DUSTIN Martin rejected an audacious 11th-hour bid from Essendon before he yesterday agreed to a new two-year deal with Richmond.

A Bombers contingent met Martin’s father Shane and Martin’s manager Ralph Carr at a Port Melbourne cafe on Sunday night.

Essendon assistant coach Mark Thompson, fellow assistant Simon Goodwin and list manager Adrian Dodoro pitched Essendon’s case to the talented but sometimes wayward ­onballer.

Department of Trades



We rate your club's 2012 trades success



The Tigers met with Carr and both Martins yesterday morning and after a sometimes confronting meeting Martin chose to remain a Tiger.



The Martin camp expressed their disappointment to Tigers powerbrokers Dan Richardson and Blair Hartley about how the contract negotiations were played out, and about how the Carr was treated by the club.



Club by club trade guide



The Tigers had made it known their frustration with Carr’s handling on negotiations.

The two-year deal is worth between $1 million and $1.1 million.



It’s believed the Tigers, who withdrew their offer to Martin two weeks ago, was prepared to increase its final offer, although still not to Martin’s original asking price of about $600,000.



The Bombers were the final option for Martin after a raft of clubs, including Brisbane, North Melbourne, Melbourne and GWS, announced they would not pursue.



The Bombers, however, were keen, although their ability to trade would have been difficult after losing draft selections for their controversial supplements program.



They will face the same restraints as they pursues Collingwood’s Heath Shaw.

"We have always considered Dustin a required player at Richmond, and we are pleased he has recommitted,” Richardson said.



"We have been encouraged by the way Dustin has developed as a footballer, and a person, in his time at Richmond.



"We now look forward to Dustin having another strong pre-season and continuing his improvement in 2014 and beyond.”



Martin’s relief was obvious. "My family and I are grateful for the manner in which Ralph Carr has represented me.



“I am now looking forward to doing everything possible to help the club and my teammates have the success we all crave.”



The Tigers welcomed the signing, noting that Martin was ranked No. 2 in the competition for score involvements, behind Collingwood’s Dane Swan, with an average of nine per game.



He was also ranked No. 1 at Richmond for total kicks (382), plus uncontested possessions (403), and No. 2 for total disposals (557).