Matthew Lloyd calls on Richmond to take action amid worrying Dustin Martin development

Former AFL player Matthew Lloyd has claimed the Tigers should make club great Dustin Martin earn a new contract with the star's future up in the air after his mega-deal runs out at the end of 2024. The AFL world has been speculating whether Martin's time in the sport is coming to an end.

The 32-year-old turned out a below-par performance for the Tigers in the loss to West Coast on the weekend. And AFL great Kane Cornes has questioned whether this is Martin's last year in the sport with some speculating he might call time. Although the champion has earned himself time to figure it out having won the Norm Smith medal in 2017, 2019 and 2020 during the Tigers' winning years.

However, it hasn't stopped speculation around his future at Richmond with his huge nine-year deal coming to an end after 2024. Two weeks ago against St Kilda, Martin was at his best having made a team high 29 disposals. However, on the weekend, Martin only made 13 disposals against West Coast. And to make matters worse, most fans were talking about young Harley Reid's big fend on the legend that left him clutching at air.

And Lloyd has claimed the Tigers should not get too hasty in offering Martin a new contract considering it doesn't appear there is too much consistency in his game to start the season. "He had 13 disposals in a game of footy. I know he was coming back and he has had his few niggles, but I think they have to do it on their terms and watch Dustin for the rest of the year. Watch Dustin's body language and watch how hard he wants to work on the field," Lloyd said on Footy Classified.

"Challenge him on his motivation levels. He has achieved everything there is to achieve in the game. But do you still want it badly enough...otherwise could we spend our money more wisely."

Caroline Wilson did agree with Lloyd's message, but claimed she feels the club will look to sign Martin on. Kane Cornes, Wilson and Lloyd all agreed Martin would not likely play for another club. "It's the perfect time for him to retire," Cornes added. "It's perfect. Have a great victory lap for the second-half of the year and get to 300 games."

Dustin Martin manager denies retirement speculation

While there is talk about Martin potentially calling it after 2024, his manager shut down such speculation. Speaking last week, Martin's manager Ralph Carr moved to quell all the speculation around his future in the AFL.

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“Dustin at this point has no intention of retiring, and he has never lost his love for AFL football," he told The Herald Sun. “The Richmond Football Club, the AFL and family has been an incredible support to him and I personally know that he wants to stay in the game as long as possible. I also want to thank all supporters of the game for supporting ‘the people’s champion’ Dustin Martin.” The Tigers are 1-5 to start the season and will take on Melbourne this Wednesday.