David Schwarz doubles down on his claim that Dustin Martin will continue AFL career with Gold Coast

A former AFL star has boldly claimed Dustin Martin’s retirement is part of a “long play” strategy to reunite with Damien Hardwick and continue his career on the Gold Coast.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 24: Dustin Martin of the Tigers celebrates with coach Damien Hardwick after winning the 2020 AFL Grand Final match between the Richmond Tigers and the Geelong Cats at The Gabba on October 24, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Jono Searle/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

David Schwarz has not backed down from his bold declaration on Dustin Martin’s link to the Gold Coast last month, claiming the Tigers’ legend will still end up at the Suns in 2025.

In July, the former Melbourne great declared he was “100 per cent’’ certain Martin would be at the Gold Coast next year on a two-year deal. But since Martin’s retirement announcement on Tuesday, Schwarz has doubled down, and remained confident Martin would reunite with his former coach Damien Hardwick.

“By no means am I backing down from what I said,” Schwarz told SEN radio.

“I didn’t say that he wouldn’t retire. I said (he) would end up at the Gold Coast.

David Schwarz is adamant Dustin Martin will reunite with Damien Hardwick on Gold Coast. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images

“We have seen this 100 times from AFL players when they retire and then they go and find another place. Just sit back, hop on the banana lounge, grab a pina colada and wait and see what happens. And if he doesn’t, well I’ll put my hand up and say I was wrong.

“This is a long play. It’s not about Dusty retiring, it’s about Dusty going to the Gold Coast.

“He’s not going there to be a star. He’s going there for marketing reasons, coaching purposes, experience. He’s not going to go there and be Dusty from seven years ago.

“You know what you’re getting, star power that comes through the door and a great relationship with the coach.

“(I) get it wrong occasionally, but this one I am still very confident.”

Asked at Martin’s retirement press conference about speculation linking the superstar to Gold Coast, Tigers CEO Brendon Gale said: “Dustin is retired from AFL football — that’s our understanding. We’ll just leave it at that at this stage.”

Originally published as David Schwarz doubles down on his claim that Dustin Martin will continue AFL career with Gold Coast