Rance: We’re here to support DustyLAUREN WOOD,
Herald Sun
Feb 8, 2017DUSTIN Martin is training better than he ever has and teammate Alex Rance “absolutely” wants him to stay at Punt Rd.
But he won’t be offering him any advice on how to play a year of his contract being front and centre.
Martin, 25, is out of contract at the end of the season and has put talks off until then after reportedly making it known to his manager that he wants to consider his options this year.
Star defender Rance said he doesn’t want his gun teammate going anywhere just yet.
“He’s our best player at the moment,” he said.
“He’s the reigning Jack Dyer medallist (as the club best and fairest), breaks the game open and the Tiger faithful love him. He’s definitely a valuable player for us.
“We’re completely comfortable with Dusty and the way he’s training is the best in his career, I’d say. I’m not too worried.”
Rance turned his back on free agency in 2015, signing a five-year deal to stay at Richmond.
Offering advice to his star teammate isn’t on the cards, said Rance, who is unsure whether the team’s on-field performances this year will affect the gun midfielder’s decision.
“Not really (I don’t have any advice for him). Everyone walks their own path,” Rance said.
“My path was completely different to his. My advice probably wouldn’t apply to Dustin and it wouldn’t apply to any other guys who are coming into free agency.
“There’s always going to be a bit of chatter about Dustin because he’s a fantastic player.
“Our role as a playing group is just to make sure that he’s OK and that he’s still playing football and he’s enjoying it. That’s the main thing. We’ll just be there for Dustin to support him through this.”
Rance was on hand to present a personalised jumper and membership to superstar sprinter Usain Bolt at Puma on Tuesday.
Alex Rance and Usain Bolt ham it up at the Puma Store meet and greet. Picture: Michael Klein
The team - which finished 13th last season - recently returned from a pre-season camp on the Sunshine Coast that the key defender said presented some different challenges than usual.
“Usually preseason camps are blood, sweat and tears,” he said.
“Our preseason training was quite tough but at the same time we really focused on building relationships and understanding why people are the way they are and building those strong bonds.”
Forward Jack Riewoldt said last week that he was open to a return to the club’s leadership group, but Rance refused to be drawn on whether it is on the cards.
“(Riewoldt) has been training the house down. He’s a natural leader, he leads on the field and does a lot with the young forwards,” he said.
“That’s something we haven’t really focused on this preseason ... this year is the time that we are focusing on getting around each other and playing some good, fun and enjoyable footy.”
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/alex-rance-says-dustin-martin-doesnt-need-his-advice-on-how-to-handle-free-agency-speculation/news-story/869a5515322203b4755b50d2314b2172
