Tigers superstar Dustin Martin intent on honouring Tigers contract

As Richmond attempt to reload after the Hardwick era, all eyes are turning to their talisman Dustin Martin and his future, as Richmond look to fill a position of need in the meantime.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 17: Dustin Martin of the Tigers kicks the ball during the 2023 AFL Round 14 match between the Richmond Tigers and the St Kilda Saints at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 17, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Dustin Martin is intent on crashing through the 300-game barrier as a one-club Richmond star honouring his contract to the Tigers then playing well into his 30s.

Martin, who returned to the Tigers side against Sydney on Thursday, has rebounded strongly from a 2022 season where he battled grief over his father’s death and recurring hamstring strains.

In what has been an “almost” season for Martin, he has ranked elite in disposals but entering the Sydney clash had 13 goals from 39 total shots (including three posters) and just three goals from 15 snaps at goal.

But Richmond believes Martin is invested as ever and confident in a body that has seen him miss only the round 3 clash with hamstring awareness and last week’s loss with flu-like symptoms.

Martin is intent on joining an elite group of Tigers to play 300 games for the club. Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos.

Martin is due more than $1.3 million next year in the final season of his seven-season contract amid constant speculation about whether he might jump ship.

But the 32-year-old needs only 17 more games after the Sydney clash to hit the 300-game milestone at Richmond achieved by only Trent Cotchin, Kevin Bartlett, Francis Bourke, Jack Dyer, Jack Riewoldt and Shane Edwards.

Any rival who wanted to secure Martin would need to pay the full $1.3 million for next year then offer more years at a lofty rate, with few clubs in the premiership window able to afford that fee.

Richmond’s club legends Trent Cotchin and Jack Riewoldt are expected to ease into retirement at the end of the season for a club with a list in transition as it fast-tracks the likes of Noah Cumberland, Samson Ryan, Josh Gibcus and Judson Clarke.

Himmelberg has been one the Tigers have been watching. Photo by Matt King/AFL Photos.

The Tigers are interested in GWS swingman Harry Himmelberg and will try to attract an experienced key position forward to replace Riewoldt if the free agent re-signs at the Giants.

Samson Ryan and Ben Miller are still raw, Noah Cumberland is a mid-sized forward, and Lynch’s latest foot issue is a reminder he is not especially durable.

Lynch is listed on the club’s injury list at 7-12 weeks with his metatarsal fracture so it would take something exceptional for him to play again after only four games this year.

While there are many key position backs on the free agency and trade table key forwards are few and far between.

Richmond has been blessed to rely on Jack Riewoldt’s star power and durability for so long, with the triple premiership star playing 13 seasons of at least 20 games in the 14 years from 2009-2022.

Originally published as Tigers superstar Dustin Martin intent on honouring Tigers contract