Dustin Martin accepts Richmond contract offer, will stay at Punt Rd for next seven years

DUSTIN Martin has remained loyal to Richmond, turning his back on the richest contract offer in AFL history from North Melbourne to remain at Punt Rd. How did it happen?

FOOTBALL’S hottest property is off the market after raging Brownlow Medal favourite Dustin Martin on Thursday night agreed to a deal of more than $8 million to stay at Punt Rd.

Martin,, 26, has sacrificed more than $2 million to stay a Tiger for life after ending year-long speculation about his future.

MANAGER’S HARD BARGAIN: THE ART OF RALPH

FOOTY SHOW RECAP: WHAT DID DUSTY AND HIS DAD SAY?

ANALYSIS: NORTH STILL CHASING TOP-LINE TALENT

Dustin Martin will remain a Tiger for life. Picture: AAP

RISING STAR PREVIEW: MCGRATH, SPP, BURTON OR CURNOW?

His management late on Thursday told North Melbourne he was staying with Richmond, turning his back on a deal worth almost $11 million to join the Kangaroos.

North’s uber offer was the richest in AFL history, outstripping the $10m that levered Lance Franklin out of Hawthorn and into Sydney colours.

The new seven-year deal ties him to Punt Rd until the end of 2024.

The Tigers fought back against the massive North Melbourne play with late financial sweeteners.

Martin revealed on Thursday night he made his decision in New Zealand while visiting his father, Shane.

“We flew over to see Dad, got a hotel room, bunked up in there and just put it all out on the table and had lengthy conversations and spoke about what I wanted and what would be best for my future. Within an hour or two we had a decision,” he told Channel 9.

“There were plenty of conversations but in the end Richmond’s home to me.

“The Richmond Football Club has been great to me and we’re on an incredible journey together, and I’ve just got such great relationships at that football club.

“This is my dream. Hopefully we can win the flag.”

Suggestions on Thursday of a deal worth $1.3 million a year were off the mark, according to sources.

Martin made the decision after visiting his father in New Zealand this week. Shane Martin has been banned from Australia because of his alleged bikie links despite never being charged.

Martin leaves Punt Rd after not being sighted at training. Picture: Alex Coppel

It’s understood that Shane was worried about his son and wanted to get him the best possible deal because AFL careers are so short.

Martin has been in blistering form this year despite his prolonged contract talks.

It is understood Richmond’s initial offer was around $800,000 so his manager Ralph Carr has done an excellent job increasing his client’s payday.

Martin had met with North Melbourne’s leadership group this year.

No words needed ❤️ pic.twitter.com/7oLfL975Xw

— Trent Cotchin (@tcotchin9) August 31, 2017

But it is understood Richmond’s superior form this year and the size of the club helped keep him there.

His friendship with Tigers’ captain and former housemate Trent Cotchin was also a significant factor.

Spearhead Jack Riewoldt revealed Richmond players suspected the news would be positive for the club when Martin returned from New Zealand.

Dusty claims All Australian honours last night. Picture: Getty Images

“He’s not real good at hiding his body language, Dusty to be honest,” he told RSN927.

“Last week we could tell a little bit there was something playing on his mind and that something was up and that he was sort of in that decision-making process.

“Seeing him yesterday for the first time for the week since he’s been back from New Zealand, you could just tell he looked a lot freer and he looked a little bit more happy.

“You could tell a decision had been made. I wasn’t sure either way but we felt positive that it was always going to be our way, we felt the offer that the club had put in front of him was a really strong one and reflected where he sits not only in the competition but where he sits at the football club.”

Martin’s signature is a significant boost for Richmond ahead of its first final against Geelong at the MCG next Friday.