Tigers and AFL at odds over media-shy Dusty's 300th game

THE AFL and Richmond could be on a collision course over the recognition of Dustin Martin’s 300th game.

Martin is due to hit the milestone at Adelaide Oval in Round 13 against the Crows, although he could yet be managed to ensure the MCG hosts the occasion against Hawthorn the following week.

Regardless, the AFL’s preference is for the media-shy superstar to conduct a press conference as it looks to enforce media-access clauses written into the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

But the Tigers are opposed to a Martin press conference, pointing to the fact this isn’t want Martin would want, nor would it bring the best out of him.

The Brownlow medallist, triple premiership player and three-time Norm Smith medallist has always guarded his privacy and granted precious few interview requests throughout his 15-year career.

That has not changed this year, players and clubs face fines of $10,000 and $20,000 respectively if they repeatedly refuse to do interviews under CBA rules.

With the new Seven and Foxtel broadcast deal worth $4.5 billion, the league has been mindful that some clubs had made media access to their star players difficult.

Specifically, clause 2.6 of the non-match day media access agreement states each club’s playing group must be made available for 45 minutes within two days of their match.

However, it would appear inconceivable the AFL would look to fine Martin – one of the most decorated players of his generation.

The Tigers are working on alternative media commitments for Martin the build-up to his 300th game, but at this stage it’s unclear on what they are or whether the AFL would be satisfied by them.

The league was known to be irritated by Lance Franklin’s refusal to take part in a press conference when he retired suddenly from the game last year.