- Richmond legend Dustin Martin announced his retirement from football in August
- Speculation had mounted that he could join Damien Hardwick on the Gold Coast.
- The three-time Norm Smith medalist could now be ready to start a new career
Richmond legend Dustin Martin could be ready to enter broadcasting after he was photographed having coffee with several TV power brokers on Tuesday, according to reports.
There has been speculation in recent months that Martin, 33, could revive his football career after announcing his retirement in August.
Some had even claimed the three-time premiership winner could move north to the Gold Coast to play for former Tigers coach Damien Hardwick.
Martin, however, appeared to pour cold water on those rumors at Richmond’s Best and Fairest awards night last month, stating that he was “happily retired.”
But it looks like Martin may have a new venture on the horizon and could be joining Fox Footy for next season, according to The Herald of the Sun.
It came after the three-time Norm Smith medalist was pictured enjoying coffee with Foxtel boss Patrick Delaney and Fox Sports CEO Steve Crawley on Tuesday.
Former Richmond star Dustin Martin could join Fox Footy after he was spotted meeting powerful agents at the broadcaster on Tuesday.
Rumors had circulated that the 33-year-old inside midfielder could return to the football field and join former coach Damien Hardwick.
Former Tigers teammate Jack Riewoldt, who regularly appears on Fox’s AFL360 show, was also seated at the table, alongside Martin’s manager Ralph Carr.
Martin’s agents declined to comment on the reports. Daily Mail Australia has also contacted Foxtel for comment.
It comes amid major upheaval across the Australian sports media landscape, with several presenters and pundits moving to join rival broadcasters.
Channel Nine presenters Kane Cornes, Caroline Wilson and Craig Hutchison moved to Channel Seven, while former Geelong forward Tom Hawkins, who also retired at the end of the season, joined Fox Footy.
He was followed by former Hawks star Shaun Burgoyne, who is leaving Channel Seven to join Fox.
Martin announced his retirement in August, but could now make the move into broadcasting
Fox is making a big splash in the broadcasting space and the network is set to begin a new rights deal in 2025.
This landmark deal will allow the broadcaster to “supercharge” its AFL coverage, with at least the first eight rounds nationally and the first 15 rounds in Victoria broadcast live, in 4k and ad-free.
In a statement released in October, Foxtel Group also said: ‘In 2025, viewers can expect more surprises in the commentary box. Watch this space.’
The addition of Martin to the Fox Footy line-up would be a huge win for the broadcaster, considering the inside midfielder’s powerful stature in the game.
