DUSTIN Martin has agreed to terms with Richmond and will remain a Tiger for the next seven years, declining a massive North Melbourne offer.

Sources have confirmed that Martin has agreed to stay at Punt Road, signing a deal worth an estimated $1.2m to $1.3m a season — still well short of the massive seven-year $10.5m offer put to Martin by the Kangaroos.

North had been bracing itself for the news that Martin had declined its offer to stick with Richmond.

The Tigers were tight-lipped about Martin on Thursday, but a source indicated that it was “moving in that direction” of the star Tiger re-signing.

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Richmond has effectively handed control of the announcement to the Martin camp and his manager Ralph Carr, with various parties, including North Melbourne, believing that the Brownlow Medal favourite would announce his decision to stay on Channel 9’s The Footy Show on Thursday night.

Martin’s decision to stick is a huge boost for the Tigers on the eve of their finals campaign and massive qualifying final clash with Geelong at the MCG Friday week.

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Martin’s manager Carr could not be reached for comment, but is understood to have raised the prospect of Martin announcing his decision on television for a fee.

Carr had said he expected a decision from Martin this week — which led to an assumption from all parties that he would be staying at the Tigers, given they are participating in the finals and he wouldn’t be announcing his departure in those circumstances.

Martin also recently travelled to New Zealand to visit his father Shane.

While Martin would be sacrificing some money by sticking with Richmond — anywhere up to $2m over the seven years — Richmond have substantially increased their contractual terms since early this season, when they offered him four years at more than $800,000 per season.

Richmond's Dustin Martin spins out of trouble. Pic: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

North’s strong bid for Martin involved not just in excess of $10.5m over the course of seven years but multiple meetings with the Brownlow Medal favourite.

Martin is understood to have met with North coach Brad Scott, football chief Cameron Joyce and separately, leading players such as Jack Ziebell, Robbie Tarrant and Ben Cunnington.

He has a close friendship with North defender Marley Williams, who he sees regularly.

North Melbourne are still awaiting word from GWS midfielder Josh Kelly, who received a nine-year, $10m offer from the club, but is considered most likely to stay at the Giants.

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