Richmond coach Damien Hardwick maintains he's relaxed and comfortable about Dustin Martin's future as the Tigers gear up for a finals campaign without the signature of the AFL star.
Martin, the clear Brownlow Medal favourite, is out of contract at year's end and has attracted interest from rival clubs.
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Hardwick: Martin is entitled to explore free agency
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick believes players need to test free agency, even his star Dustin Martin.
Hardwick's view is simple.
So what?
![Damien Hardwick says that Dustin Martin is free to explore his options.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170827195625im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/x/u/w/j/x/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gy416f.png/1503654231078.jpg)
The Tigers coach says he supports free agency and he supports Martin exploring his options.
"I think we're all big boys these days. We've got a fair understanding that this happens all the time," he said on Friday.
"North aren't the first to do it and we've certainly done it a number of times.
"We, like other clubs, will entertain players and they'll entertain ours.
"It's part and parcel of our industry at the moment so if you're not in it, you're not involved."
Without the ability to match North Melbourne's mega-money offer, Richmond are relying on the bonds formed over eight years being worth more.
Martin's first game as a Tiger, back in 2010, was also Hardwick's first as the side's coach.
"I love the kid. I've loved him the first day he came into the club and I continue to love him regardless of what happens here," Hardwick said.
"He's been a fantastic player for me. All I'm looking forward to him doing is playing his best footy. He's done that thus far and it's going to continue."
Denying that Martin's situation was a distraction as the Tigers gear up for the finals, Hardwick said the club didn't lack motivation in round 23 against St Kilda.
The Tigers are playing for a top four place - and to erase from the memory their most recent performance against the Saints, a heavy round 16 loss.
"Its a big [motivator]. They embarrassed us," he said.
With the benefit of hindsight, and five wins from their six games since, Hardwick suggested the Tigers were better for the loss.
"We found a couple of areas that we could really improve from that game ... we've only lost one game since," he said.
"It was sort of a blessing in disguise."
AAPÂ