RICHMONDDustin Martin is running out of options after the Lions became the latest club to say they are not interested in his services, joining Melbourne, St Kilda, Carlton, Collingwood and North Melbourne in ruling out a trade for the hugely talented but high-maintenance forward, who declared his intention to test his market value when Richmond offered a modest pay rise on his $450,000-a season contract. Surely he will patch things up with the Tigers, but the club was hoping that would happen last week and Martin and his manager Ralph Carr – who maintains Dusty could earn $600,000 a year at another club – are yet to return to the bargaining table. Martin is the only big name who could attract interest from other clubs, with Reece Conca joining teammates including Trent Cotchin, Jack Riewoldt, Alex Rance, Brandon Ellis, Dylan Grimes and Daniel Jackson in inking new deals this season. Chris Newman has signed a one-year contract and back-up key defender Ben Griffiths is reportedly set to follow suit. That doesn’t leave much for other clubs to chase, and little spare cash for the Tigers to go shopping – at least if Martin signs. Richmond is in the hunt for GWS clearance gun Taylor Adams but Collingwood seems his most likely home. Lion Billy Longer has also been mentioned – Richmond needs a young back-up ruckman - but he seems a certainty to go to Hawthorn.
Free agents: Luke McGuane (retire or one-year deal), Matt White (should re-sign)
http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/hawthorn-superstar-lance-franklin-and-collingwood-speedster-dale-thomas-set-to-dominate-afl-trade-period/story-fndv7pj3-1226729451984
