The Australian journalist Greg Denham believes Richmond have lost a little ground on superstar midfielder Dustin Martin, with North Melbourne pulling out all the stops to recruit the 26-year-old.
Denham suggested that due to Josh Kelly and the Giants closing in on a new deal, the Roos are turning their attentions to Martin, and may even send out a group of officials to New Zealand.
"North Melbourne officials, possibly, including coach Brad Scott, are preparing as early as this weekend, to fly to New Zealand to speak to Martinโs father Shane," Denham wrote in The Australian on Monday.
Denham then jumped on SEN's Hungry for Sport on Monday morning with Richmond legend Kevin Bartlett, and expanded on his report in today's paper.
โThere was a big dramatic change from Richmond swinging back to North in the last week,โ Denham said.
โSomething really significant has happened over the last week or two. I think Richmond was feeling quite confident that they had the deal done. All of a sudden, off the table, Iโm not sure whether North got wind of what is now coming through GWS where Josh Kelly, after what Leon Cameron said, must be giving an indication to the Giants that he will stay for the next two years and not leave.
โTo be honest, North are so desperate, they were after both players, but they need a least one to rejuvenate and theyโre obviously going to put all their eggs in the Martin basket. It seems to be whatever it takes.
โAt the start of the year, we had Martin around a four-year deal at about $850,000 to stay at Richmond. The four-years has now gone to six or seven, the 850 has gone to $1.2-1.5 million, which will make Dusty the highest paid player in the AFL.
โYou can just see Northโs bid is absolutely massive and theyโre leaving no stone unturned. Whether they go to New Zealand, the money, the length of contract, theyโre leaving nothing to chance.โ
Despite Denham's suggestions, Herald Sun journalist Mick Warner has reported North Melbourne have dismissed those claims, and suggested a meeting with Martin's father is not in the works.
Martin was once again one of Richmond's best on Sunday against Fremantle, and providing he does not pick up a suspension against the Saints this weekend, will go in as a raging favourite for the 2017 Brownlow Medal.
