Richmond greats, fans urge club chiefs to show Dustin Martin the money

RICHMOND royalty and Tiger tragics have urged club chiefs to show Dustin Martin the money as the race to re-sign the Brownlow Medal favourite hits fever pitch.

RICHMOND royalty and Tiger tragics have urged club chiefs to show Dustin Martin the money as the race to re-sign the Brownlow Medal favourite hits fever pitch.

Martin spent Monday holed up in a high-rise luxury hotel in Auckland with his dad, Shane Martin, and his manager, Ralph Carr, as calls from Richmond fans grew for the club to match a rival offer from North Melbourne.

Martin flew to New Zealand to meet his dad and weigh up his future, with discussions continuing late last night as fans and Richmond greats called on the Tigers to find the funds  to  keep  him  at Punt Rd.

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Dustin Martin steps off the plane to a media throng. Picture: Simon Runting

Dustin Martin is driven from the airport in Auckland. Picture: Simon Runting

North Melbourne has put a $1.5 million-a-year, seven-year deal on the table.

Richmond is under enormous pressure to match the pot of gold that would make him the richest player in the AFL.

Richmond cheer squad president Gerard Egan said it was difficult to place a price on success. “It’s big money in today’s terms but towards the end of the contract, it might not be,’’ he said.

Richmond great Dale Weightman had a “confident feeling’’ Martin would re-sign.

“Whatever he gets, he’s worth every bit of it,’’ he said.

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The Soul Hotel in Auckland where the Martins are staying. Picture: Simon Runting

Supporters, former players and industry experts alike say the Brownlow Medal favourite could be worth even more than what he has been offered as he propels Richmond toward its first flag since 1980.

Five-time Richmond premiership player Francis Bourke said Martin’s form warranted a pay rise but hoped the star’s decision was not all about cash.

“Given the salary cap is being extended, amounts that might have previously been seen as large can subsequently be seen as worth it or even good value in the long run,’’ he said. “Dusty’s services would warrant a premium and justifiably. I hope other things other than money come into consideration.’’

Under the current offers, Martin would be forced to choose between a $1.5 million deal at the Kangaroos or $1.1 million a year at Tigerland, both over seven years.

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That would mean Martin would have to give up $2.8 million to stay with the Tigers where his legacy could be aided by a likely Brownlow Medal and premiership.

AFL player agent Peter Jess said Richmond and the Roos would both make returns on their investment on and off-the field through merchandise, membership and image rights.

“If you look at it purely as a value proposition, at $1.5 million in my view he’s a cheap buy,’’ he said.

Martin arrived in Auckland about 12.30pm local time, strolling through the airport wearing headphones before being met by his dad and being whisked away.

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Dustin Martin's father on balcony of their hotel. Picture: Simon Runting

It is understood discussions continued last night after dinner with Martin’s team hopeful Richmond would increase its offer before the start of the finals series.

But Martin’s New Zealand trip will be a whirlwind visit: he is due to attend the All Australian event in Melbourne tomorrow.

The midfielder was yesterday named in the All-Australian squad, installed a raging $1.12 Brownlow favourite with the TAB and was best-on-ground in Sunday’s win against St Kilda.

Tigers legend Kevin Bartlett said the club should make him a “fair and reasonable’’ offer but prepared to say goodbye if he wanted more.

“If it’s just about money and other clubs keep offering more ... at some stage, you’ve got to shake his hand and wish him all the best,’’ he said.

Dual Richmond premiership player David Cloke said opposition clubs had to offer “extraordinary money’’ to lure stars and Martin had every right to cash in at the peak of his powers.

“It’s a business these days so he’s got to treat it that way,’’ he said.