- AFL superstar Dustin Martin is staying in Richmond
- That’s what former coach Damien Hardwick says
- The pair were recently spotted together on the Gold Coast
- Hardwick, the Suns’ new coach, signed a six-year contract
Incoming Gold Coast Suns coach Damien Hardwick has confirmed Dustin Martin will be a Richmond player next year.
Martin, 32, is under contract with the Tigers until the end of next season – and the three-time premiership player is closing in on 300 appearances after making his debut in 2010.
“Dustin stays in Richmond,” Hardwick said Channel 7.
“Personally, I believe this is absolutely the right thing for him to do, which is a hugely positive thing for that football club.
‘I would like to have him by my side, just like seventeen other coaches. “But the fact is, it’s fantastic that he will be playing his 300th game for the Richmond Football Club next year.”
Incoming Gold Coast Suns coach Damien Hardwick has confirmed Dustin Martin will be a Richmond player next season
The news will reassure Tigers fans as their superstar has made almost 300 appearances since his debut in 2010
Hardwick and Martin recently overtook the Gold Coast, sparking rumors that the three-time Norm Smith medalist was looking for a fresh start on the Glitter Strip as he approaches the twilight of his decorated career.
Hardwick was also head coach at Punt Rd from 2010 to this year. He walked away in May, citing exhaustion.
Meanwhile, Richmond’s influence on the Gold Coast seems to be increasing by the day; former Tigers employees Wayne Campbell, Craig Cameron and Hayden Hill all now work in the Suns’ football department.
Hardwick, who signed a six-year deal last month, has also lured two Premier League players to his coaching staff.
Shaun Grigg will swap Geelong for Gold Coast, while champion fullback Alex Rance revealed this week he had also agreed to help out in 2024 – as a coach.
“I’ve caught up with Alex, we’re trying to get him to do some work in terms of leadership and some work with our defenders,” Hardwick said.
Martin was recently spotted taking a little break on the Gold Coast, sparking rumors he could join former coach Damien Hardwick at the Suns
“He looks like he can still play, there’s no doubt about that.”
Recently retired AFL legend Lance Franklin could also be in line as a part-time coach following his recent permanent move from Sydney.
“It’s something we’ll probably talk about in due course,” Hardwick said.
“If you can get great people through your organization, we’d be crazy not to look at that.”
“He’s a great ambassador for our game, an incredible player, but also an incredible person.”