Richmond fans face nervous wait over Dustin Martin after 'uncomfortable' footy superstar made sad decision

Dustin Martin's 301st AFL game was one to forget as the Richmond superstar was forced out of his side's defeat by Carlton with a lower back injury. 

While Patrick Cripps produced a masterful display in the wet, Martin could only watch on as he struggled through Sunday afternoon's game at the MCG. 

As the Blues ran wild, Martin called it quits with a lower back complaint that left him looking 'uncomfortable'.

'It looks like the sub has been activated,' Channel 7's Campbell Brown said. 

'Dustin Martin came off and had his lower back worked on.

'He went back on the ground for about three or four minutes but he's come off again a little bit uncomfortable.'

Martin's future has been clouded by uncertainty, with reports suggesting he would walk away from footy after his 300th game. He celebrated his 33rd birthday on Wednesday and is now entering his twilight years.

But there were no concerns for Carlton fans as the Blues continued to lay the platform for an assault on the AFL finals with a 61-point belting of struggling rivals Richmond.

Cripps was outstanding in the decisive third quarter as rain fell at the MCG on Sunday, tilting the contest the Blues' way before they powered away to a 20.11 (131) to 10.10 (70) victory.

The inspirational skipper finished with 40 disposals, 13 clearances and a goal as Carlton solidified their top-two spot, moving six points clear of the chasing pack ahead of an interstate trip to take on GWS next round.

Richmond, who trailed by as much as 29 points during the first half, were within six points when Noah Balta became the game's first multiple goal-kicker with the first major of the third quarter.

But Cripps and Sam Walsh (26 disposals) lifted as Carlton reasserted their dominance with seven goals in a devastating 20-minute burst that effectively ended the contest.

Blake Acres (33 disposals), Nic Newman (28) and Matt Kennedy (21) were all busy for Carlton, as was Adam Cerra (23), who was substituted out of his first game back from a hamstring injury.

Kennedy also failed to finish the match, sitting out the latter stages with a knee complaint.

Orazio Fantasia (four) and Lachie Fogarty (three) were the most prolific of six multiple goal-kickers for the Blues in a powerful team performance.

Tim Taranto (27 disposals) fought against the tide for Richmond and Daniel Rioli (24) showcased his superb ball use, while Jacob Hopper (25) worked hard on his return from a hamstring injury.

Balta was the Tigers' leading goal-kicker with three.

Carlton swung a late change when in-form ruckman Tom De Koning (managed/soreness) pulled out, replaced by Marc Pittonet.

There was confusion on the quarter-time siren when a long-range shot by Kamdyn McIntosh rolled through for what Tigers players thought was a goal.

It would have led to a fifth lead change of a tight opening term, but the wingman's kick was taken a fraction of a second after the siren sounded.

Carlton's lead quickly swelled to 29 points early in the second quarter before the Tigers responded with four of the next five majors to cut the margin back to 12 points at the main break.

Richmond's Tom Brown provided the highlight of the first half, taking a ride on Matt Owies' back to haul in a spectacular mark on the wing.

The Tigers sniffed an upset when Balta put them within touching distance early in the third term.

But Fantasia responded with his second major and another goal to McKay, who was paid a controversial mark after Nic Newman's pass was touched off the boot, signalled the start of Carlton's match-winning blitz.

The result left Richmond (2-13) sitting second-last on the ladder ahead of an interstate trip to face Fremantle next round.