- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Richmond fans were greeted by some unwelcome news on this time last week as a rumour had spread that Dustin Martin was shopping around for a new club.
The Tigers faithful exploded on social media . Many were quick to label the young midfielder/forward as ‘selfish, ‘disloyal’ and several unprintable swear words.
Many stories followed about possible clubs that Martin would fit in well with, including Carlton, Collingwood, Melbourne and Greater Western Sydney.
In the last two weeks, clubs have pulled out of the race for Martin’s services one-by-one. In an ironic twist of fate, Martin will probably remain at the Tigers.
Martin has since taken to the media to clarify that he never truly intended to leave the Tigers, and only wished to see what other options were available to him.
There is no denying that the troubled and wayward star toured the GWS team facilities, and was publicly rejected by several clubs after his management announced that it was open to taking offers from rival clubs.
Carlton, Collingwood and Melbourne were the first teams to pull out of the race to secure Martin’s signature.
The Blues and Pies were not looking to add Martin, whose past indiscretions may have haunted teams them.
Despite Melbourne’s need for a strong, solid-bodied midfielder who can collect and attract the ball, the club issued a statement saying that Martin’s $600,000-a-season salary was out of the Demons’ price range.
After that came the biggest rejection of all, from the club with which Martin had the strongest ties – GWS.
While Martin and his management have been trying desperately to spin this story the other way, it appears that GWS have withdrawn their offer after meeting Martin and having him tour their facilities.
For Martin, GWS were the last team with the financial capacity to sign Martin for his asking price.
There was also the obvious trade bait in Taylor Adams, who wanted to return home to Victoria.
Martin is likely to return to Richmond and receive an offer, albeit a reduced one. The club called his management’s ‘bluff’ on allowing him to be shopped around, relying on Martin’s well-publicised off-field issues as a reason why most clubs would not take the risk.
Another aspect that Martin will have to face is the Tiger faithful – the same Tiger faithful that had called Martin a traitor, as well as other vitriolic insults.
It’s also the same Tiger faithful that will be hoping Martin, along with his teammates, can not only deliver the club into another finals series, but hopefully much deeper into it.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.