What will Dustin Martin do next: Could golf or a footy comeback be in AFL champion’s future?

When he plays golf, it’s often under a false name. But after a few months out of the spotlight, JON RALPH sheds light on what Dustin Martin’s life will look like post-football.

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Dustin Martin isn’t fading from the football landscape any time soon.

He is expanding his portfolio of sponsorships, has been absolutely bitten by the golf bug … and has not ruled out a return to football at some level in 2026.

As Richmond prepares to take centre stage in its round 1 clash against Carlton, Martin has declined an official role at the Tigers this year.

But as his manager Ralph Carr told the Sunday Herald Sun on Saturday, he remains “Australia’s most recognisable sportsman”.

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“His name transcends the game of Australian rules football and his influence now extends far beyond the playing field,” Carr said.

Martin is also entering the world of skincare with his latest endorsement deal – TRAD3MARK – a premium skincare brand.

Dustin Martin has been keeping out of the spotlight since his AFL retirement. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

While Martin has left the football field after a legendary 302-game career, the offers continue to flood in. He has become an even more attractive option to sponsors in the same manner as retired stars Ash Barty and Roger Federer because he has time to service them post-career.

But while he has spruiked the likes of Bonds, Voost, Jeep and Kennedy luxury watches, he is just as likely to be seen on Australia’s best golf courses as its billboards given his obsession with golf.

He has swapped Las Vegas pool parties for polo shirts, but still uses rock star tactics to ensure he avoids the limelight.

With a multimillion-dollar property portfolio he has plenty of down time to work on his swing.

Martin is often spotted at elite clubs including the prestigious Heritage Golf and Country Club playing with a collection of Richmond mates.

Dustin Martin spotted having lunch with former teammate Dion Prestia.

He has also relished playing the best golf courses in south east Asia with a number of golf trips in the past year.

Just don’t try to spot Martin playing golf.

Last year when the Richmond crew played at elite courses like the National they often listed him under false surnames to ensure he could remain under the radar.

No one is actually prepared to reveal his actual golf handicap, but word is it is dropping fast.

From all reports Martin doesn’t have a single sore spot, is still fighting fit and in elite shape.

He declined a chance to move to the Gold Coast last year despite a clean bill of health in his medicals and at 33 his AFL career seems over.

Dustin Martin practises his golf swing at training. Picture: Michael Klein.

Could a career in TV be in Martin’s future?

But it has become clear his issues last year were as much about flagging motivation as poor form or injuries as he battled to adjust to a changed game plan and Richmond’s struggles.

It would seem preposterous to think he might return to another club, but nothing would surprise where Martin is involved.

Martin’s pulling power was only reinforced when 92,311 fans attended his 300th game last year – the eighth-highest attendance in home-and-away history.

As Carr said on Saturday of his future: “(He) is already strategising for 2026 and beyond. It’s clear that whatever path he chooses, Dusty will continue to dominate. His ability to blend sports, business, and lifestyle in such a seamless manner ensures that his brand remains as strong as ever.

“With his legacy already cemented as one of the greatest players in AFL history, Martin’s next chapter promises to be just as exciting.

“Whether it’s through his business ventures, media appearances, or a potential return to the game, one thing is for sure — Dustin Martin’s influence isn’t fading anytime soon.”

Richmond CEO Shane Dunne told the Herald Sun last month the club would love to have Martin back in some capacity.

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

“I swap texts with Dusty every now and then. Just check on him and see how he’s going,” he told the Herald Sun last month.

“And I don’t get a lot of time for golf. At the moment, everyone tells me that is where they see him and he’s very engaged and focused on his golf

“But I made it clear to Dustin that he’s got an open door to this club whenever he wants. If he wants to wander back in here at any point in time, he’s more than welcome. And whether that’s he just wants to come and hang out or he wants to get involved in a more structured way that the door is always open for Dustin.”

Martin met with Foxtel CEO Patrick Delany last year amid speculation he could be a major presence on Fox Footy this season.

That turned into an ad campaign for the network’s Kayo Call Up competition alongside good mate Jack Riewoldt.

Delany spruiked his ongoing involvement at the Fox Footy launch recently but there is no defined role for him yet.

So while Martin whittles down that handicap, he isn’t going anywhere any time soon.

Originally published as What will Dustin Martin do next: Could golf or a footy comeback be in AFL champion’s future?