Tigers make Dusty contract play amid AFL trade rumour that won’t go away

The Richmond Tigers have taken action as rumours continue to swirl around their superstar Dustin Martin and his future plans.

Dustin Martin of the Tigers looks to pass the ball during the round 23 AFL match between Richmond Tigers and North Melbourne Kangaroos at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on August 19, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Despite Dustin Martin being linked with a reunion with Damien Hardwick to finish his career at the Gold Coast Suns, Richmond is set to open contract talks with the triple Norm Smith medallist in hopes of making him a Tiger a life.

Martin’s current lucrative seven-year, $9 million deal signed with Richmond in 2017 is due to expire at the end of next season, when he can become an unrestricted free agent.

Speculation has long swirled about the 32-year old’s next move, particularly after Hardwick’s mid-season departure from Punt Road, while the pair were spotted together on the Gold Coast.

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The three-time premiership coach and Martin started their careers alongside each other at Richmond in 2010 and played crucial roles in the club’s three flag triumphs in 2017, 2019 and 2020.

It comes ahead of Martin’s 300th game in 2024 under new coach Adem Yze as a new era kicks off at Tigerland.

Martin has been linked with a move to Gold Coast (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Tigers CEO Brendon Gale confirmed the club would kick off talks with Martin’s management, Ralph Carr from RCM SPORT, imminently regarding a new deal for 2025.

“Dustin is a great of our club and fully invested in helping us write the next chapter – clearly we will have discussions with his management in the not too distant future,” Gale said, per The Herald Sun.

“2024 will be a really exciting year for both the club and himself. His 300th game will be a great occasion but knowing Dustin he will be far more focused on the regeneration of this team under (new coach) Adem Yze.

“He played some exceptional football last season. Change creates energy and I have no doubt Dustin feels that – he is a really important and valued part of our club.”

Martin is coming off a strong 2023 campaign, averaging 23.6 disposals and 1.1 goals from 20 games to finish runner-up in the Tigers’ best and fairest and make the 4422-man All-Australian squad.

Originally published as Tigers make Dusty contract play amid AFL trade rumour that won’t go away