Dustin Martin in talks with Gold Coast over continuing his AFL career

Dustin Martin has held talks about continuing his AFL career under his premiership coach Damien Hardwick on the Gold Coast. MARK ROBINSON has exclusive details.

Dustin Martin has met Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick in the post-season, intensifying speculation one of the game’s greats is set to join the Suns for the 2025 season.

Martin, 33, would become a Suns player as a free agent.

The shock development that Martin is leaning towards continuing his AFL career has grown in recent days.

Suns chief executive Mark Evans confirmed the club and Martin had been in contact.

“Dustin has reached out to the club but that’s as far as it goes at this point in time,’’ Evans said.

Martin and the Suns last spoke mid-year, and the Suns now have to determine Martin’s level of motivation.

Martin is currently on the Gold Coast and this week caught up with former Tiger teammate Brandon Ellis, who recently retired as a Suns player.

The cost for the Suns would be a list spot and Martin’s wage – estimated to be $350,000-$500,000 – and the Tigers would receive nothing.

Martin played his final game for the Tigers on August 3 and announced his retirement two days later.

Dustin Martin and Damien Hardwick after Martin’s round 24 Richmond farewell. Picture: Michael Klein

It’s believed Martin has spent recent weeks weighing up whether he has the motivation to continue playing.

It’s also believed Martin has dropped several kilograms in weight in preparation for pre-season training.

The AFL would welcome the three-time Norm Smith medallist to the Suns but Martin would likely miss out on any AFL ambassador money.

"I love you all so much." 🫶

Dustin Martin says goodbye to the Richmond fans as he hangs up the boots.#AFLTigersSunspic.twitter.com/mFabWMPvUL

— AFL (@AFL) August 24, 2024

Despite his national profile and popularity with kids, it’s believed the AFL would be reluctant to pay Martin a Gary Ablett-type salary to promote the game in Queensland.

An ambassadorial package would require Martin to be available to all media to help promote the game and be open to various school and promotional visits.

His refusal to speak to the AFL media for the past decade would count against Martin if he was to pursue an ambassador’s role.

"At this stage, I'm really happy with the list we've got."

Damien Hardwick answers whether he'd been keen to lure Dusty to the Suns.

📺 Watch #AFL360 on @Foxtel CH 504 or stream via @kayosportshttps://t.co/7kvglvpWSCpic.twitter.com/fk57vVuJ0W

— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) August 21, 2023

Martin played 302 games for the Tigers, including the 2017, 2019-20 premierships.

He played 278 of those games under Hardwick and the Suns coach said in July that opposition clubs would have to look at Martin if he left Punt Rd.

“He’s a really, really good player, there’s no doubt about that, and every single club would be crazy if they didn’t sit there and at some stage make an assessment,” Hardwick said then.

“Like 17 other clubs, we’re always looking for good players.

“Gold Coast is no different. Those list management calls will get made at the back-end of the year.”

Originally published as Dustin Martin in talks with Gold Coast over continuing his AFL career