Where to next? Matthew Lloyd urges Richmond to make harsh call on Dustin Martin's pending careerBy Anna Pavlou
Nine
16 April 2024Matthew Lloyd has called on Richmond to keep their eyes on ageing star Dustin Martin and then decide if they offer him a contract at the end of this season.
Martin's mega nine-year deal comes to an end in 2024, after the midfielder helped the Tigers to three flags in the past decade and collecting all three Norm Smith Medals and a Brownlow Medal to go with it.
Martin is now 32 and questions are naturally arising about what the next chapter of his career holds - whether that be retirement, another year in the yellow and black, or even a move to a rival club.
Lloyd has declared the superstar should remain a one-club champion, but it is up to Richmond, not Martin, to decide whether they sign him for another year.
"Watch Dustin's body language, watch how hard he wants to work on the field, and challenge him on his motivation levels," Lloyd said on Nine's Footy Classified.
"He's achieved everything there is to achieve in the game, but do you still want it badly enough?"
That decision, Lloyd believes, is based on where the Tigers believe they're headed next.
If they want to contend, they'll need to do so quickly to get the best out of Martin.
But, if new coach Adem Yze decides a longer rebuild is on the cards, then Martin's spot in the side drops significantly in value.
"(Richmond should ask) 'Do you still want it?' Otherwise, 'could we spend our money more wisely next year, when we're going to the bottom?'," Lloyd said.
Caroline Wilson weighed in on the possibility that Martin could end his career at another club.
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Earlier in the year, there were suggestions the premiership hero could eventually head up north at the end of 2024, to join former Richmond coach Damien Hardwick at the Gold Coast Suns.
However, Wilson believes the 32-year-old is beyond a move, fearing it will tarnish his reputation.
"Clearly he'll get to 300 (games), then he's got a big decision to make (on his career)," Wilson said.
"Dustin Martin knows that his brand is going to be significantly improved if he's a one club player.
"He's of no use to the Gold Coast."
Kane Cornes says it is time for the legend to hang up the boots.
"It's the perfect time for him to retire, have a great victory lap for the second half of the year, get to 300 and then go out," he said.
"He doesn't want to play in a team we saw lose to one of the worst teams we've seen ever (West Coast in round five)."
The Tigers have started their season 1-5, with Martin only just returning to the senior side in round four after suffering a corked calf at the start of the season.
He collected 13 disposals and kicked a goal in the Tigers' round five loss to the Eagles.
https://wwos.nine.com.au/afl/news-2024-dustin-martin-richmond-carrer-matthew-lloyd-gold-coast-suns-damien-hardwick/e958d9eb-417a-4756-a82a-135ef695419b
