Speculation continues to grow over the future of Dustin Martin, with the champion footballer being tipped to leave Richmond after the 2022 season.
Leading journalist Sam McClure believes the superstar Tiger will unlikely be at Punt Road in 2023 but is unsure which club he'll go to.
There is a 'very large chance' Dustin Martin won't be playing for Richmond next season, per @sam_mcclure.
— 7AFL (@7AFL) July 4, 2022
😮 pic.twitter.com/UAqK7GPRQ4
“As we sit here right now, there’s a very large chance that Dustin Martin won’t be playing at Richmond next year,” McClure said on 3AW’s Sportsday.
“I don’t know that part (which club he would go to). I’d be guessing.
“Sydney keep getting mentioned. He’s had a love of Sydney, Ralph Carr his manager has been on the record saying that. So if he wanted to go to Sydney, Sydney would move heaven and earth to make it happen.
“Damien Hardwick was on the record not long ago saying if he wanted to leave, he would leave with my blessing.”
Martin - who took time to grieve the passing of his father - missed rounds 2-7 on personal leave and has been a sight for sore eyes for Tiger fans since his return against Collingwood.
The four-time All-Australian hasn't been at his usual best, but is still contributing on the scoreboard, kicking 10 goals in his seven games following his time away.
The 31-year-old recently suffered a minor hamstring injury and will likely miss the next three weeks but should be back prior to the finals, in what shapes as an intriguing September given the closeness of the competition.
Martin's contract ends at the conclusion of 2024 but Carr controversially said he only had two seasons remaining on his contract at the beginning of 2021, as a move to Sydney was flagged back then.
The Sporting News ranked the premiership-winning midfielder's most likely destination for 2023 and beyond.
#1 Sydney
Martin's link to Sydney has been circulating for a couple seasons, with the lure of returning back to his childhood area, Camden, a possibility.
The city of Melbourne has also fixated on the lives of AFL players, with any indiscretions heavily scrutinised and focused upon given the 'fishbowl' nature of the state.
New South Wales do take a more laid back approach on Aussie rule stars, given the highly supported NRL in the state, meaning the AFL tends to slip through the cracks.
Given his status, Martin would be recognised in almost every corner of the globe, but a move away from Victoria could be what he desires, with his hometown a likely suitor.
It has been suggested that the midfielder wants to live a more private life.
The Richmond champion also spent time in Sydney during his personal leave following the passing of his father earlier in the season.
Martin also looked at getting a trade from the Tigers back in 2013, when he toured the then expansion club GWS before remaining at Punt Road.
The Swans would struggle to get him across, but a player of Martin's calibre, a three-time Norm Smith Medallist, would almost force their hand if his desires are to move north.
#2 Richmond
Damien Hardwick offered his blessing earlier in the season to Martin if he chooses to leave Richmond.
During that time, the star on-baller was dealing with personal issues and speculation floated that he may struggle to play again.
“What he gives us, he’s paid us in spades," Hardwick said.
“Whatever Dustin’s decision is moving forward is up to Dustin and to be honest he has my blessing.
“What he’s given me, us, our fans, he has been incredible and whatever we get from here on in is a bonus."
Although it may seem unlikely that Martin stay at the Tigers, there's still strong hope that he remains put and sees out his contract to 2024.
Richmond have miraculously jumped back into top four contention in 2022 after a sluggish start and the potential to play in another flag may keep the Norm Smith Medallist in yellow and black.
With only four players older than Martin, it may give him belief that the Tigers can rise to the top again, with a new and improved crop on the rise.
#3 GWS
Seen as a courtesy option due to its location, GWS isn't officially a part of the conversation for Martin.
However, they attempted to lure the star back in 2013 but were unable to do so.
If the Swans can't barter a deal if Martin opts to leave Richmond, the Giants could swoop in with a godfather deal, trading out some of the younger stars to free up space for the champion.
#4 North Melbourne
Back in 2017, North Melbourne reportedly offered a massive seven-year, $10.5 million deal for Martin to pry him out of Richmond.
However, the Tigers went on to win the premiership that same year, as well as another two in the next three seasons.
Given the troubles facing the Kangaroos in 2022, they would have to offer something similar to what they did five years ago and hope it creates a ripple effect for other players to follow suit.
#5 Gold Coast
If Martin opens his services to the rest of the competition, Gold Coast should be a club to put their hat in the ring.
The Suns are on the brink of finals but need a few more pieces to the puzzle to elevate them into genuine contention.
A player like Martin would not only bring about on-field brilliance that we have seen over the past decade, but could attract other talent and assist in retaining key figures.
It should be noted that Gold Coast have not been officially listed as an option, but could be part of a conversation in the future if the 31-year-old chooses to leave.
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