Momentum is the most irresistible force in football, and right now, Richmond has it.
The Tigers surged into a third-placed finish off the back of six wins out of seven heading into the finals. AFL protocol sees them scheduled against the higher-placed Geelong at their very own MCG.
Now, Dustin Martin, the hottest Brownlow medal favourite in history, and the biggest signature in football this season, has re-signed with the club for seven years.
The timing, on the verge of a finals series where Richmond has a double chance and every hope of progressing to preliminary final weekend and beyond, is perfect.
Martin’s manager, Ralph Carr, on The Footy Show last night where the announcement was officially aired, suggested his player was forgoing around $2 million by staying with the Tigers, which equates to around $285,000 a year.
On the figures that have been airing through the media, we can be confident that Martin has signed for somewhere between $1.1-$1.2 million per year.
Based on other observations from The Footy Show, it seems fair to say that his father Shane had a significant influence on the decision to stay with Richmond. The club’s investment in and handling of the relationship between son and father has paid dividends.
(AAP Image/Julian Smith)
If Richmond were the wife and Martin the husband, North Melbourne was the temptress trying to seduce him away. Unfortunately for the Roos, they lack sex appeal. The membership is small. The crowds low. Etihad is soulless, and playing there every second week is harsh on aging joints, bearing in mind that Martin will be 33 in the seventh year of his contract.
Playing a few games in Tasmania each year isn’t much of a lure. At some point, the Roos may even merge with Gold Coast.
Sure, North might get the odd older player from a rebuilding club looking to offload some assets, like Nick Dal Santo from St Kilda or Jarrad Waite from Carlton. They can also get fringe players that aren’t getting a game at a higher ranked club, like Jed Anderson at Hawthorn or Nathan Hrovat from the Western Bulldogs. Marley Williams crossed over from Collingwood.
Ultimately, there hasn’t been much to eat after a whole lot of fishing.
Shaun Higgins was a get, to give credit where it’s due, but even he thought he was leaving a sinking ship for a club on the rise. Wrong on both counts.
Our own Josh Elliott, the self-confessed most one-eyed North Melbourne supporter on earth, gave a breakdown of their future strategy and prospects yesterday. The rebuild is going to be a long one.
(AAP Image/Julian Smith)
Martin came to Richmond at ground zero of their rebuild, and has yet to even play in a winning final. Halfway through his career, it was a tough sell to ask him to go through it all again, even for close to $300,000 extra per year.
Outside Martin, the Tigers have three genuine stars in the prime of their careers. Underneath them is a core group in their early to mid 20s that suggest their best football is in front of them. There will be close to 100,000 people at their qualifying final in a week’s time. It’s a good place to be right now.
With a record-breaking Brownlow medal to come, and his stature in the game assured, if Martin can lead Richmond to a flag through his on-field exploits, he will go down in history as an icon of Tigerland forever more. His name will be mentioned in the same breath as Jack Dyer, Royce Hart and Kevin Bartlett.
Given the offers made to Martin, and Josh Kelly from GWS, it’s clear that the Kangaroos are in the market for a young explosive midfielder to build their team around.
Christian Petracca is out of contract at the end of 2018, and would be the next natural target. Melbourne fans might have to spend next year wondering if their player will stay or go.
Always the bridesmaid, but never the bride, North went chasing after Richmond’s Dust, and in the end… they got Richmond’s dust.
Asd
Guest
They can get 3 players for his value.Develop there own players don't do Hawks and win flags
Aransan
Guest
$8m over 7 years is market rate, this is more than you would expect to pay for an icon choosing to stay at their club. Managers are happy to drive the hardest bargain to get their 4% but don't seem to be terribly concerned about the club being compromised with regard to their salary cap.
Aransan
Guest
A friend used to barrack for South Melbourne. He was so disgusted that he decided to follow the Bulldogs, previously his second team. When he watched matches involving Sydney he found that he was barracking for them. His comment was: you can change your wife, you can change your car, but you can't change your footy team. Gold Coast Kangaroos? The northern clubs have to be supported by the AFL, but a Victorian team with poor membership or following will be vulnerable in the long run. Eddie McGuire commented that Collingwood have 17 other mouths to feed, that is obviously not right but no Victorian team can be carried for very long.
David C
Guest
I think you are better off long term letting him go. Then keep Hopper, Kennedy etc. Get a couple of first round picks and load up with talent again.
David C
Guest
Reportedly 8 million over 7 years, not sure why the 1.3 mill keeps being mentioned.
Mark
Guest
As a north supporter ì blame the club management for placing north in a position where we are bottoming out and we cant attract any proven tallent.clubs dont have to rebuild from a zero base if the right structures are in place and we exit our legends with respect
Raimond
Roar Guru
Momentum is something of a myth, imo. I'm not too fussed about Kelly leaving. Still only the Giants' fourth-best on-baller, and Taranto could fill his role.
Jack
Guest
Let's be honest if tiger paid 1.3 million that's a lot of salary cap space when you have Prestia reiwolt Cotchin and rance. This list right now is the premiership otherwise a very long rebuild is in order of dusty does his knee
Brad JD
Roar Rookie
Etihad is soulless and North could merge with Gold Coast. Quite possibly the two most ridiculous things I have read all year and they are offered up in the one article. Congrats! A mighty achievement.
Philthy
Roar Rookie
His dad did not play enough games to qualify for father son.
Philthy
Roar Rookie
His dad did not play enough games to qualify for father son.
Brayden Rise
Roar Pro
I agree with Birdman. Although of course most North fans would love to have the 2017 Brownlow medalist in their colours, they can look on the positive and see perhaps a more balanced rebuild coming.
TomC
Roar Guru
Didn't play enough games. I think he was pretty close to qualifying as a WCE father son pick, actually.
Philby
Guest
Just wondering why you guys did not get Josh Kelly as a father-son pick?
Matto
Guest
How loyal would roos fans be if they did merge with GC like has been suggested?
Birdman
Guest
Dusty would have been handy for North but that's a lot of coin invested in one player over a long time so I wouldn't be too bummed if I was a North supporter. They will just have to do it the hard way down at Arden St IMHO
Aransan
Guest
I agree with you about North but Richmond have a bright future both short and long term, their supporter base will ensure that. Perhaps there are too many Victorian teams but the real current problem is with the Northern clubs and their future success is vital for the AFL.
Perry Bridge
Guest
For North Melbourne - I never liked the idea of Martin - so, that's rattled the Richmond cage though - he's getting paid a heap and they need to hope their other stars are fine with that. Kelly is the one I want more - in large part he's younger and via his dad (Phil, ex North player in the 80s) and relationship with at least Luke McDonald (friends growing up) - - there is a reason to focus on Kelly. Will we get him? Wait and see. If we don't - the thing that's clear is that market values are rising and the Giants might have to squeeze someone else out. The planets have NOT aligned with respect to shopping Goldstein around so we've lost market position there. I do suggest that North Melbourne as a club and a suburb might be trending upward in general appeal as the new stations come on line - wait and see what the 'Arden' station gets named (Perhaps "Gasometer Station"). At very least - in readiness for next season with a VFL team and the season after that - it is assumed a womens team - that the current newish facilities at Arden St will be extended (on the existing 'extension slab'). The grand plan to refurbish the 'Arden' precinct will be released by the VPA in coming months - the NMFC submission would create an enviable facility so close to the CBD that would very much 'sex-up' the club and make it a vital piece of the jigsaw.
Swannies
Guest
Big blow for North...they won't be around as a Melbourne club for much longer. Time to relocate and be successful like the Swans!
marto
Guest
If the Tigers don't win it this year they won`t win it for another 37 years..This is their biggest chance in 37 years. If they can beat Geelong they will win it ( GF ) ..Lose they will be out in straight sets..That`s my prediction..