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. The Herald Sun reports the Tigers have offered the 32-year-old a two-year deal, while Martin’s manager, Ralph Carr, confirmed on 3AW that multiple clubs are interested 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.
“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.
There's been significant movement in recent days between the @WestCoastEagles and Elliot Yeo.
Yeo now set to remain at WC on a 3-year deal.⁰
No signature yet, but the Eagles have come to the table, after significant offers from multiple clubs.Yeo's preference was always to…
— Ryan Daniels (@FootyRhino) June 17, 2024
West Australian journalist Mark Duffield first reported that the Eagles had come to the table with an improved offer, indicating that Elliot 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 its 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.
It’s understood Geelong has offered All-Australian forward Tyson Stengle a 4-year contract worth approximately 700k per year.
You have to feel that’s well less than what he’s worth on the open market, and leaves the door open for rival clubs to swoop. @7afl @7NewsMelbourne
— Theo Doropoulos (@TheoDrop) June 17, 2024
Channel 9’s Tom Morris reported on Monday that Tyson Stengle, whose guardian Annie Scullie (Eddie Betts’ wife) is acting as his manager, is likely to sign with the “highest bidder” among Melbourne clubs.
“A big part of the reason he went to Geelong was because of Eddie Betts,” Morris said on SEN Breakfast.
“Eddie Betts is no longer at Geelong, and as it stands right now, it looks like Stengle will go to the highest bidder at a Melbourne-based club, whoever that may be.”
Stengle and Betts spent a season together at the Cats in 2022 when Betts was working as an assistant coach. Geelong offered Stengle a lifeline at the end of 2021 after his previous stints at Richmond and Adelaide, the latter parting ways with him after multiple off-field issues.
