Tiger great Stewart begs Dusty to stay

TIGERS legend Ian Stewart has urged Dustin Martin to play for love rather than money as his contract circus draws to a close.

A final Skype session with father Shane last night could finally pave the way for Martin to accept Richmond’s $7.7 million, seven-year deal.

Stewart implored Martin to stay at Richmond, stating: “It’s a lot easier to play for somebody who cares about you, than play for money.”

The Martin camp remains determined to announce his position by the end of the week after stretching Richmond’s patience. That could see Martin announcing he will stay at Richmond as early as today ahead of Friday week’s qualifying final against Richmond.

Martin yesterday met captain Trent Cotchin for coffee, was to be handed his second All-Australian trophy and squeezed in a Skype session.

But while he will have to sacrifice $2.8 million to stay at Richmond, he is also aware of the potential for premiership success at Richmond.

The Martin camp maintains clubs other than North Melbourne are pursuing 26-yearold, but it is understood Sydney is not among them.

Triple Brownlow medallist Ian Stewart, who won his third medal at Richmond after mov- ing from St Kilda, said yesterday Martin should remain at Punt Rd.

“I’d like to see him stay at Richmond. He’s been good to them and they’ve been good to him,’’ Stewart said. “He’s got a home. It’s a lot easier to play for somebody who cares about you, than play for money.

“When you look around, those faces who care about the club and care about you, they inspire you.

“The dollars don’t inspire you. You can’t play for money week in, week out. You can play for money occasionally, like when it’s the last game of the year and you need a new contract.’’

An appearance on The Footy Show tonight has not been confirmed but is an option.