Richmond legend Dustin Martin has reunited with Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick in an event that all but confirmed fan theories that his recent retirement was never going to last.
The 33-year-old announced his playing career was over on August 6 and then bid an emotional farewell to Tigres fans at the club’s final game of the year on August 24.
Earlier this year, football great Brendan Fevola spoke for many fans when he said the retirement was just a smokescreen so that ‘Dusty’ could reunite with his old manager Hardwick after shocking Richmond by quitting in 2023.
Now Martin has fueled speculation about his future by reuniting with Hardwick this offseason as he and the Suns begin negotiations to get him eligible to play in 2025.
“We can confirm that Dustin has had a conversation with the club and we will both engage in further discussions to determine if this is a good fit for the Gold Coast and for Dustin,” Suns general manager Wayne Campbell said. The age.
The superstar and the club discussed a two-year contract earlier this season, the publication reported.
Because Martin has “retired”, Richmond would not receive any compensation from Gold Coast if the move goes through.
In July, Hardwick refused to dismiss rumours that two-time medal winner Norm Smith would join him on Glitter Strip in 2025.
The Gold Coast Suns have confirmed Martin (left) has met with the club to resume his partnership with coach Damien Hardwick (right) in 2025.
Martin is pictured during his emotional farewell to Richmond supporters in the club’s final game of the season after confirming his ‘retirement’ just weeks earlier.
In that game, the Tigers faced the Suns, and Hardwick hugged his great friend (pictured) as they marked the supposed end of his AFL playing days.
“Dustin is a player under contract to Richmond. Obviously, that’s something Dustin has to decide and Richmond has to work to get it done,” he said.
“He’s a really good player, there’s no doubt about that, and every club would be crazy not to sit there and make an assessment at some point.
‘Like 17 other clubs, we are always looking for good players.
“Gold Coast is no different. Decisions on roster management will be made later in the year.”
In June, Martin’s manager Ralph Carr said his client had plenty of football left in him as injuries and a slump in form sparked speculation his retirement was imminent.
“People forget very quickly that he was on the verge of making the All Australian last year. Champion Data said his stats were incredible. That was only six months ago,” Carr said.
‘My opinion is that his body is in good condition and it would be a shame if Dustin were to finish. The big man still has a lot ahead of him. I think it is very appropriate that people call him the People’s Champion.
“He’s the punters’ champion. They love him, it doesn’t matter if they’re a Richmond fan. The punters love him, whether they’re a Collingwood fan or an Essendon fan, they just love the way he plays.”
Martin is shown playing his final game with the Tigers on August 3. He announced his retirement, effective immediately, six days later.
Martin couldn’t contain his emotions as he said goodbye to Tigers fans at the MCG when they fell to the Suns last month.
Just as he did after his 300th game in June, Martin gave a brief interview to former Richmond teammate Jack Riewoldt.
“I’m pretty excited, it’s pretty surreal,” Martin said, visibly moved.
“It feels a little weird. I think after today I’ll probably get over it completely.
‘As everyone knows, I love the club very much, I love all of them (the fans) very much.
“I’m going to miss this place so much. I’m so grateful to be a Tiger.”
When Riewoldt asked him to name a standout moment from his career, ‘Dusty’ replied: ‘There have been a lot of amazing moments throughout my career, but you can’t match the OG in 2017. That was pretty special.’
Asked to give one last message to the Tigers’ army, Martin replied: “I love you all so much.”
“They have loved and supported me so much. I love you all so much. Thank you for everything.”
