footy.

“I love my dad and he’s made me the man I am today. I’ve got full belief he’ll (be) back here to watch us win another flag.

“That’s my dream to be able to have the old man up there (in the grandstand) with the rest of my family and watch the Tiges win another flag.”

Martin was a member of Australia’s Rebels motorcycle gang and had lived in New South Wales from the age of 20 after moving across from New Zealand.

He revealed a couple of years ago he had a history of depression and mental illness, but said he had gotten into a better headspace in 2019, even though he was unable to travel to see his three sons and two stepdaughters in Australia.