sport news Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has given his blessing to Dustin Martin to move ... trends now
Richmond Tigers coach Damien Hardwick has given superstar midfielder Dustin Martin his blessing to finish his career for a Sydney AFL club as soon as next season.
Speculation has been rife that the three-time premiership and Norm Smith Medal winner may sign with the Sydney Swans or GWS and could already be having secret talks with the rival clubs.
There have also been rumours that Martin could look to make the move soon, after spending time in the Harbour City during his six weeks of personal leave this season to mourn the death of his father Shane.
Senior AFL journalist Jon Ralph told RSN927am today: 'I think there's a real likelihood that he could request a trade at the end of the season based on compassionate grounds.'
Martin and Hardwick celebrate after winning the 2020 AFL Grand Final match between the Richmond Tigers and the Geelong Cats at The Gabba
It is understood that Martin may want to escape the constant scrutiny in the Melbourne AFL bubble and seek out a more private life in Sydney. If that happens, Hardwick said the superstar would have his backing.
'He's a very important player to our footy club, on the field and off the field,' Hardwick said at a Tigers media conference on Tuesday afternoon.
'What he gives us, he's paid us in spades.
'Whatever Dustin's decision is moving forward is up to Dustin and, to be honest, he has my blessing,' Hardwick said.
'What he's given me, us, our fans, he has been incredible and whatever we get from here on is a real bonus.
'I'm just lucky I get to see him on a weekly basis perform and train the way he does.
'He was a bit sore last week, he'd never put up his hand and say he was a little bit underdone.
'He's a required
