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the silver lining for tigers if dusty departs
AFL 
Talk of a Dustin Martin trade is heating up, with reporter Sam McClure revealing the Tigers superstar was “a very large chance” of leaving Richmond.
Veteran journalist Caroline Wilson backed up the rumour that is buzzing in the AFL world, suggesting the move to Sydney “is on”.
It comes after Martin earlier this year took personal leave from Punt Road as he dealt with the death of his father, Shane. Part of that time away saw him spend time in NSW.
The possible bombshell trade request wouldn’t come as a huge shock. Martin has long preferred to shy away from the limelight, so a move north to NRL-centric Sydney would make sense.
But he’s also contracted at Richmond for two more seasons with a reported salary of around $2.4 million, which would no doubt be a key factor in the club’s thinking.
The thought of Martin playing out his career at any other team would’ve been unthinkable for Richmond fans at one stage, but could there be a silver lining to a departure?
Richmond’s resurgence of form in 2022 has heaped financial pressure on the club, with several players that are out of contract due for hefty pay rises.
Arguably the most important signature is Liam Baker’s. The versatile 24-year old is enjoying a breakout season and has been linked to a possible move back to WA.
Dual premiership Kangaroo David King suggested Baker, along with Shai Bolton and Jayden Short, had taken over the mantle as the Tigers’ most important players.
The baton’s passed from (Trent) Cotchin, (Jack) Riewoldt, (Dustin) Martin and these guys to those three – and they’re grabbing it with both hands.
“
— David King
As bizarre as it may sound, retaining Baker is arguably more important to Richmond than keeping Martin as the club ushers in a new era.
Daniel Rioli has also jacked up his value after revitalising his career across halfback, while Nathan Broad and Marlion Pickett’s deals are also set to expire soon.
Martin is right up there on Richmond’s Mount Rushmore of greats, but perhaps his signature isn’t as critical to the Tigers’ fortunes as it once seemed.
Words: Ben CottonProducer: Andrew Piva
																																								

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