- David Schwarz says Dustin Martin will sign with the Suns
- Schwarz says he is “100 percent” sure of the news
- Martin’s future has been up in the air this season.
Tigers superstar Dustin Martin will leave Richmond to sign with Gold Coast at the end of the 2024 season, according to Demons great David Schwarz.
Martin, 33, recently celebrated his 300th game at Punt Road but speculation has mounted over the two-time Brownlow Medallist’s future amid reports he is considering walking away from football for good.
Martin has also been linked with a move north, away from Melbourne’s AFL bubble, with reports a reunion with former Tigers coach Damien Hardwick could be on the cards.
Schwarz is absolutely certain that Martin will join the Suns next season.
“I give you 100 percent. And this is not 97 percent or 98 percent,” the football star told SEN radio.
‘I’m 100 percent confident that Dustin Martin will be playing for the Gold Coast next year on a two-year contract.
‘You can take it to the bank. Put it in the bank right now and collect the interest. That’s it.’
‘You’ll see him playing for Gold Coast next year and I think he’ll be playing most of the games at home and travelling might not be a great option for him.
AFL great David Schwarz says Richmond champion Dustin Martin (pictured) will play “100 per cent” for the Gold Coast Suns next season
Martin’s future has been up in the air in 2024, but Schwarz is confident he’s heading north.
‘I think what he brings is a bit of star factor and people in the door and he’s a great leader on the training ground and on the pitch.
‘Sometimes actions speak louder than words, but when he speaks he inspires enormous respect and for a young group it only brings benefits.
‘He’s got his off-field life under control. He’s mature. His example is exactly what the Suns need. He brings in marketing money, he has a great relationship with the coach, he knows the system and he plays the game and he’s behind the scenes.
“It’s a win-win situation. Richmond gets a good pick for him and he gets another chance and I think everyone wins in this.”
Nine’s football reporter Tom Morris also believes a reunion with Hardwick could be on the cards.
“It’s absolutely in play and it hasn’t changed all year,” Morris said Tuesday.
“As things stand, it’s more the Martin camp that is pushing for it than Gold Coast that is chasing it. The Suns are open to the idea but not sold on it yet.”
Morris added that Martin would have to take a seven-figure pay cut if he wants to move to the Suns, and is convinced the 33-year-old’s time at Punt Road will soon be up.
“His agent Ralph Carr said he is weighing his options,” Morris continued.
‘I have spoken to several people close to Dusty this afternoon who believe his time at Punt Rd is coming to an end and he will either join the Suns or retire.
“I also firmly believe that he only has a few games left in the yellow and black shirt.”
Some have speculated that Martin would retire at the end of the season.
Martin did not train on Tuesday as he is recovering from a lower back injury sustained during the team’s loss to Carlton on Sunday.
The 33-year-old finished with just seven disposals in the 20.11 (131) to 10.10 (70) defeat, the lowest tally of his 301-game career.
“He just froze,” Tigers coach Adam Yze said.
‘He tried to come back out for one more rotation and he was just struggling, so it was no use.
“I’m not sure if he’s ever been substituted before, but against a quality team like Carlton you need 18 fit players.
“So the fact that he raises his hand and says his back hurts a little is a credit to him.”
