Retired Richmond superstar Dustin Martin set to join Fox Footy commentary team

Dustin Martin’s manager and Fox Footy have confirmed positive talks surrounding the retired Richmond superstar joining the star-studded pay-TV stable.

Dustin Martin’s manager and Fox Footy have confirmed positive talks were held with the retired Richmond superstar about joining the star-studded pay-TV stable.

The Herald Sun revealed the notoriously media shy Martin had recently met with footy powerbrokers.

Ralph Carr confirmed there may be news to share soon with a comment on X.

“I can confirm that Dustin Martin and myself had a meeting with Patrick Delany, Steve Crawley & Jack Riewoldt from Fox Footy,’’ Carr wrote.

“At this point I am not going to go into specifics as it was a private discussion, but hopefully we will have some news to share when the time is right.”

A Fox Footy spokesperson said there was always an interest in luring respected footy experts to its team.

“We are aware of speculation surrounding Dustin Martin and Ralph Carr attending a recent meeting with Foxtel Group CEO Patrick Delany, Fox Sports Managing Director Steve Crawley and Fox Footy expert Jack Riewoldt.

“Whilst we can confirm this meeting took place, we are not yet in a position to comment further.

“Fox Footy holds regular meetings with current and retired champions of the game and we are always committed to bolstering what is an already unrivalled suite of on-air talent to elevate the viewing experience for subscribers.”

Foxtel boss Patrick Delany, Fox Sports managing director Steve Crawley, Dustin Martin, Fox Footy commentator Jack Riewoldt and Martin’s manager Ralph Carr.

Speculation had been rife that Martin, 33, would follow his former coach Damien Hardwick to the Gold Coast Suns, but the 302-game superstar was spotted in a secret meeting with key footy powerbrokers in South Melbourne.

The ex-Tiger was seen sipping coffee with Foxtel boss Patrick Delany, Fox Sports managing director Steve Crawley, Fox Footy commentator and former Richmond teammate Jack Riewoldt, flanked by his manager Carr.

If Martin joins the star-studded Fox Footy stable it would be a huge coup with speculation about his future for months in footy circles.

At the Tigers best and fairest last month Martin said he was “happily retired” when walking into the function.

Former Tigers captain Trent Cotchin also hosed down rumours his close mate would don a Suns jersey, despite confirmation that “conversations” were happening between Martin and Gold Coast management.

“I think there is a zero to 1 per cent chance that he pulls on a Suns guernsey or any other guernsey for that matter,” he said.

Still looking super fit three months after he announced he was hanging up his boots, Martin’s signature with Fox Footy would follow that of retired Geelong star Tom Hawkins and former champion Shaun Burgoyne who was poached from Channel 7.

Martin embraces former coach Damien Hardwick after the Round 24 match between Richmond and Gold Coast. Picture: Darrian Traynor

Martin will long be remembered as arguably the greatest big game player to ever grace the turf having won three Norm Smith medals in Richmond’s three Grand Final wins in 2017, 2019, and 2020.

The normally media shy Martin – whose list of accolades also includes a Brownlow Medal, Leigh Matthews MVP Trophy, AFL Coaches Association Player of the Year Award, four-time all-Australian, and two-time Richmond Best and Fairest winner – has largely steered clear of the spotlight, not even attending the press conference held to announce his retirement.

But an introduction to the footy media landscape beside his former teammate Riewoldt would be a massive lure for viewers.

Fox Footy is intent on bolstering its coverage with footy experts for the start of a landmark rights deal signed by the Foxtel Group.

For at least the first eight rounds nationally and at least the first 15 rounds in Victoria, the only place to watch AFL live on a Saturday will be on Kayo Sports or Foxtel.

A Foxtel Group spokesperson declined to comment.