Richmond head coach Damien Hardwick has come out strongly in his elimination final loss press conference, stating that he believes that superstar Dustin Martin will remain at Punt Road for the foreseeable future.
Richmond's season came to a close on Thursday night after losing an elimination final classic to Brisbane by 2 points at the Gabba after Joe Daniher kicked a crucial late goal to get the Lions over the line.
Martin collected 15 disposals and 1 goal on the night, however, went into the game slightly underdone, having spent 8 weeks on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury.
Martin also featured heavily in the media during the leadup to the game, with a compromising leaked video of the midfielder being made public.
When asked about the future of the contemporary champion, Hardwick refused to be baited into speculation.
“He’s got two years of his contract to run so as far as I’m concerned all the speculation comes from the people sitting over that side of the table, it’s pretty simple to me – if you guys keep talking about it, it creates speculation, the reality is I’m telling you that he’s got two more years of his contract. He’s not going anywhere," the triple premiership-winning coach claimed.
The triple Norm Smith medalist has been heavily linked to a move away from Victoria to an interstate team throughout the season, with the Sydney Swans, and GWS among many clubs, being touted as the possible new homes for the 31-year-old.
The 2022 AFL trade period begins on October 3rd.
