Tigers working hard to retain MartinNathan Schmook
afl.com.au
February 23, 2017 12:17 PMRICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick says the club is doing a "truckload of work" to re-sign Dustin Martin as the star midfielder enters free agency in 2017.
Martin is out of contract at the end of the season and a restricted free agent, meaning Richmond can match any rival offer before it risks losing its club champion.
Hardwick said the club's list management team had been in constant communication with Martin's manager Ralph Carr and talks had been positive.
"(Head of football) Neil (Balme) and (list manager) Dan (Richardson) are doing a truckload of work with Ralph," Hardwick said.
"We'd always like to think our talks are positive. Where it's at at the moment … I'm unsure at this stage."
When contacted by AFL.com.au on Thursday, Carr said there was nothing to report or comment on at this stage of negotiations.
Martin signed his last contract – a two-year extension – in February 2015, but his 2013 negotiations dragged into September, weeks before that deal expired.
Hardwick was not concerned about the star midfielder's latest round of talks being a distraction for his team.
"Three years ago clubs would have seen it as a distraction … but Dustin's the ultimate professional," the coach said.
"Dustin has been a great player for the Richmond footy club, and the Richmond footy club has been great for Dustin. He's become the man he is today."
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-02-23/tigers-working-hard-to-retain-martin
