TV network responds to Dustin Martin photo

AFL broadcaster Fox Footy has released a statement after a photo of Richmond legend Dustin Martin sent the footy world into a tailspin.

Fox Footy has released a statement about Dustin Martin.

Fox Footy has released a statement amid rumours the AFL broadcaster is looking to sign Dustin Martin to its commentary team.

On Tuesday a photo emerged of Martin having a coffee meeting in Melbourne with Foxtel CEO Patrick Delany, Fox Sports managing director Steve Crawley, Martin’s manager Ralph Carr and ex-Richmond teammate Jack Riewoldt.

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Fox Footy moved to address the speculation, releasing a statement on Wednesday.

“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,” the statement said.

“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.

“In recent weeks Fox Footy has signed respected experts Shaun Burgoyne and Tom Hawkins who will play pivotal roles in our Super Saturday Live coverage next year.

“The 2025 Toyota AFL season will be our biggest ever with bespoke commentary for every game, no ad-breaks during play and every match of the season available in 4K on Kayo Sports and Foxtel.”

Martin announced his retirement from the AFL after playing 302 games with Richmond after the Tigers’ last game of the season.

The 33-year-old’s retirement however didn’t stop the rumour mill from spinning with the 2017 Brownlow Medal winner linked with a move to joining the Gold Coast Suns.

Speculation ran rife that he would reunite with former premiership winning coach Damien Hardwick at the Suns but those rumours have gone cold since first coming to light.

Dustin Martin has said he is happily retired. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

But he has been linked to a move to the Gold Coast Suns. Photo: Michael Klein

The images of Martin out for coffee with Fox Footy powerbrokers quickly went viral and sent the footy world into a spin.

“What’s going on here Dusty?” ex-AFL player Dan Gorringe said on Instagram.

“Just having a coffee are ya casually? No no no, this isn’t just a coffee. This is bigger than that.

“That’s Steve Crawley the boss of Fox Sports, that’s Patrick Delany the big boss of Foxtel Group, Ralph Carr his manager and Jack Riewoldt.

“Is Dusty going to be a commentator? Is that what Fox Sports is doing here? We know they got Burgoyne from Seven, they just signed Hawkins … now we’re adding Dusty to the commentary box.

“I want to be a fly on that coffee table. I need to know what’s going on here because if Dusty is in the commentary box sign me up for that.

“Sign me up for Dusty in the commentary box.”

Fox Footy is looking to bolster its stable of commentators for 2025, where a new broadcast deal will see the network commentator every game of each round.