Richmond is reportedly waiting to hear from Dustin Martin regarding his plans beyond 2024.
After playing his 300th AFL game against Hawthorn last weekend, the Tigers champ hinted he’d be back for the club’s meeting with Carlton after its bye.
Beyond this season, however, there’s uncertainty surrounding Martin’s future including talk of retirement and a move to the Suns to reunite with Damien Hardwick.
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The Herald Sun reports the Tigers have offered the 32-year old a two-year deal, while Martin’s manager Ralph Carr on 3AW confirmed interest from multiple clubs and that “I think he should” play on in 2024.
Speaking on Channel 9’s Footy Classified, veteran journalist Caroline Wilson revealed the Tigers want a commitment from Martin before they table an offer.
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“Richmond are waiting for Dustin Martin to come to them, they want Dustin Martin to come to them before they offer any contract,” she said.
“They want him to say: ‘I want to play for the next two years or for the next year and help the younger guys. I understand we might not play finals next year, (but) I want to be here.’
“He hasn’t said that yet.”
Tigers coach Adem Yze said Martin was still making a valuable contribution to the club on and off the field.
“He will discuss (his retirement) as it gets closer to the end of the year, right now he’s in a really good space, he’s training well, he’s enjoying training and he’s loving being around the footy club,” Yze said.
EAGLES GUN POISED TO RE-SIGN
Eagles veteran midfielder Elliot Yeo is reportedly set to re-sign with the club on a three-year deal.
While there’s no deal yet in place, West Australian journalist Ryan Daniels reports there’s been “significant movement” in contract talks between Yeo and West Coast in recent days, with the club having increased its offer after “significant” interest from multiple clubs.
It’s believed Yeo’s preference has always been to remain at the Eagles, where he’ll play an important leadership role in nurturing the likes of Harley Reid and Reuben Ginbey.
Yeo, 30, has produced one of his best seasons in years after staying free of injuries, averaging 23.1 disposals and 6.4 tackles per game.
West Australian journalist Mark Duffield first reported the Eagles had come to the table with an improved offer, signalling Yeo was likely to stay at the club.
“There might be a little bit of movement from a West Coast point of view on the Elliot Yeo contract front,” Duffield said on SEN WA Mornings on Monday.
“Watch this space. I think maybe last week it was very much 50-50.
“But I get the feeling now that he’s possibly more likely to stay. Maybe it unfolds in the coming days and weeks.”
CATS TABLE STENGLE OFFER
Geelong has tabled Tyson Stengle a four-year deal worth around $700,000 per season, according to 7News’ Theo Doropoulos, in it’s bid to retain the All-Australian forward despite more lucrative rival offers.
It’s believed Stengle is fielding offers worth $800,000 per season, with the likes of Essendon and St Kilda linked to the 2022 All-Australian small forward ahead of his free agency.
It means Stengle would still be leaving approximately $100,000 per season on the table to remain at the Cattery.
Channel 9’s Tom Morris revealed on Monday that Stengle, whose guardian, Annie Scullie, the wife of Eddie Betts, is the 25-year old’s acting manager, would likely land at the “highest bidder” of Melbourne clubs.
“I think it’s worth noting a big part of the reason why he went to Geelong was because of Eddie Betts,” Morris said on SEN Breakfast.
“Eddie Betts is no longer at Geelong and as it sits right now, I think Stengle is going to the highest bidder at a Melbourne-based club, whoever that is. That’s how it’s looking at this stage.”
Stengle and Betts spent one season together at the Cats when Betts was working at the club as an assistant coach in 2022.
Geelong threw a lifeline to Stengle at the end of 2021 after previous stints at Richmond and Adelaide, who parted ways with the forward after multiple off-field indiscretions.