The Richmond Tigers are reportedly waiting for Dustin Martin to discuss his contract as speculation about his potential retirement continues.
Before his 300th game against Hawthorn last weekend, rumors suggested it could be his final match. However, Martin later told Fox Footy that he will likely be playing against Fremantle in two weeks.
“Yeah mate, freshen up for the bye and see how we go,” he told former teammate Jack Riewoldt after the game.
Following a News Corp report, it has been suggested that the Tigers have presented a two-year offer to Martin’s management. Nine and The Age reporter Caroline Wilson disclosed that the club is now awaiting a response from their star player.
“Richmond are waiting for Dustin Martin to approach them; they want him to initiate discussions before they extend any contract,” she said on Nine’s Footy Classified.
“They hope he’ll commit to playing for another two years or at least one more year to mentor the younger players.
“… But he hasn’t confirmed that yet.”
While Martin electrified the crowd with the first goal of his milestone match on Saturday, his overall statistics were modest, tallying 13 disposals in addition to his goal. Unfortunately, his Tigers suffered a significant defeat against Hawthorn.
Wilson suggests that offering Martin a two-year extension based on that performance would be challenging.
“That was the most extraordinary footy game I’ve ever attended in terms of its significance. It felt like Hawthorn won, but it was also a one-man show. Dustin Martin was like the original rock star of footy, even more so than Lance Franklin,” she commented.
“However, he didn’t look like a player you’d give a two-year contract to. He kicked one brilliant goal at the start of the game and that was it.”
Port Adelaide great Kane Cornes echoed Wilson’s sentiments, advocating for Martin to retire at the end of the season.
“He had a tough matchup with James Sicily, who received 10 coaches’ votes and exposed him defensively,” Cornes remarked.
“I’d need to see more from him, particularly in terms of his commitment to preseason, setting standards, and accepting potential losses in the coming years. His performance needs to show improvement.
“It’s the ideal moment for him to consider retirement.”