AFL bombshell: Retired superstar Dusty Martin weighing up offer from Gold Coast Suns
AFL legend Dustin Martin has had contact with Gold Coast about the possibility of reigniting his playing career under former Richmond coach Damien Hardwick.
Dustin Martin of Richmond during the AFL Round 11 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Essendon Bombers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY
Ex-Tigers superstar Martin, who announced his retirement last month, would be able to join the Suns as a free agent.
The 33-year-old has been regularly linked to a move north, where he could again join forces with Hardwick.
The pair were central figures in Richmond’s golden era, with three-time Norm Smith Medallist Martin the star in the 2017, 2019 and 2020 premierships coached by Hardwick.
Martin played 302 games for the Tigers, including one final appearance in a loss to North Melbourne last month.
He announced his retirement just days later.
Martin managed just 13 games this year and Gold Coast would have to consider the champion’s level of motivation to extend his career into a 16th season.
Arguably the biggest name in football, Martin would be unlikely to receive any extra money as an AFL ambassador in Queensland.
He has been notoriously media-shy and reluctant to speak publicly throughout his career.
Hardwick stepped down as Richmond coach in May last year before accepting a six-year deal to coach Gold Coast just three months later.
The 52-year-old in July confirmed a level of interest in luring Martin to the Suns.
“He’s a really, really good player, there’s no doubt about that, and every single club would be crazy if they didn’t sit there and at some stage make an assessment,” Hardwick said.
“Like 17 other clubs, we’re always looking for good players.
“Gold Coast is no different. Those list management calls will get made at the back-end of the year.”
