Dustin Martin’s decision to turn his back on Richmond will not only harm his credibility but damage the club known for having one of the best midfields in the competition.
The Tigers offered Martin a two-year deal worth $500,000 a season to stay at the club but negations have broken down after the 22-year-old informed his manager, Ralph Carr, on Monday, they would require an additional week to discuss the contract.
“There have been a lot of conflicting stories going around about myself and the Richmond Footy Club. At the weekend, I asked my manager Ralph Carr to request an extension of time from Richmond, to allow me to fully consider the options about my future.” Said Martin via his official Twitter account.
Richmond has taken this decision as Martin requiring time to shop around for a better deal with rival clubs.
As a result of this insult, the club, which has stood by Martin both on and off the field, has removed the offer from the table.
In a statement on Richmond’s website, General Manager of Football Dan Richardson described Martin’s decision to turn his back on the club and look for a better deal as “extremely disappointing”.
“Given the considerable effort we have put into Dustin’s development both on and off the field, and our efforts to retain him all season, we are extremely disappointed with this decision,” said Richardson.
Richardson went on to state the offer from Richmond remains a fair determination of Martin’s performances over the four years he has spent at the club.
“We have also stated previously that we are determined to adhere to our payment strategy for all of our players, many of whom have already committed to the club and its future direction during the 2013 season,” said Richardson.
AFL360 host Mark Robinson said he can see Martin’s importance to the Richmond football club and believes Martin has the potential to become one of the best midfielder in the competition:
“Dustin Martin has the capabilities in three years time to be a powerhouse midfielder.
“In the two years we’ve been really closely looking at Martin he couldn’t run out a side. He’d play five minutes and disappear…
“Dustin Martin has been, I think, really consistent three to four quarter player this year… They are a better team with Dustin Martin.”
Melbourne Demons appear to be leading the charge for the tackle-evading master, with new coach Paul Roos announcing on Fox Footy’s On the Couch program on Monday night the club value Martin around the $600,000 mark.
However, for Martin to move to a re-building club like Melbourne would be a huge step backwards for the star midfielder.
Martin has already been part of the uprising of the Richmond football club and remains an integral part of their footballing culture.
To leave for another embattled club is clearly the wrong move.
Martin has received a backlash from the Richmond faithful, despite his efforts to defend claims he has walked out on the Richmond football club through his Twitter account.
“The claims that I have walked out on the Richmond Football Club are totally incorrect. I can tell you that at this time, no decision has been made regarding my future.”
Martin is not a free agent, meaning if he does opt for another club, that club must satisfy Richmond with an enticing trade offer or take his chances through the AFL draft.
This puts GWS and Melbourne in prime positions, with draft picks one and two at their disposal.
GWS coach Leon Cameron said on AFL360, “he is an exceptional midfielder… we need to add some experience to our young list,” hinting at their interest.
Richmond forward Jack Reiwoldt announced a suitable replacement for Martin at Sunday’s TAC Cup Future Stars, should the midfield maestro decide to leave, with Nick Dal Santo his ideal replacement.
“If we had the ability to go after someone it would be someone like a Nick Dal Santo from the St Kilda football club.
“A guy, that outside midfield, adds a little bit of silk and adds a little bit of leadership for our club, and someone that could really help our midfield,” said Riewoldt.
No one can argue with Dal Santo’s class as a midfielder and his leadership abilities, but a 29-year-old nearing the twilight years of his AFL career doesn’t seem a viable option.
Richmond must either consider upping the ante and convince their prized asset to stay, or scout the talent coming through the AFL draft and determine whether or not to take up GWS or Melbourne’s offer for pick one or two.
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