Richmond coach Adem Yze scrapped a plan to impose a deadline on Dustin Martin to make a decision about his playing future amid renewed speculation linking him to the Gold Coast Suns. Yze remains resolute despite concerns over Martin’s fitness, contemplating whether it’s prudent to include him in this weekend’s game against Fremantle after he was sidelined last week due to a back issue.
Instead of pressuring the off-contract star to commit by early August, as initially considered, Yze emphasized his priority of keeping Martin content and motivated during a challenging season for the Tigers, who have won only two games. Addressing recent remarks from Suns coach Damien Hardwick about Martin’s potential recruitment, Yze downplayed the speculation, noting that a decision from Martin is approaching.
“Today, he seemed upbeat and engaged,” Yze remarked on Thursday. “As always, he’ll decide in the coming weeks what he wants to do and what his future holds. Earlier in the year, I did propose a timeline around late July or early August to finalize decisions, but we’re nearing that point now. Our focus remains on ensuring his well-being and allowing him the space to make those choices.”
Beyond Martin’s situation, the Tigers also face a pivotal decision with vice-captain Liam Baker, who is weighing lucrative offers to potentially return to Western Australia.
