Richmond coach Adem Yze has slammed “speculation” around star forward Shai Bolton, as reports continue to grow around his connection to Fremantle.
The Dockers have already met with Bolton, despite the 25-year-old still having four years left to run on his contract at Tigerland.
Now Yze has had his say on suggestions Bolton could request a trade at season’s end.
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“The speculation around what he is doing next year, is a little bit disrespectful,” Yze said on Thursday.
“He’s got four years to run on a contract and he’s one of our best players.”
Marlion Pickett and Shai Bolton of the Tigers walk off the field after losing to Essendon in round 11. Getty
There is also natural interest from West Coast in Tigers midfielder Liam Baker, who is from WA, to return home.
Bolton is contracted until the end of 2028, while Baker is out of contract come season’s end.
Meantime, all eyes will turn again to injured star Dustin Martin.
After managing just 12 games this season, Richmond fans will have to wait another week to see Martin in action.
Liam Baker has been linked to a move to his home state of WA. Getty
It could mean one less chance to see Martin pull on the black and yellow for good, as retirement speculation continues to grow.
The Tigers superstar is continuing his battle with back soreness.
“It’s still a bit grumbly. If he tries to go out there and it’s cold, things like that. He won’t train and he won’t play,” Yze said.
It means Martin has just six games left on his nine-year mega deal, with no fresh contract on the cards with the Tigers just yet.
Martin has also been heavily linked with former Tigers triple premiership coach Damien Hardwick, who is now heading up the Gold Coast Suns.
Melbourne great David Schwarz hinted that a deal has already been done for Martin to become a Sun in 2025.
Richmond face off against the Giants on Sunday at the MCG.