AFL hero has secret meeting with former coach as mystery surrounds his future

A photo has surfaced that will likely haunt Richmond fans over the coming summer, in which Tigers hero Dustin Martin was spotted having a secret meeting with former coach Damien Hardwick.

Martin, 33, has been the subject of intense speculation over the past 18 months, with the two-time Brownlow medalist reportedly keen to break out of Melbourne’s bubble.

The footy star is under contract with Richmond until the end of the 2024 season, but his departure could come soon this summer after being spotted joining Hardwick, who has recently been appointed as the new coach of the Gold Coast Suns.

Martin and Hardwick enjoyed many happy years together at Richmond, and their strong bond could be the key to convincing the midfielder to move to the AFL fighters.

“How about this photo, taken this afternoon,” said 7News’ Mitch Cleary Thursday.

The pair enjoyed huge success at Punt Road, but Hardwick is now coaching the Suns

“An interesting subplot (towards the finale) in which Dusty weighs what comes next for him.

“The Suns see he will stay in Richmond, but it’s something to watch as the silly season starts to heat up after the Finals series.”

Hardwick has previously insisted he will honor Martin’s contract with the Tigers, while former Richmond skipper Trent Cotchin said their reunion was nothing more than catching up as Martin enjoys a holiday in Queensland.

“It would be great to see him as a 300+ player for the Tigers in yellow and black,” Cotchin told Channel 7’s Talking Finals.

“Would it be nice to go there before retirement (and play for Gold Coast) and enjoy the sun at the end of his career?

“I’m not sure (but) I know loyalty is one of his values.”