Dustin Martin and another Tigers great spotted on the Gold Coast – fuelling speculation ‘Dusty’ could join Damien Hardwick at the Suns

AFL superstar Dustin Martin has been spotted taking a mini vacation on the Gold Coast, sparking speculation he could join former coach Damien Hardwick at the Suns.

Martin, 32, is under contract with Richmond until the end of next season, but the three-time premiership player could eventually take on a new sporting challenge on the Glitter Strip.

One-time Tigers teammate Alex Rance – who retired in 2019 – has also been spotted in the Sunshine State having recently bought property in Queensland.

Martin has been linked with a move to the Suns since Hardwick took up the coaching job at the club last month.

Richmond’s Trent Cotchin told Channel Seven he would like Martin to remain a one-club player at Punt Rd.

“It would be great to see him as a 300-game legend for the Tigers in yellow and black,” he said.

Damien Hardwick left Richmond in May due to exhaustion, but signed a six-year contract with the Gold Coast Suns in August

‘Is it (however) nice to go there (to the Gold Coast) before retirement and enjoy the sun at the end of his career?

“I’m not sure, but I do know that loyalty is one of Dusty’s values.”

The possibility of Rance lacing the boots at AFL level again is unlikely due to his age.

Turning 34 in October, Rance was a top fullback and natural leader in his heyday, but five years away from the sport could prove decisive.

Rance has more time after the recent closure of his three elite Academy AFL schools in Essendon, Geelong and Wangaratta.

“The game is very difficult and Alex is a little bit older than when he left it,” said former Tigers skipper Cotchin.

“To say that, I’ve seen recent photos of his gear and it’s in good shape.

“It’s just whether he feels like it or not.”