From The Age / Canberra Times ...Speaking on The Hen House podcast, the Tigers coach also said there was a nervous period when it hit home that they could lose the midfield star to another club, but thought all parties had handled the negotiations well.
"It was a nerve-wracking period towards the end, especially when Dustin flew to New Zealand to speak to his dad," Hardwick reflected.
"That was probably the first time I thought 'geez, this is it, he could go', and to Dustin's credit he turned down a life-changing amount of money to stay at our footy club.
"Don't get me wrong, he's getting paid very well, he's worth every cent, but he turned down a lot of money to stay loyal to our footy club."
After months of speculation, Martin eventually signed a multi-year deal with Richmond on the eve of the finals. When asked whether the Tigers would have won the flag if Martin hadn't signed, Hardwick said it was a "tough question".
But he said once a player crossed the white line, whether they knew they were staying or going, they were "all in" for the jumper that they were playing in.
"It's funny, you put yourself in the same situation and it's easy to say you'd stay but if we're talking about a life-changing amount of money ... he chose the love of his teammates and the love of his club over the endorsement of money."
Hardwick said people see the way Martin looks and the way he plays the game and can underestimate him as a person.
"I think Trent sums it up best ... Dustin's learnt a little bit off us but we've learnt a hell of a lot off Dustin."
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/afl/afl-news/i-thought-this-is-it-he-could-go-damien-hardwick-reflects-on-richmonds-year-20171212-h033wg.html
