Richmond have no issue with Dustin Martin exploring free agency options
A NUMBER of clubs, including North, have expressed interest in luring Dustin Martin away from Richmond. But the club is relaxed about the future and their star looking at other options.
Richmond
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RICHMOND president Peggy O’Neal says the Tigers have no issue with Dustin Martin or his manager exploring free agency options.
O’Neal said the club would not be imposing a deadline on the superstar midfielder to make a decision on his future.
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A number of rival clubs, including North Melbourne, have expressed interest in luring Martin out of Punt Rd at the end of this season.
Martin, 25, is managed by music industry stalwart Ralph Carr and has put off contract talks with the Tigers until the end of the season.
Asked for an update yesterday, Carr said: “I’ve got no comment in the terrible fright that I might be misquoted”.
Martin could command more than $1 million a year on the open market but is considered likely to stay at Punt Rd if the price is right.
The powerful, goalkicking midfielder will earn about $630,000 this season.
In a Q & A with Richmond members to be published on the club website this afternoon, O’Neal says: “We have been quite clear that we are comfortable with Dustin and his management taking the time they need to make a decision on his future.
“The dealings throughout this process have been professional on both sides and the communications between the club and his manager Ralph Carr have been constructive.
“Free agency rules have changed the football landscape enormously. As a result, there is always significant speculation around player movement, particularly high-profile players.
“It is something that we have to get used to as uncomfortable as that can be.
“We have repeatedly said that we want Dustin to be a part of our club long-term and that is the outcome we are working towards. We remain confident that will be the case but, equally, we haven’t put any deadline on reaching an agreement.”
Martin finished third in last year’s Brownlow and won the Jack Dyer Medal as the Tigers’ best and fairest.
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