- Dustin Martin appears set to leave Richmond
- He is reportedly considering two options.
- Martin, 33, played his 300th match last month.
Dustin Martin’s future has reportedly been narrowed down to just two options, and neither includes Richmond.
The 33-year-old Tigers superstar 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 9News reporting a reunion with former Tigers coach Damien Hardwick could be on the cards.
“It’s absolutely up for grabs and it hasn’t changed all year,” Nine’s football reporter Tom Morris said.
“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.
Dustin Martin is reportedly considering two different options for his future
Reports suggest she wants to reunite with Damien Hardwick on the Gold Coast
“I also firmly believe that he only has a few games left in the yellow and black shirt.”
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.”