More family support for Dustin Martin as he re-signs with Tigers for two yearsBy Nathan Schmook
afl.com.au
11:44pm AEST Monday, September 30, 2013DUSTIN Martin's father will move from Sydney to Melbourne next year to support the young midfielder after he returned to Punt Road and re-signed with Richmond on Monday.
Martin has committed to the Tigers for two seasons, ending a fortnight-long circus that began when he told the club he would pursue offers from other clubs.
On Monday night, the 22-year-old capped a strong season by finishing second in the Jack Dyer Medal, behind winner Daniel Jackson.
He thanked a long list of people for their support during "a tough year", including his dad, who attended the packed function at Crown.
The crowd of more than 1500 people jeered, however, when he thanked his manager Ralph Carr, whose role in Martin's contract negotiations has been criticised.
"I want to clear something up," Martin said.
"With all the stuff that went on, obviously I had a meeting with GWS, and that wasn't 'Ralphy' (Carr) or my old man's influence. It was all me.
"My dad's been a massive support to me and the decision to think about that was just to be closer to my dad, because I really need his support.
"He's going to move down with me next year … I love you Dad and I appreciate everything you do for me."
Earlier on Monday, Richmond confirmed Martin had re-signed, with the midfielder thanking the club and its supporters for "being so patient during these negotiations".
“I want to thank the Richmond Football Club and our supporters for being so patient during these negotiations,” Martin said on Monday.
“My family and I are grateful for the manner in which Ralph Carr has represented me.
"I am now looking forward to doing everything possible to help the club and my teammates have the success we all crave.”
Melbourne, St Kilda and the Brisbane Lions all publicly ruled themselves out of any race to secure Martin after being linked with the 22-year-old.
After hosting Martin on a tour of its facilities, Greater Western Sydney also said it would not pursue the young Tiger, who has remained a "required player" at Punt Road.
“We have always considered Dustin a required player at Richmond, and we are pleased he has re-committed to the club,” general manager of football Dan Richardson said.
“We have been encouraged by the way Dustin has developed as a footballer, and a person, in his time at Richmond.
“We now look forward to Dustin having another strong pre-season and continuing his improvement in 2014 and beyond.”
Martin attended the Brownlow Medal, sitting at the Richmond table and polling 16 votes. Senior Tigers players have remained in regular contact with him since the end of the season.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-09-30/dusty-settles-at-richmond
