Damien Hardwick on why Dustin Martin decided against move from Richmond to Gold Coast Suns

Damien Hardwick has lifted the lid on why Richmond superstar Dustin Martin decided against a move to the Gold Coast Suns after the pair were “in dialogue” over a move north.

Damien Hardwick has revealed it was Dustin Martin who ultimately pulled the pin on a possible Gold Coast reunion, with the triple Norm Smith medallist preferring to retire a one-club player rather than continue his AFL career at the Suns.

Hardwick said Gold Coast was “in dialogue” with Martin about playing on at the Suns next season and that the door had been left open for the Brownlow medallist to reunite with his former coach on the Glitter Strip.

But Martin instead chose retirement, with Hardwick now ruling the “door has closed” on his former protege ever playing for the Suns – a decision both men are comfortable with.

“It was really in Dustin’s court whether he thought he had the ambition to play,” Hardwick told this masthead.

“He loves the game, but he also loves the Richmond Football Club and he probably wanted to remain a one-club player.

“We as a footy club were really open to him extending his journey up here. I just thought, from our point of view one, he can play, but two, he’s one of those guys you walk a bit taller with in your side.

“That door has closed now. I caught up with him a couple of weeks ago and he’s happy with life at the moment, travelling and doing his own thing. Where it ends up for him I’m not sure.

“Whether he dabbles in some form of coaching or opening a bar or something I’m not too sure but he’s in a good space.”

Like Lance Franklin before him, Martin was something of an enigma in the AFL world preferring to keep a low media profile and instead let his football do all of the talking.

At Richmond he was highly regarded for his leadership qualities and Hardwick believes if he wanted to, Martin could have a successful career in coaching.

Richmond’s Dustin Martin hugs old coach Damien Hardwick on the MCG during his lap of honour. Picture: Michael Klein

“He’s one of those guys, whatever he puts his mind to he’ll do well,” Hardwick said.

“One thing I loved about him and his footy is, every year he had an ambition to make something in his game better whether it was on-field or off-field. He always had an aim and whatever he did, he did well.

“Whatever he puts his mind to, he will succeed (at).”

Originally published as Damien Hardwick on why Dustin Martin decided against move from Richmond to Gold Coast Suns