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RICHMOND has always gone the extra mile for Dustin Martin.
He's had cooking classes, free lodging, advice on how to spend his money and work experience at Lindsay Fox's trucking company.
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"We have heavily invested in Dustin Martin as a person and a player — probably more so than anyone else beyond his family," Tigers chief executive Brendon Gale said.
"He is a young man that has grown up significantly since he arrived at the club. As we have said from day one — he is a required player and a very important player.
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"He has had his best season ever. I anticipate he will finish high up in the best and fairest.
"Whilst we are bitterly disappointed with the way the contract negotiations have unfolded, nothing has transpired in the past seven days that will change our commitment to him as a person or player."
During his early days as a Tiger, Martin lived with president Gary March, his wife Bev and the kids in Middle Park.
"I appreciate them having me in,'' Martin said at the time.
"I'm very comfortable there. Marchy had the spare room and it has helped me a lot. It's hard to explain. I just felt more comfortable, a bit more relaxed living with a family instead of out on my own."
March's previous billet was a bloke called Ben Cousins.
It was all part of Richmond's constant efforts to steer Martin through life as an AFL star.
But under the guidance of his manager, Ralph Carr, Martin surprisingly decided to publicly test his worth in the marketplace.
On Thursday, he jetted out of Melbourne with Carr to meet with officials from Greater Western Sydney.
It followed a breakdown in contract negotiations between Richmond and Carr.
Martin wants $600,000 a season and the Tigers won't budge from their offer of $500,000.
The Giants pulled out of the race on Friday, leaving the Brisbane Lions as the only possible suitor.
It's a strategy that has backfired. Martin is likely to stay at Tigerland, possibly on less money than he was offered months ago.
Martin's former player agent, Ricky Nixon, has urged the bullocking midfielder to stay. He says leaving Richmond would be a mistake.
"I would say to him: 'Richmond is the best place for you'," Nixon said.
"Sometimes agents get caught up in trying to prove to the player how good they are. You have to make a decision for your client, not for yourself."
At different times, Martin has been compared to Darren Millane, Leigh Matthews, Mark Riccuito and even Sam Kekovich.
He's a powerhouse midfielder, but still way off fulfilling his potential. Off-field, too, he's a work in progress.
Richmond's player welfare program looks after all of its young players, but the club has gone above and beyond for Martin.
Martin's mentors at Richmond have included former skipper Chris Newman and assistant coach Wayne Campbell. His best mates at the club include Newman, Shane Edwards and Luke McGuane. For a while last summer, he lived with captain Trent Cotchin and his fiancee Brooke.
This year, development coach Mark "Choco" Williams wrapped his arms around the No.4, resulting in Martin's most consistent season.
Martin often has dinner at Williams' Brighton home.
The Port Adelaide premiership coach has helped Martin with presentations he has given to indigenous youths at Punt Rd's Korin Gamadji Institute. Martin also spoke this year at prestigious Caulfield Grammar.
"He has worked very closely with Mark and the two have developed a great relationship," Gale said. "The club will continue to support Dustin in any way possible as we do with all our players."
Another footy figure said Martin was a good kid, receiving bad advice from his management.
"All kids who come from interstate or the country and are not living at home need attention," the figure said.
"But the fact he's such a high-profile young lad with tattoos on his neck means he just draws a lot of attention.
"People know who he is. He burst on to the scene."
Martin is adamant he has not yet quit the club. He's just keeping his options open.
"The claims that I have walked out on the Richmond Football Club are totally incorrect," Martin tweeted on Monday.
"I can tell you that at this time, no decision has been made. As you can understand, this is a very important decision for myself and my family and one that I won't make lightly."
