Martin ignoring rumours: Tigers Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has slammed as "un-Australian" ongoing social media rumours concerning star midfielder Dustin Martin. Martin has been the subject of persistent unfounded rumours that he had been linked to the sporting drugs probe and that his playing future at Richmond was in doubt. A clearly frustrated Hardwick said on Friday he had no time for unsubstantiated claims. "He's a resilient individual but all we can deal in is the facts," Hardwick said. He's training very, very well. We're pleased with the way that he's going. You've only got to look at his form versus the All-Stars last week. His disposals probably weren't to the level that we expect but he's one our better players. He's fine. Hardwick said the fact that rumours were swirling around Martin without any substance was something foreign to Australian standards. "It's disappointing - social media, it's un-Australian," said Hardwick. It's just whingeing, whining. I can't stand it.' Hardwick said Martin, who was suspended for two games last year by the Tigers for missing a training session after taking a sleeping pill, was abiding by team rules. "All we can deal with is the facts," he said. He's training very, very well and he's going to be a very, very good player for us this year. Richmond took part in an intra-club hit out on Friday as they prepare for their NAB Cup season opener next weekend against North Melbourne and Melbourne. Hardwick said the Tigers' pre-season had been impressive. "It's been a lot better," Hardwick said. The training age of our team has improved so that means we can get more training into our guys. We've had a new fitness regime come in and we've been really impressed with that one. We've been pleased with what we've been able to put on the track. The thing that has been noticeable is that the boys can handle more work, compared to last year.