Early bird rivals on the hunt for DustyJON RALPH
Herald Sun
16 July 2016FIVE clubs have aggressively pursued Richmond star Dustin Martin a full 12 months out from the 25-year-old hitting free agency next year.
The Tigers are yet to initiate any contract talks with Martin despite his willingness to be tied to a long-term deal at Richmond.
Martin has this year shrugged off a controversial summer to put together a career-best season that has put him in Brownlow Medal calculations.
Those clubs from Melbourne and interstate are inquiring about him in what has now become a pattern for clubs chasing free agents.
Lance Franklin effectively struck a deal with Sydney 12 months before he became a free agent then kept their contract offer secret for a year.
The Tigers are still dealing with a long list of players out of contract this year, including free agents Tyrone Vickery, David Astbury, Ben Griffiths, Reece Conca and Ivan Maric.
But Martin is the jewel in the crown at Richmond, a player rivals would easily pay $1 million a year to acquire given his matchwinning abilities.
He is recording career-best numbers in every meaningful category: rankings points (109), disposals (29.3), contested footy (12.1), inside 50s (4.
, clearances (4.9) and pressure points (40.2).
The Tigers have so far been able to secure their free agents ahead of time, including securing Alex Rance last year when he was considering retiring from the game.
Brett Deledio signed a five-year deal in March 2012 in the year he was to become a free agent.
In December 2014 captain and free agent Trent Cotchin signed a five-year deal a season ahead of time, adamant he did not want the distraction of contract talks to affect the team.
Martin is seen to be thriving on and off the field despite his father Shane’s deportation to New Zealand for immigration issues this year.
Dustin Martin is being pursued by several rival AFL clubs.
Mid-sized forward Sam Lloyd is another Tiger out of contract, but said he was working towards a new deal.
“I’m sure something will get done soon,” Lloyd said.
“There’s been a bit of talk. It’s something I’ll let my manager handle more, I’ve just got to keep playing good footy.
“It’s probably been my most consistent season. I’ve focused on having that average of two goals a game.
“I’ve just got to keep working on that consistency of my pressure and that’ll keep me in the side.”
Richmond on Thursday night dropped out-of-contract midfielder Conca for the clash with Essendon despite him winning 21 possessions against the Bulldogs.
The Tigers have committed to handing key tall Liam McBean at least three weeks in the AFL as they attempt to gauge the young talent on their list.
But it means Vickery will continue to battle away in the VFL, which does not boost his trade value should he end up moving clubs.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/dustin-martin-being-pursued-by-rivals-more-than-12-months-before-entering-free-agency/news-story/71f8cc88be94678ca84cd9cd6dc16948
