Sheahan Ink: Dusty’s Sydney workout with Sonny Bill

Dustin Martin joined Sonny Bill Williams in a serious Sydney workout. Is he contemplating a code change? Newsbreaker Tony Sheahan with the top sport goss.

Dustin Martin and Sonny Bill Williams. Picture: Instagram

AFL superstar Dustin Martin has taken his 2021 season to new heights, spotted this week training with multi-sports legend Sonny Bill Williams in Sydney.

In an ominous sign for the AFL, the triple-premiership star was seen with Williams Wednesday undertaking sprint work in a suburban park near the rugby star’s home as he enjoys a week off from football in the Harbour City.

Bell Park in Hurstville in Sydney’s southwest is where the duo kicked off their training, with anybody nearby getting a glimpse of their high-intensity training schedule.

One father pushing his child on the swings nearby was watching in awe.

The session lasted about 30 minutes.

Dustin Martin. Picture: Getty

Sonny Bill Williams. Picture: Phil Hillyard

The pair share many common bonds — their Kiwi heritage, a love of ink and the rarefied air at the top of their chosen sports.

In SBW’s case that’s three, rugby league, union and boxing, while Martin has three premiership medals, three Norm Smith medals and a Brownlow.

AFL bad boy Ben Cousins is the conduit, with mutual mates whom Williams’ agent Khoder Nasser brought together late last year.

The two were introduced at Sydney Italian restaurant ‘Grappa’ in Leichardt.

Martin and Williams also share a love of boxing.

Part of Martin’s success is training at Port Melbourne’s Boxing Fit gym.

Williams’ has made the successful transition from rugby legend to heavyweight pugilist, combining his Nine Network commentary duties.

Will Martin join the ranks of high-profile footballers and turn his hand to what was once known as the sport of kings?

FLAG PIES JOIN SECRET BOARD GET TOGETHER

Collingwood board members Peter Murphy and Paul Licuria sat down with the club’s signature collector, David Hatley, on Friday afternoon at South Melbourne hotspot Lamaro’s Hotel to thrash out grievances.

Hidden away in the back corner of the restaurant to avoid prying eyes, Licuria, the club’s vice president, along with board member Murphy, convinced Hatley and another member of the EGM (extraordinary general meeting) group to withdraw their support of the Jeff Browne ticket to topple the Pies’ incumbents.

Scott Pendlebury and Paul Licuria. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis

Once business had concluded, the four received quite the surprise with Collingwood premiership stars joining the celebrations.

Chris Tarrant, Ben Johnson, Heath Shaw, Dale Thomas, Scott Cummings and Ben Kinnear joined the table and proceeded to discuss Collingwood’s fortunes moving forward, washed down with beer and red wine.

Celebrity hotelier Paul Dimattina confirmed the meeting and said festivities by the administrators and players were relatively subdued.

BLUE SKIES FOR EX BOARD MEMBER

It may be dark skies for some at the navy Blues as the club looks to find the silver lining among the clouds, but for one former high-flying board member the sky has never been bluer.

Zac Fried, who jumped off the board at the end of 2018, and is the executive deputy chairman of the Spotlight Group has just put pen to paper this week on a $60 odd million dollars (US) demo model Gulfstream 650ER.

Fried’s new wings, on its way down under, has him in esteemed company, joining the ranks of other high profile Gulfstream owners including ex Essendon Chairman Paul Little, Westfield founder Frank Lowy, Tesla boss Elon Musk, Microsoft creator Bill Gates and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

The Australian newspaper’s ‘The List’ published earlier this year, which identifies the country’s wealthiest, has Fried at number 30 of 200, worth $2.81 billion.

The 15-seat jet with a bed in the sky now allows Fried and his contemporaries to travel the world throughout Covid in order to conduct business.

RE-MATCH BECKONS FOR MILLIONAIRE GALLEN

Heavyweight boxer Paul Gallen took home over one million big ones Wednesday night after he went toe to toe with Olympic hopeful Justis Huni in Sydney.

The former NRL star turned Nine Network commentator’s bank balance is likely to explode even further once broadcaster Main Event tallys its pay per view numbers.

Little consolation for the soon to be 40-year-old boxer, who told friends he is open to another bout.

Paul Gallen and Justis Huni in action. Picture: Richard Dobson

Gallen and Huni have a rematch clause.

Gallen’s people have told friends he felt cheated by the early stoppage in the final round, citing referee John Cauchi as a potential reason for the premature finish.

A heated exchanged followed which included profanities captured by ring mics.

Gallen’s extraordinary payday gives aspiring boxers from the AFL world incentive to train for a potential payday after they hang up the boots.

SHEAHAN INK’s SECRET SHORTS

One AFL club executive’s premonition saved him years of heartache and stress, declining an offer to join the hapless St Kilda Football Club a few years back.

The person in question was spoken to by the club regarding a senior role but was wise enough to offer a polite ‘thanks but no thanks’.

His decision now proven right as the Saints continue to implode, with both on field and off field roles under fire.

Which retired AFL star was seen this week in a passionate embrace with another male at a Melbourne bar.

Staff at the CBD watched on in shock at former player’s public display of affection.

An AFL president and his aviation boss mate were overheard discussing the club’s fortunes at a well known bar in Sydney last week.

The esteemed businessman was cutting in his assessment of the club’s situation and forecast many changes in the coming months.

A legendary ex cricketer has swapped his Melbourne mansion for Sydney’s eastern suburbs to escape the city’s restrictions.

The cricketer is enjoying sunshine and freedom with his family as Victoria deals with repeated lockdowns.