Dustin Martin is looming as a key cog in this year’s trade period.
Plus Alastair Clarkson continues to make moves before even officially starting as North Melbourne coach.
Get all the latest player movement news in AFL Trade Whispers!
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DUSTY A KEY SHAPER OF TRADE PERIOD
Richmond star Dustin Martin could be “the linchpin” of the upcoming trade period, according to Nine reporter Sam McClure.
Martin has two years to run on a contract with Richmond worth over $1 million, but there have been reports throughout the year the 31-year-old is weighing up a potential move interstate at season’s end.
Speaking on Channel Nine’s Footy Classified, McClure said Martin “could stay at Richmond, but I think he’s going to have to be convinced to do that”, while explaining the ramifications of a potential move.
“He now looms, this man, as the linchpin I think for what is going to happen in the trade period,” he said.
“We know he’s on $1.3 million for the next two seasons, he’s been umming and ahhing, he’s been telling people that he doesn’t love football anymore, maybe he needs a change of location, a change of geography.”
Greater Western Sydney pair Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper are “both going” to leave, according to McClure, meaning a Martin departure could clear up sufficient cap space for the Tigers to secure both players.
Geelong is also interested in Hopper, with McClure saying the Cats were now “out of the race for Jordan De Goey”, while Gold Coast’s pending loss of Izak Rankine to Adelaide means Martin “is far more gettable than he was a month ago” from a salary cap point of view for the Suns.
CLARKO SOUNDS OUT MORE POTENTIAL RECRUITS
Incoming North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson has reportedly approached St Kilda’s Ben Long and West Coast’s Junior Rioli as potential recruits.
Clarkson does not officially start at the Roos until November 1 but has been playing an active role in sounding out talent, also approaching former Hawthorn charge Brad Hill.
The Age reports Clarkson has now approached Long and Rioli.
Long remains unsigned for 2023 at the Saints, while Rioli continues to weigh up his future and interest from rival clubs.
One of those clubs is Port Adelaide, which has put a lucrative offer in front of Rioli along with the Eagles.
