Dustin Martin leadership group Richmond, Tigers considering promoting the star midfielderFebruary 10, 2017
Jake Niall
FOX SPORTSRICHMOND is considering promoting star midfielder Dustin Martin into the player leadership group.
While the club is yet to confirm the composition of the leadership group — favoured to be led again by 2016 skipper Trent Cotchin — the Tigers are weighing up whether it is time to add the sometimes controversial Martin, who is a free agent this year, into a leadership group that has lost Brett Deledio and is unlikely to consider fellow 2016 vice-captain Ivan Maric for a leadership role.
Richmond officials have been impressed with Martin’s personal development over the past 12 months, the explosive midfielder having enjoyed the best season of his career in 2016 when he edged out Alex Rance to claim the club best and fairest.
There is a view at Richmond that Martin has matured somewhat, to the point that he has had a positive influence on some younger players — despite his chequered past — and he has also impressed with his work at the indigenous learning centre housed at Richmond’s Punt Rd base.
Martin’s status as a restricted free agent has attracted much discussion already. The Tigers say they have been in talks with Martin’s management, which also is expected to field offers from rival clubs, particularly in Melbourne.
The Tigers have to replace two vice-captains from last year, with Deledio traded to Greater Western Sydney and Maric, who is on the fringes of selection, unlikely to take up a role. Having lost a number of experienced players over the 18 months, the club also has to consider whether to bring key forward Jack Riewoldt back into the leadership group this year.
Like most clubs, Richmond will canvass the views of the playing group as part of forming a leadership group, but with input from the coaches and football department leaders.
Martin’s improvement on and off-field in 2016 followed an incident at a restaurant in late 2015, when the AFL — and eventually police — were forced to investigate following a complaint — denied by the club — that he had allegedly threatened a woman with a chopstick. The police found no evidence against Martin to justify a charge, but the AFL fined Martin $5000.
http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/richmond-considering-promoting-star-midfielder-dustin-martin-into-clubs-player-leadership-group/news-story/606012fc2f285098c3b92247ff7ca0dc
