Martin may decide by end of the week

FREE agent Dustin Martin has arrived back in Melbourne flanked by two bodyguards and silent on his club future, but his manager says a decision may be made at the end of the week.

Manager Ralph Carr in Auckland with Martin as he visited his father amid speculation as to where the player’s signature would land before next season, and for how much.

The 26-year-old stared ahead and briskly walked out of Melbourne Airport about 8pm, leaving Carr to answer burning questions.

“It’s not my decision, but we’ll make one at the end of the week I’d say,” he said. “Everyone is trying to be as patient as possible.”

Channel 7 last night reported two extra clubs may be interested in Martin, potentially influencing the contest between Richmond and North Melbourne.

Richmond skipper Trent Cotchin — who considers the star midfielder one of his closest friends — earlier maintained that he was not rattled by the fact that Brownlow Medal favourite remains uncommitted, or that he has gone abroad to consider his options. “I’m not worried,” Cotchin said. “It is what it is. As I’ve said in media, to him, and to others, the reality is that he’s a contracted player until October at the Richmond footy club.

“I’m just enjoying being part of his show this year. It’s been an impressive one to watch and I’m re- ally proud of the way he’s been so resilient with so much being spoken about, but also his ability to do the work that he does behind closed doors and then come out and perform on weekends.”

Martin today firmed to be the shortest-priced Brownlow Medal favourite yet, coming in from $1.20 to $1.12 after Sunday’s electric performance against St Kilda.

He has maintained all year that he would consider his contract at season’s end.

Martin’s final quarter goal against St Kilda on Sunday as the Tigers romped to a 44-point victory raised the Tiger faithful to a new level, and even Cotchin said he had been impressed by his friend’s ability to produce the sublime this season.