In case you’ve been avoiding Twitter all afternoon, rumours are rife that Dusty Martin will end speculation around his future on Thursday night’s AFL Footy Show.

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Former St Kilda executive Brian Waldron was the first to mash out a tweet, declaring the deal would be announced on the show, with the Brownlow Medal favourite staying at Punt Road for 1.3 million dollars a year for seven years.

It's done!Dusty is a done deal . $1.3mill over 7 years. Great day for the Tigers. Footy show announcement tonight. #dustinmartin #Tigers — brian waldron (@brianwaldron4) August 31, 2017

Martin was spotted in New Zealand earlier this week discussing his contract options with his father, Shane, and manager Ralph Carr.

While rumour mongers will be left short of content for Richmond’s run through the finals, Sporting News’ Rohan Connolly is more concerned with the method of the announcement.

“I really hope the rumours aren’t true,” Connolly said during his weekly Facebook Live.

“It sends a bad message. Not all your fan base is going to be watching the Footy show. In fact, some would argue if they’ve got any brains they won’t be watching the Footy Show.

“It’s uncomfortably close networking with a media outlet. Good luck to Channel Nine if they get it; obviously, a lot more people will tune in, but you’ve got to cater to your whole fan base and I’d have thought the best forum to do that is to call an all-in media conference.

“At the very least, put it up on the club’s website or email your members so they’re getting the info before anyone else. I think it sets a pretty unhealthy precedent.

“You’d think there’s a bit of money involved if the rumour is true – it seems like a lot with Dusty is motivated by money and who can blame him, he’s a young guy and can set himself up for life.”

Earlier, Connolly shed light on the difference between the offers at North Melbourne and Richmond.

“There’s now apparently a $400,000 a year difference between the offers,” he said. “Over the course of a seven-year deal that’s $2.8 million, not an inconsiderable sum.

“You’d think that would make a difference but Dusty’s got to weigh up that against the associated difficulties logistically of going to a new environment.

“If you stay a one-club player, you may end up cashing in more on that long-term than if you move around a bit. There’s a few good examples of players moving around a couple of times in their careers that perhaps don’t get the kudos they deserve post-career because of that.”

North Melbourne have also thrown huge money at GWS’ Josh Kelly – nine years for $10 million – but losing out on Martin, named in the 2017 All-Australian team, will be a particularly cruel blow.

Martin’s currently averaging 30.3 disposals, 537.8 metres gained, 14.2 contested possessions, 8.7 score involvements and 6.6 clearances this season.

He sat out the Tigers’ training on Thursday, with star midfielder Dion Prestia limping from the field with an apparent injury.