Gold Coast AFL midfielder Jack Martin’s contract situation is not a concern to Suns coach Stuart Dew.
The 24-year-old, yet to sign a deal beyond this year, was dropped for last weekend’s AFL derby against Brisbane.
Carlton and the Western Bulldogs have been reported as possible destinations if Martin decides to leave the Suns.
Dew said Martin’s future was not bothering him, heading into the last two matches of 2019, and it always appeared likely contract talks would be put off until season’s end.
“Essentially, probably both parties haven’t put a lot of thought into it until the end of the season,” Dew said.
The 24-year-old West Australian product joined the Suns in 2012 as a highly rated teenager.
He’s gone on to play 97 matches for the club and is poised to return for Sunday’s clash with Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium after responding to his axing with a strong display last weekend in the reserves.
Dew said the contract situation had played no role in Martin’s demotion, and it had been pleasing to see his response.
“In discussions with Jack, we agreed it was going to be a good thing for him to go back,” Dew said.
“No player likes to be demoted to the NEAFL but Jack went back with a fantastic attitude and I think that says something about he understood the reasons why and then went out and performed.”