The talks come in the wake of speculation earlier this week that Martin had been offered a lucrative three-year deal by Greater Western Sydney to join the club in 2012.
GWS coach Kevin Sheedy recently fuelled speculation when he wrote a column in a Melbourne newspaper revealing the club’s plans to target Richmond’s promising youngsters, including Martin, who’s contracted with the Tigers until the end of 2011.
Hardwick says he is confident that the club’s first-round draft pick from 2009 will stay at Richmond.
“We’re very confident that he’ll stay and be a very good player for our footy club,” Hardwick said on Friday morning.
“Dustin’s not going anywhere we don’t think. He’s very happy here, and we’re in negotiations at the moment.”
Another youngster on the rise at Richmond who Hardwick believes has an enormous future at the club is suspended midfielder Daniel Connors.
Connors is set to make an immediate return to the Richmond side when his eight-week club-imposed ban comes to an end.
The midfielder was sanctioned by the club for unsociable behaviour and being intoxicated after the loss to the Sydney Swans in round three.
The 21-year-old has served six weeks of his eight-game ban and has been undergoing alcohol counselling as well as working with homeless people at St Mary’s refuge.
Connors’ should be available for selection from round 12, and Hardwick said he couldn’t wait to get him back in the side.
“We’re looking forward to getting him back in the side ASAP,” he said.
“From our point of view I know it’s cost us eight weeks, but we think it will be the best thing for Dan Connors going forward. We think he has an enormous future at our footy club. It’s a kick up the backside for him and a real eye-opener to realise how good he has it.
“He’s been working at St Mary’s refuge, where he’s been helping the homeless, so it’s a real eye-opener for him there as well.”
