Dustin Martin still welcome in yellow and black, says Tigers CEOBy Jennifer Phelan
afl.com.au
4:54pm AEST Tuesday, September 24, 2013RICHMOND officials and players want Dustin Martin to remain a Tiger despite the circus his contract negotiations have recently become.
Martin attended Monday night's Brownlow Medal as an invited guest, and took teammate Aaron Edwards with him.
At no point did he appear at odds with his teammates, who included Trent Cotchin, Brett Deledio, Alex Rance and Daniel Jackson, at the Richmond table.
This is despite Martin's filmed tour of the Greater Western Sydney facilities last Thursday, just days after the Tigers released a statement that said he would be pursuing offers from other clubs.
Along with St Kilda, the Giants ruled themselves out of recruiting Martin the following day, while Collingwood never appeared hot on the idea.
Carlton and Melbourne are also reported to be uninterested in the 22-year-old, 86-game player who polled 16 votes in this year's Brownlow.
On Tuesday, the Tigers remained committed to their wayward star despite the tumultuous nature of the past eight days.
"At the moment, it's in the hands of Dustin and his manager," Richmond CEO Brendon Gale told AFL.com.au on Tuesday at the traditional Carbine Club Grand Final Luncheon at Crown.
"Dustin was at the Brownlow last night and we've said all along he's a Richmond player, he's a required player and he's indicated he wanted to go and test the market.
"I imagine he's tested the market and we'll have to have a chat."
Gale said the players had no ill feelings towards Martin, as was demonstrated at the Brownlow Medal count.
He said nothing had happened to prevent the Tigers welcoming him back in yellow and black next year.
"We know Dustin very well and nothing that has transpired over the last seven days really affects our commitment to him, as a person and as a player," he said.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-09-24/tigers-still-want-dusty
