Dustin Martin is highly unlikely to be leaving Richmond anytime soon.
The Richmond champion is again being linked with a move to the Gold Coast Suns after it became apparent that Damien Hardwick would be taking the job there.
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Speculation continues to swirl around the Brownlow Medallist and three-time Norm Smith Medallist who remains contracted with the Tigers for 2024. That talk has only intensified following the retirements of Martin’s close mates Trent Cotchin and Jack Riewoldt.
However, SEN’s Tom Morris is eager to put a halt to any Martin departure gossip, insisting that neither the Hardwick or the Suns are in pursuit of the 32-year-old.
He also made it clear that the Tigers have no intention of trading the club’s greatest modern day player.
“I want to halt the Dustin Martin to Gold Coast discussions,” Morris said on SEN Breakfast.
“This is where things are at - Firstly, Damien Hardwick is not pushing for Dustin Martin and will not push for him.
“He wants to come in, have a look at the list, and certainly does not want to impact the club’s ability to bring in their three gun academy prospects - Jed Walter, Ethan Read and Jake Rogers.
“Secondly, there are conflicting reports, but I’m reliably told Dusty is due to make somewhere between $1.4 and $1.5 million next year.
“The Suns can’t afford that and will not jeopardise their list strategy so soon after re-balancing their books in order to fit in a player who will turn 33 next June.
“Thirdly, (CEO) Brendon Gale is on the record saying Richmond won’t trade him. Sometimes public statements differ from private chats. But this doesn’t. What Gale said is consistent behind closed doors too.
“The Tigers do not want to rebuild in the traditional sense and don’t see a world where they would trade Dustin, and certainly not a world where they would pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for him to play elsewhere.
“Strange things can happen in the trade period. But just short of guaranteeing anything, I am willing to declare this morning that I don’t think Martin will be at Gold Coast in 2024.
“People are putting two and two together but not fully understanding of the actual situation behind the scenes.”
Morris added that the conversation could perhaps be different once Martin comes out of contract.
“This is not to say it won’t happen at the end of next year when he’s a free agent and the deal could take place,” he said further.
“But he will be 33 by then, so it’s just too complicated right now.
“In 2025? Maybe. But not next year unless Hardwick and Richmond have a huge change of heart.”
Martin produced a vintage ‘Dusty’ performance in Richmond’s win over North Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday, marking Cotchin and Riewoldt’s farewell in style.
He had 31 disposals, 11 score involvements, seven inside 50s and kicked three goals in a dominant display.