Dusty rips up massive footy dealAlex Blair
News.com.au
23 April 2019Dustin Martin has curiously split from his deal with Puma barely a year after signing a huge four-year extension with the sportswear giant.
The Richmond superstar has been on Puma for five years and re-signed with the apparel company worth a rumoured $500,000 following his blockbuster Brownlow season in 2017.
Channel Seven’s Tom Browne broke the news last night on Talking Footy after being shared a statement from Puma.
At first glance, it appears Martin and Puma could not come to an agreement on the latest design of boot provided.
“Puma have been working closely with Martin through a trainsision (sic) period to the new syle (sic) of boot but through this process it has been agreed upon by both parties to end the relationship,” the statement read.
“We have loved working with Dustin and watching him go from strength to strength throughout his career. For the moment, our journey with Dustin has come to an end and we wish him all the best for the remainder of the 2019 season and for what the future holds,” Puma Oceania General Manager Pancho Gutstein said.
Martin was over the moon in 2018 after signing the extension, which saw him join Puma ambassadors Usain Bolt and Rihanna.
“To be considered by a global brand to be in the same category as people like (Usain) Bolt and Rihanna is really humbling, and I’m proud to be part of the PUMA team for the next 4 years,” he said when he signed the deal in February last year.
There is currently no word on which sportswear company Martin will be switching to.
Martin has endured a so-so start to 2019 after being banned for an off-the-ball hit on GWS tagger Matt De Boer. He was also fined by the AFL for making an obscene gesture during a frustrating outing for the Brownlow Medal winner.
The 27-year-old hasn’t yet reached the lofty heights he’s capable of this season, going goalless through his opening three games and managing just 18 and 15 possessions in his past two matches.
Hardwick pleaded with umpires to protect his star player from tagging tactics that pushed the boundaries of fair play after the GWS game.
“Dustin is a player who works on his game every week, mentally and physically,” Hardwick said.
“What we’ve got to be very careful of is, perception is reality I suppose, but it was one bad game he’s played.
“The guy’s a Brownlow Medallist, he’s a multiple best-and-fairest winner for us, he’s an incredible player and I expect him to bounce back.
“No doubt.”
https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/why-has-dustin-martin-ended-his-partnership-with-puma/news-story/8feffbf9217c60378b99bb3d7a5257c1
