Richmond football boss Neil Balme says the Tigers are happy to give Dustin Martin "as long as he likes" to contemplate his future as long as the gun midfielder's on-field performance doesn't dwindle.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Martin, 25, is a restricted free agent this year and his contract situation is set to remain a major talking point until he either re-signs with Richmond, or chooses to accept an offer from a rival club.
Martin again made headlines when walked away from contract questions at a media gathering at the MCG where he was helping to promote a new football with mentor and former Tigers assistant coach Mark Williams.
While Balme argued that Martin had been treated unfairly by the media in the aftermath, he said the more important matter of talks between the club and Martin's agent Ralph Carr were going well.
"There's been nothing but professional and constructive conversations between us and Ralph Carr as to what's going on," Balme told SEN.
"When I first came back we had a breakfast meeting with Dusty and [Balme's lieutenant] Dan [Richardson] and Ralph and myself, and we went through it all, and I was really impressed.
"We're talking the same language. It's just a matter of figuring out where Dusty fits in our program and also in the AFL larger program as to what we need to be able to pay him, because he's an exceptional player for us and we want to do the long-term deal with him."
The veteran administrator also said he'd understand if Martin wanted to take things slowly before coming to a decision about where he will play in 2018 and beyond.
"It's a terrific opportunity for a bloke like Dustin, with free agency, to make sure he gets the right deal. We've made him a terrific offer and he can take as long as he likes to consider it as far as we're concerned as long as he plays good footy in 2017. We've got every confidence that he'll be a Tiger long-term and I'm pretty sure he thinks the same way.
"I think we've made an offer that eventually will be fine. They've got every right to take as much time as they like to consider it."
Martin hit back at his treatment by the media on Wednesday night. He labelled reports about the MCG gathering "fake news" via a post on Twitter.
"Selective editing of the video tells a different story as always," Martin wrote.
"Another article this evening about Ralph & myself is also NOT true. They don't care how it affects people, they just want to get a story in the paper! Stay solid."
Balme said Martin had a right to feel aggrieved, although conceded that attention about Martin's future wouldn't subside. "He's just going to have to set himself for it because that's going to happen."
