DUSTIN Martin's famous agent Ralph Carr has signed up exciting Richmond youngster Shai Bolton as he looks to grow his elite stable of stars.
But rest easy Tigers fans, Bolton – who's initial two-year contract expires at the end of next season – isn't headed for protracted negotiations as well.
"Shai is very happy at Richmond and we feel that Richmond are heading in the right direction so I would think that we would be discussing an extension at some point," Carr told AFL.com.au this week.
Bolton's decision to sign with Carr's 'boutique agency' RCM Sport, is an indication the so-called 'agent to the stars' is here to stay in the AFL landscape.
At a time when the new combined TLA-Stride mega agency represents close to a third of AFL players, Carr believes he's offering something different.
"That was our ethos from the start that we would start up a boutique company that would be more beneficial to players that needed more attention … and more a hands-on approach to educating them on, and off the field," Carr said.
Having been involved mostly in the music industry – he still manages artists Kate Ceberano and Mark Vincent – Carr says he was inspired to turn to sports management by English agent Simon Fuller.
"(He) got into sport management 10 years ago, and suggested that I did the same," Carr explains.
"He now manages David Beckham, Andy Murray, and Lewis Hamilton and I am a huge AFL fan.
"I think the experience that we have had spanning over 20+ years with the media, marketing companies, endorsements, ambassadorships, contract negotiations, and working closely with multi-international companies is of great value."
Carr isn't planning on head hunting, but is looking to grow his talent pool to up to 20 AFL stars.
"We would rather over-service our clients," Carr says.
At the moment that talent list stands at three, Martin, Bolton and GWS defender Nick Haynes.
"... as we are a boutique sports management company, I want to be careful with the choices, and ensure that we build this area slowly.
"It's always been about quality, and not quantity."
But when you sign with RCM Sport you're not just signing up with a firm to negotiate your contract.
"As a manager, I tend to speak to my players weekly and meet with them regularly to strategise life during football, and life after football to maximise their outcomes."
And as for the multi-million dollar question the footy world wants answered, Carr insists there's "nothing to report" on Martin's negotiations, but believes he's helped the 25-year-old learn to live in the spotlight.
"I would like to think that we have played a role in helping him become a professional on, and off the field," he says.
"Dustin is a remarkable player and person."
RALPH CARR'S VIEWS
On player movement:
I think we'll see more of this in the future. I would like to think that the AFL will put something in place to benefit the club who has developed the player to the point of reaching free agency. It would be great for players to be able to stay at their existing clubs, and not suffer financially.
On a manager's role:
I think that the contract is a small part of the bigger picture. As player managers, we need to understand the person, the family, and ambition. These are far more important things to address in getting a better performance from our clients.
On the appeal of Shai Bolton:
The fact that he is 18 years of age, and already playing some good football, he is very appealing as an athlete. He also is a fine young man with values and respect.
On standing firm at the negotiating table:
I always try and remove myself from the emotion and try and be a realist about the market value of a client.
