Gold Coast Suns confirm talks over Dustin Martin’s return to footy

An AFL club has confirmed they have been in contact with retired Richmond great Dustin Martin over a potential return to footy in 2025.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 30: Dustin Martin of the Tigers runs out with the team during the round 16 AFL match between Richmond Tigers and Carlton Blues at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on June 30, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Richmond great Dustin Martin has met with Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick, fuelling speculation that the three-time Norm Smith Medallist could be gearing up for a shock move to the Suns in 2025.

The 33-year-old would join the Suns as a free agent, a twist that few saw coming after Martin’s recent retirement announcement.

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The notorious AFL rumour mill is now in overdrive, with the possibility of him continuing his career generating a lot of interest among fans.

Suns CEO Mark Evans confirmed that the club had indeed been in touch with the former Richmond Tigers legend.

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

Richmond great Dustin Martin has met with Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick, fuelling speculation that the three-time Norm Smith Medallist could be gearing up for a shock move to the Suns in 2025.

While talks began mid-year, the focus now shifts to determining just how motivated Martin is to lace up the boots again.

The Tigers champion was recently spotted on the Gold Coast, catching up with former teammate Brandon Ellis, who only just retired from the Suns.

Should the deal go through, the Suns would only need to clear a list spot and cover Martin’s salary — estimated to be between $350,000 and $500,000.

Richmond, however, would walk away empty-handed, as no trade deal would be required.

The 33-year-old would join the Suns as a free agent, a twist that few saw coming after Martin’s recent retirement announcement.

Martin officially hung up his boots on August 3, calling time on his incredible career just two days later.

“It is hard to put into words what the Richmond Football Club means to me, I love this place so much,” Martin said.

“I will be forever grateful for the love and the support I have received from the people here.

“To my teammates, the brotherhood that we all share is what I value most, as well as the bond with the staff and coaches … thank you to all of you.

“To my family and friends, thank you for your unconditional love and support.

“To the Tiger Army, I have always felt loved and supported throughout my career, and for that, I will be forever grateful. The memories that we have created together will live with me forever.

“Thank you.”

A Gold Coast reunion could be on the cards in 2025. Pic: Michael Klein

But the whispers suggest the premiership hero has been toying with the idea of a comeback, even shedding a few kilos to prepare for a potential pre-season.

Over his 302-game career with Richmond, Martin became a club and league legend, playing a pivotal role in the Tigers’ premiership wins in 2017, 2019, and 2020.

“He’s a really, really good player, there’s no doubt about that,” Hardwick said back in July.

“Every single club would be crazy if they didn’t sit there and at some stage make an assessment. Gold Coast is no different.”