Tigers doing ‘truckload of work’ on Dusty deal

Tigers call up big guns 0:56

AFL: Richmond have named a strong side for their pre-season opener against Adelaide.

Dustin Martin fends off Shaun Grigg. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Lauren WoodHerald Sun

RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick is confident that star Tiger Dustin Martin’s contract status won’t be a distraction this season.

Hardwick said the club — led by Neil Balme and Dan Richardson — have been putting in a “truckload of work” to securing the midfielder who has “become the man he is today” thanks to the Tigers.

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“It’s the modern age of football. He’s had a wonderful pre-season and we’re looking forward to him continuing that into the season,” Hardwick said.

“Neil and Dan are doing a truckload of work to try and get it done, and that’s all I can stay at this stage.

Damien Hardwick was in an upboeat mood at today’ press conference. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Damien Hardwick was in an upboeat mood at today’ press conference. Picture: Wayne LudbeySource:News Corp Australia

“Three years ago, clubs would have probably seen it as a distraction, but clubs are that professional now and Dustin’s the ultimate professional. He’ll go about his business.

“Whatever happens in the modern era that we’re in happens, but Dustin’s been a great player for the Richmond footy club and the Richmond footy club’s been great for Dustin. He’s become the man he has today. He’s a good fella.”

Dustin Martin fends off Shaun Grigg at training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Dustin Martin fends off Shaun Grigg at training. Picture: Wayne LudbeySource:News Corp Australia

In a wide-ranging press conference, Hardwick also said:

HE expects Trent Cotchin to retain the captaincy this year.

JACK Riewoldt is “a leader in his own right” and does not need a title to say so amid talk he could be included in this year’s leadership group.

CHANGE is as good as a holiday, with big changes off the field set to lead to changes on it.

THE team has been focused on its ball movement from half-back to half-forward: “If we get the ball in there (forward 50), Jack will kick more goals.”

THAT his expectation is that “we play finals — like 17 other clubs”.

Originally published as Tigers doing ‘truckload of work’ on Dusty deal

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Post Author: martin

Martin is an enthusiastic programmer, a webdeveloper and a young entrepreneur. He is intereted into computers for a long time. In the age of 10 he has programmed his first website and since then he has been working on web technologies until now. He is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of BriefNews.eu and PCHealthBoost.info Online Magazines. His colleagues appreciate him as a passionate workhorse, a fan of new technologies, an eternal optimist and a dreamer, but especially the soul of the team for whom he can do anything in the world.

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