Richmond skipper Trent Cotchin insists he isn’t worried as Dustin Martin returns from NZ

UPDATE: DUSTIN Martin returned to Melbourne and caught up with Richmond captain Trent Cotchin but the skipper and coach Damien Hardwick remain in the dark.

RICHMOND captain Trent Cotchin met with in-demand Tiger Dustin Martin at a coffee shop in Southbank this afternoon, but says he has “no news” about any announcements on the Brownlow Medal favourite’s future.

“There’s no news from me,” Cotchin said at a press conference shortly after. “It was just a regular catchup as we normally do.”

“He’s back from New Zealand, I was in the area, he lives not too far away and we got a coffee.”

Cotchin was guarded about his conversation with Martin.

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He said he was unaware of suggestions a paid appearance on The Footy Show this week could reveal Martin’s intentions to stay at Richmond or to accept a $10 million offer to join North Melbourne.

“Good luck to him,” Cotchin joked about the speculation. “No one offered me opportunities like that. That’s the first I’ve heard of that.”

“We have an opportunity to do something special this year and I’ve enjoyed watching him play and be alongside him for the year,” he said.

Dustin Martin arrives back from New Zealand with manager Ralph Carr (middle) and a bodyguard. Picture: Jay Town

Dustin Martin leaves Melbourne airport flanked by two bodyguards. Picture: Jay Town

Both Cotchin and coach Damien Hardwick said the year-long conjecture about whether Martin would stay had not impacted on the player, nor proven a distraction, including his recent trip to New Zealand to finalise arrangements for the future with his dad Shane.

Martin has arrived back in Melbourne on Tuesday flanked by two bodyguards and silent on his club future, but his manager says a decision may be made at the end of the week.

Martin was in Auckland with manager Ralph Carr, visiting his father among fierce speculation as to where his signature will land ahead of next season, and how much for.

The 26-year-old stared ahead and briskly walked out of Melbourne Airport just before 8pm on Tuesday, leaving Carr to answer a few burning questions.

“It’s not my decision but we’ll make one at the end of the week I’d say,” Carr said.

“I just know everyone is trying to be as patient as possible.”

Dustin Martin arrives back from New Zealand flanked by two bodyguards. Picture: Jay Town

Dustin Martin walks out of Melbourne airport flanked by two bodyguards. Picture: Jay Town

Channel 7 on Tuesday evening reported two extra clubs may be interested in Martin, potentially influencing the contest between Richmond and North Melbourne.

Richmond skipper Trent Cotchin — who considers the star midfielder one of his closest friends — earlier maintained that he is not rattled by the fact that Martin remains uncommitted, or that he has travelled abroad to consider his options.

“I’m not worried,” Cotchin told the Herald Sun.

“It is what it is. As I’ve said in media, to him, and to others ... the reality is that he’s a contracted player until October at the Richmond footy club.

“I’m just enjoying being part of his show this year. It’s been an impressive one to watch and I’m really proud of the way he’s been so resilient with so much being spoken about, but also his ability to do the work that he does behind closed doors and then come out and perform on weekends.”

Dylan Grimes, Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin belt out the club song after defeating St Kilda on Sunday. Picture: AAP/Julian Smith

Martin today firmed to be the shortest-priced Brownlow Medal favourite ever, coming in from $1.20 to $1.12 with TAB following Sunday’s electric performance against St Kilda.

He has maintained all year that he would consider his contract at season’s end.

Martin’s final quarter goal against St Kilda on Sunday as the Tigers romped to a 44-point victory raised the Tiger faithful to a new level, and even Cotchin said he has been impressed by his friend’s ability to produce the sublime this season.

“The last quarter (on Sunday), in the first five minutes — there was a number of guys that did amazing things,” he said.

“But the cream does rise to the top and there’s been plenty of cream (from Dustin) this year.”

Richmond has offered the star — who will become a restricted free agent at the end of the season — a seven-year deal in the vicinity of $1.1 million per season, while North Melbourne has reportedly brought a seven-year, $1.5 million per year deal to the table.

Martin flew back to Melbourne on Tuesday ahead of Wednesday night’s All-Australian team announcement function.

But he’s not the only one who Cotchin knows he can rely on.

Dustin Martin arrived at Auckland Airport with his manager Ralph Carr yesterday as he considers his playing future.

“The greatest thing for me is the confidence I have in 21 other guys who are performing a role,” he said.

“I know you hear that said a lot, but if you truly believe that that’s what you need to bring each week — and guys stick fat with it — it makes a significant difference. We’ve got Dusty having an amazing year, but there’s 21 other soldiers that at different moments in games stand up and play really well.”

He said “anything is possible” for this Richmond team as it prepares to embark on its September campaign.

“We’re excited about the opportunity,” he said.

“But we also know that we need to come together and perform at a high level for a long period of time.”

Originally published as Richmond skipper Trent Cotchin insists he isn’t worried as Dustin Martin returns from NZ