Martin has been strongly linked to the AFL’s newest clubs as a potential recruit, with suggestions that he could be offered as much as $800,000 per season.
While admitting he has not given much thought to his next contract, Martin revealed exclusively to afl.com.au that he would be leaning towards remaining at Punt Rd.
“The Tigers gave me the opportunity and I’m happy here so I’d be happy to stay here,” he said.
Martin was drafted by Richmond with pick three at last year’s NAB AFL Draft and signed a two-year deal with the Tigers that expires at the end of 2011, which coincides with Greater West Sydney’s arrival on the AFL scene.
He has been one of the Tigers’ bright lights in an otherwise gloomy season, missing just one game this season and averaging 20 disposals per match.
The 18-year-old’s ability to win contested possessions and his immaculate disposal have had the football world in raptures and saw him become the round 10 nominee for the NAB AFL Rising Star.
Gold Coast enters the AFL next season but has so far failed to secure any big names. Joel Selwood, Lance Franklin, Nick Riewoldt, Bryce Gibbs and Jarryd Roughead have all re-signed with their Victorian clubs amid speculation they could be chased by Guy McKenna’s team.
Its vast salary cap space and failure to land any big fish so far could mean that the club will focus its intentions on securing the next generation of AFL stars.
Martin is yet to have any discussions about his playing future beyond his initial two-year deal but talks have already begun behind closed doors.
“No, that’s between my manager Ricky Nixon and (Richmond general manager of football operations) Craig Cameron,” he said.
“I haven’t had anything to do with that at the moment, I’m just playing footy.”
