- Dustin Martin’s motivation will be questioned by the Suns
- Martin has been linked with a possible move to the Gold Coast
- But the Suns will be looking for guarantees from the 33-year-old.
The Suns will ask Dustin Martin if he really wants to continue playing football before deciding whether to offer the Tigers legend a contract through 2025.
Martin, 33, announced his playing career was over on August 6 and then bid an emotional farewell to Tigers fans at the club’s final game of the year on August 24.
But fans have long held suspicions about the legitimacy of his retirement amid links to the Gold Coast and a reunion with former Richmond coach Damien Hardwick.
Martin played just 13 games last season due to calf and back injuries, while there were concerns surrounding his desire to play top-level football.
The Suns will consider Martin’s motivation levels before tendering a one-year offer, which is understood to be worth considerably less than his 2024 deal with the Tigers.
According to the Herald Sun, Martin would have to accept a salary equivalent to less than a quarter of his previous contract as the Suns operate under a tight salary cap after securing Mac Andrew on a lucrative deal.
Dustin Martin must prove his level of motivation against the Gold Coast Suns
The Suns are considering signing the 33-year-old who retired last month.
Gold Coast could offer Martin less than $300,000 in what would truly test his desire to continue playing in the AFL.
The saga could have a ripple effect on Richmond’s negotiations with the Suns over their signing of Tigers star Daniel Rioli.
Richmond is demanding pick six as part of a trade for Rioli, and only preliminary talks have taken place between the two clubs at the time of writing.
Martin wants to leave Melbourne and has sought solace on the Gold Coast during off-seasons in past years.