Update: Martin released the following via Twitter on Monday evening: “There have been a lot of conflicting stories going around about myself and the Richmond Footy Club. At the weekend, I asked my manager Ralph Carr to request an extension of time from Richmond, to allow me to fully consider the options about my future. This decision was made purely by me, together with my family. As you can understand, this is a very important decision for my family and one that I won’t make lightly. I want to make it clear that I appreciate everyone’s patience in allowing me the time to make this decision. The claims I have walked out on the Richmond Football Club are totally incorrect. I can tell you that at this time, no decision has been made regarding my future.”
Richmond confirmed that Dustin Martin does not wish to return to the club in 2014 and will likely look to deal the fourth-year player after talk of a contract extension broke down.
“Given the considerable effort we have put into Dustin’s development both on and off the field, and our efforts to retain him all season, we are extremely disappointed with this decision,” Richmond’s football manager Dan Richardson said in a statement issued by the club.
Because Martin is not a free agent, Richmond will look to offload him in a deal that will at least net the club some compensation for the 22-year-old or risk losing him for nothing in the pre-season or national drafts.
Richardson suggested the decision to part ways came down to Martin’s failed contract extension.
“We have also stated previously that we are determined to adhere to our payment strategy for all of our players, many of whom have already committed to the club and its future direction during the 2013 season,” Richardson said.
The Herald Sun believes Richmond were offering just a $50,000 increase to Martin’s 2013 deal of $450,000.
Despite a number of off-field incidents in previous seasons, Martin came into his own in 2013 under the tutelage of new development coach Mark Williams.
Expected to try snatch up the young star are the likes of Melbourne, Brisbane and Greater Western Sydney.
The third pick in the 2009 draft, Martin has played 86 senior games for the Tigers and averaged a career high 24.2 disposals and one goal per game in 2013.
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