Dustin Martin set for six-figure bonus outside Richmond’s salary cap
Dustin Martin turned down a monster payday when he re-signed with Richmond two years ago. But his loyalty to the Tigers has resulted in a second premiership and six-figure offers to sit through autograph sessions.
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Dustin Martin’s right hand might fall off signing autographs but by the time Martin is done inking premiership memorabilia he will be able to afford a prosthetic replacement made of gold.
The most marketable superstar in the game is expected to sit through marathon autograph sessions that will reap him well over $100,000, which is pocketed outside of Richmond’s salary cap.
The healthy bonus comes to the only player in VFL-AFL history to own two premierships, two Norm Smiths and a Brownlow Medal.
Martin spent hours and hours signing thousands of pieces of Richmond memorabilia after the drought-breaking 2017 flag, earning a figure estimated around $200,000.
It is possible that combining Martin’s autograph earnings from both the 2017 and 2019 premierships could deliver the tattooed legend north of $400,000.
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It is understood Martin makes less than $25 per autograph but the sheer volume of demand — and his willingness to ensure all of the Tiger Army has access to a personalised premiership memento — drives his return into six figures.
Manager Ralph Carr declined to comment yesterday, but has delivered booming results for his megastar client.
Martin’s decision to rebuff North Melbourne’s godfather offer by staying at Richmond on a seven-year contract worth about $9 million has already paid for itself, given Saturday’s second Grand Final triumph in three years.
The Martin brand is clearly the strongest at Tigerland with his Grand Final jumper already worth five figures in an online auction.
Only Jack Riewoldt, Trent Cotchin ($7500) and fairytale debutant Marlion Pickett ($5300) get close to the bids on Martin’s ($10,100) guernsey.
Originally published as Dustin Martin set for six-figure bonus outside Richmond’s salary cap