Eddie McGuire says Dustin Martin‘s likely exit from Richmond at season’s end could be a “really elegant dismount”, if executed correctly.
The former Magpies president explained that Martin and his manager Ralph Carr understand that whatever happens when 2024 comes to a close, needs to be more about Richmond, not just the outgoing star.
Martin’s future remains up in the air, as his nine-year mega deal draws to a close.
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The triple premiership hero played game 300 in round 13 against Hawthorn, with speculation that Martin could hang up the boots then and there.
He returned for the club’s round 16 clash against Carlton, but was subbed off in sorry scenes, citing back soreness as the cause.
While Richmond has not suggested whether Martin will be offered a new contract or not, the 2017 Brownlow Medallist has been heavily linked to the Gold Coast Suns, where his former premiership coach Damien Hardwick has landed.
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Melbourne great David Schwarz was confident the deal to get Martin to pull on the boots for the Suns in 2025, was all but completed.
“One hundred per cent, Dustin Martin will be playing at the Gold Coast next year, for a two-year contract,” Schwarz said on SEN radio on Tuesday.
Hardwick also didn’t rule out luring Martin up north, adding fuel to the speculation that discussions have already begun between the pair.
“He’s a really, really good player, there’s no doubt about that, and every single club would be crazy if they didn’t sit there and at some stage make an assessment,” Hardwick said on Wednesday.
“Like 17 other clubs, we’re always looking for good players.”
Now, McGuire has declared that Martin is “coming around” to the idea of a move.
“This could be a really elegant dismount for a bloke who deserves exactly that,” McGuire said on Nine’s Footy Classified on Wednesday night.
“In the past, he pushes everybody away. I think this time, he needs to lean into it in the next month, and make the call (on the next step of his career).
“My mail today is that Dusty and Ralph Carr are very keen to make sure they do the right thing, whatever that may be.
“They’re coming around to the idea, that this time it has to be a bit more than just what’s best for Dusty.”
McGuire has outlined the three likely scenarios that could play out at the end of the season for Martin.
“For Dustin now, there’s a really great opportunity,” McGuire said.
“If he comes out and says, ‘I’m going to finish at the end of the year’, they have a farewell, get another 90,000 (at the MCG) and send him off the right way.
“If he says, ‘I’m going to stay a Tiger for life … and I’ll coach and I’ll really get involved’…
“If he comes out and says, ‘I’m going to be better for Richmond if I’m off the books’. ‘I’m going to go to the Gold Coast, because I can build my life up there, and we’ll do it the right way.”
Martin will likely miss Richmond’s trip to WA to face off against Fremantle.