The million dollar question on all Richmond Tigers fans lips at the moment is if Dustin Martin will sign on with the Tigers at year’s end or will he seek greener pastures and a fatter paycheck?
Personally I think if he can get both from the Tigers he will stay.
What is his priority? As the saying goes, money talks, but I truly believe Martin wants footballing success as well.
Can Richmond deliver this requirement this year?
Based on Round 1 and a brand new style of game, you would certainly say yes. However, at the end of the day it’s one game against a side not predicted to feature anywhere near the final eight.
If Richmond can continue to improve and play a brand of football that entertains and can potentially bring success, Dusty will certainly enjoy coming into work which is an added bonus. The boys certainly looked happy out there last Thursday which bodes well for the future if they can keep playing with that willingness to harass, tackle and play on natural instinct.
Having security for the future is important for anyone in life. I’m sure Richmond will do what they can to retain their star man, but with success comes sacrifice. Richmond may not be able to offer the dollar values that say a North Melbourne or Carlton can, but hopefully with all the ground work the club has put in with Dusty he will remain loyal.
The fact he is holding talks off makes me – and most other Tiger fans out there – nervous and leaning towards the assumption he is heading out of Tigerland. Other high profile players like Gary Ablett Jr and Lance Franklin bit their tongue for an entire year before leaving.
This will be a hot topic of conversation for the rest of the season. I hope I am wrong and I hope Dusty stays.
Gus
Guest
On field success is so important to retaining good players. Who wants to get flogged each week even if you are being paid well? Richmond certainly seem to be on the right track with good recruiting over the off season, new coaches, a more direct and quicker style of ball movement and ongoing financial stability. But let's not get carried away - this is round 2 coming up and Richmond had the bye in Round 1 - Carlton.
mattyb
Guest
Firstly I think he will stay. Richmond aren't as bad as some people make out,it's a very even competition and they could easily be playing finals this year. Secondly though let's remember the game was only against the Blues,not only a shocking side and club but one that was extremely unbalanced on the weekend,making it a perfect fit for a player of Martin's size to sneak forward. I think the big question come the end of the year will just be how much Richmond will have to pay Martin. He seems to have matured a lot which I think is great.
Don Freo
Guest
There would be no benefit to Dusty to go anywhere else. Richmond has as much money as anyone else when it comes to salary cap and his club knows and loves all his quirks. It is his home...and his surrogate Dad. There is also no one at Richmond that would be paid more than him next lot of contracts. Carlton, Brissy and Freo would have the most salary cap room. Freo will spend theirs on Fyfe and Neale...and Hogan. Dusty would have no reason to go to Carlton or Brissy. Hawks have blown their money on O'Meara and Mitchell. Perhaps if St Kilda re-locate to NZ...or if a club could offer him a hairdresser to replace his current shearer. Every star player is holding off talks until the players' agreement is established. That is so obvious. It is a non-issue.