Jake King arrest will cast a cloud over Dustin Martin deals

The arrests yesterday of former Richmond players Jake King and Ty Vickery is having an immediate effect on one of the biggest stories in football – Dustin Martin’s playing future.

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King in particular is good friends with Martin, and both share a worrying connection to outlaw motorcycle gangs.


Add to that Martin’s father Shane, who has been banned entry into the country, and warning bells are ringing loud in recruiting departments around the land.

What may have been a bit of marketable colour in Dusty’s private life has suddenly become a very real, culture-destroying concern that already has clubs reassessing trade strategies.

Not surprisingly no-one’s going on record, but the suggestion was made on Wednesday night that Nat Fyfe’s phone is going to be running hot as clubs turn to a “trouble-free superstar option”.

I suppose it comes down to whether you want a player loved by his teammates or loved by the police.

Personally I’m not so sure the choice is clear.