Talented Richmond midfielder Dustin Martin has re-upped with the Tigers for a further two seasons, ending speculation the youngster could leave the club as a free agent.
Tigers football manager Dan Richardson discounted Martin’s chequered past at the club since being drafted with the third pick in the 2009 National Draft, saying the 23-year-old was never a threat to change homes.
“He’s very committed to Richmond and the path that we’re on, which is great,” Richardson said. “For that reason discussions were fairly straight forward.
“I think Dustin’s certainly developing as an individual and a player but at 23 years of age I think he’s still got further development ahead.
“I think it’s just a sign that he’s got great confidence, as hopefully other players have, that the club’s going in the right direction.”
Martin’s maturity and commitment levels often came into question during the early stages of his AFL career, however the combo midfielder and forward has come into his own in recent seasons, emerging as one of the league’s more damaging players.
“I’m rapt, to be honest – I’m glad we got it all done and I don’t have to worry about it for another few years,” Martin told the official Richmond website.
“I couldn’t be happier. The club has been massive for me – they’ve obviously been a massive part of my life since I was 18 and they’ve taught me about life and a lot about footy as well.
Martin’s 22-game 2014 season was his best to date, averaging a career high 25.4 disposals per game and kicking 27 goals for the 12-10 eighth-placed Tigers.
With Martin now locked in for a further two seasons, Richmond is set to make defender Alex Rance the club’s next No.1 priority to re-sign.
Photo: Michael Dodge/Getty Images.
